RS500 World Championship 2025 at Follonica, Italy - Overall

RS500 World Championship 2025 at Follonica, Italy © Lorenzo Rossi

84 sailors gathered at the Gulf of Follonica for this year's RS500 World Championship, with teams traveling from the Czech Republic, Italy, France, the UK, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Switzerland to compete in the fast and exciting single-trapeze double-hander class.

Follonica was honoured to host this prestigious event, and the local community poured time and energy into making it a true showcase of Italian sailing. Mayor Matteo Buoncristiani expressed his pride:

"Hosting the RS500 World Championship is a cause of great pride for Follonica and a confirmation of our vocation in sport and sailing. Events like this demonstrate how much sport can be a powerful tool for the promotion of the territory: they bring international visibility, generate economic revenues, and strengthen the identity of our city as a place of hospitality, competence and passion. We are happy to see Follonica at the centre of the world sailing and ready to team up with all the actors involved to offer an unforgettable experience for athletes and visitors."

The championship kicked off on Sunday, August 3rd with a grand opening ceremony during a beautiful sunset on the coast. The teams waved there national flag with pride and got to know the communities around them which they will be completing against across the next 5 days.

Racing Begins

Monday marked the first day of racing, and the conditions allowed for three thrilling races. Spectators lined the beaches to catch the action from shore. After a full day on the water, sailors returned to shore for a true Italian-style pizza party.

Windy Day Two

Tuesday brought stronger winds, averaging around 15 knots. Boats were flying across the course with tight ropes and sailors working the trapeze under the scorching 30 degreesC sun. After three more high-energy races, competitors gathered for the International Party. Each team brought something from their culture for others to enjoy, creating a night of laughter, new friendships, and cultural exchange.

A prize draw, sponsored by Rooster, delighted sailors with a range of high-quality sailing gear.

Midweek Challenges

By midweek, the wind eased to a steady 8-10 knots, creating conditions that started to separate the leaders from the rest of the fleet. As the competition for the top spot intensified, so did the excitement onshore.

Social traditions remained strong off the water. The traditional sailors' dinner on Wednesday brought everyone together again, followed by the much-anticipated RS500 Dutch Party on Thursday - an annual favourite among the fleet.

The last day of racing meant everyone was on top form. It was close between the Italian Team and Team GB, but nothing could stop 2024 championship winners triumphing and taking the win for 2025. Out of the three races they took two first places and a fourth, which crowned them World Champions! Gabriele Corsi and Giulia Galletti from LNI Follencia were proud to take the win on home waters.

Paul Cullen and Fresh Abendstern from Bough Beech RDNBYC took home second place for Team GB, and third position went to Lacopo Roncuzzi and Federico Roncuzzi an Italian team from Circolo Nautico del Savio-Circolo.

Congratulations to all the sailors, volunteers, and organisers who made the RS500 World Championship 2025 such a memorable success. The blend of high-level competition, international friendship, and Italian hospitality made this event one for the history books.

Full results