The countdown is on for the Fireball World Championship 2025
by Elena Giolai 21 Aug 2025 08:55 BST
24-29 August 2025
The countdown is on for the Fireball Worlds © Elena Giolai
The countdown is on for the Fireball World Championship 2025, scheduled from 24 to 29 August on Lake Garda - Italy, organized by Circolo Vela Arco in collaboration with the Italian Sailing Federation, the Italian Fireball Association and the International Fireball Association.
This edition will be one for the record books: with 136 pre-registered crews, it marks the largest participation ever recorded outside the Anglo-Saxon countries in the 60-year history of the class. Crews from 15 nations will compete for the world title, with strong contingents from Australia, Canada, Kenya, South Africa, Great Britain and France, alongside Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Slovenia, Slovakia and Germany. Such numbers confirm the uniqueness and appeal of Lake Garda - Trentino as an international racing venue.
The fleet promises a very high technical level, with some of the sport's most accomplished names on the entry list. Among them: Italian sailor Pietro D'Alì*, Olympian and America's Cup veteran, racing with Ariberto Strabino; Swiss sailors Yves Mermod (former Olympian in the 470) and Maja Siegenthaler (three-time Olympian in the 470 and member of Alinghi at the Puig Women's America's Cup); Italian Paolo Brescia, 12-time national Fireball champion with strong results also in the Melges 24; Swiss Christine Haerdi; Australian Ben Schulz (national champion and Fireball Worlds podium finisher); and Czech sailor Martin Kubový, multiple medalist at European and national championships.
Beyond the sporting and competitive aspects, the Fireball Worlds are also an occasion for friendship and community: the class is seen as a true international family, where travel, friendships and passions are shared alongside racing. Taking place at the height of the summer holidays, the event will offer not only a world-class competition, but also a unique atmosphere of camaraderie among champions and enthusiasts, united by their love for a boat that continues to fascinate for its speed and technical qualities.
"A World Championship in Italy, on Lake Garda, with so many boats is a special occasion I couldn't miss. I took the opportunity to helm also following the passion of my nephews (the Ascoli duo) who are Fireball sailors. The Italian fleet is made up of friendly people, mostly at an amateur level, a bit different from the British or Australian fleets, where there are probably tougher competitors coming from the Olympic 470. I'm happy to return to Garda: the Fireball, although a mature boat, is great fun because it's so technical, both in the adjustments and in crew weight distribution. I've only sailed it a couple of times, so I'm curious to see how it goes - but above all, I'm happy to helm a dinghy that really lets you put your technical experience into practice," said Pietro D'Alì on the eve of the championship - an eclectic, highly talented sailor with a lifelong passion for sailing in all its forms, yet particularly fond of small, technical dinghies.
The program will begin with measurement checks and practice sessions in the days leading up to the event, allowing sailors to familiarize themselves with the Lake Garda - Trentino racecourse. The official start will be on Sunday, 24 August, with the skipper's meeting at 10:00, followed by the first race at 13:00.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 19 August, Circolo Vela Arco held the official opening of its new clubhouse - an event long-awaited for over 40 years by the club's founders, including current president Carlo Pompili, who finally saw their dream come true.
Fireball: 60 years of history
Designed in 1962 by British naval architect Peter Milne, the Fireball is a two-person dinghy with spinnaker and trapeze, combining simplicity of construction, high performance and accessibility. Over the years, it has been a training ground for generations of sailors, developing skills in tactics and technique, and producing champions who later moved on to Olympic and offshore challenges. More than half a century later, it remains one of the most vibrant and passionate classes, also thanks to initiatives such as the Under 25 category, designed to engage new generations and keep the tradition alive.