Countdown to the 75th CentoMiglia del Garda: Big names and new boats revealed
by Elena Giolai 28 Aug 13:35 BST
6-7 September 2025
CentoMiglia del Garda 2024 © Elena Giolai
From September 6 to 7, Lake Garda once again becomes the stage for great sailing with the 75th CentoMiglia Internazionale: from the trimaran Poison to the debut of the Cape 31, and the return of Roberto Benamati with his Star. Also expected are the top representatives of the Italian Sailing Federation and a rich program of onshore events.
At present, entries include five nations - Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Great Britain, Denmark - alongside Italy
From Circolo Vela Gargnano, just days away from the CentoMiglia Internazionale del Garda (September 6-7) and with entries closing on September 1, the first high-profile confirmations have been unveiled, enhancing both the fleet and the institutional participation of this landmark 75th edition. Confirmed at the opening ceremony on Friday, September 5, will be the President and Vice-President of the Italian Sailing Federation, Francesco Ettorre and Giuseppe D'Amico.
While there is much anticipation for the boats expected to enter during this final week - including fast multihulls and other potential stars (with the latest announcement being the participation of the trimaran Poison) - the organizers of Circolo Vela Gargnano have already confirmed several outstanding entries, notable both for type of yacht and the reputation of owners and skippers. Among the highlights is the Cape 31, the cutting-edge one-design by Mark Mills, a star of major international regattas such as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, with podium finishes in both the IRC circuit and one-design racing. Another eye-catcher will be the revolutionary foil-assisted lake racer QFX, inspired by the Quant 30, capable of three sailing modes - displacement, semi-foiling, and full foiling - designed to excel even in light winds.
Roberto Benamati, 11- time CentoMiglia winner, returns with his beloved Star, specially measured for the occasion under ORC rules: elegance, technique, and fierce competition in a true Garda duel. Another well-known Garda sailor, Nicola Celon, will join the German semi-classic 45er Nationaler 6Q (GER 244) of Peter König - one of the first boats entered this year and fresh winner of the 2025 European Cup in the class. Also registered is another 45er, Gitta (GER 245), owned by Anna Houdek. Fraglia Vela Malcesine will field a youth team on Proteus 90, a project that bridges tradition and the future. An Austrian Open 750, twin to Kool Running - a past overall winner - is also entered, aiming to repeat the feat if conditions allow. Unchained Lady, a Wilke 26 owned by Mr. Palm, the same owner of the legendary Wilde Lady, is set to return after past triumphs. High-intensity battles are also expected with two Swiss Psaros 33s, among the fastest and most powerful boats on the lake, ready to challenge Verhuska (the optimized former Rivetto), 4th at the Italian ORC Minialtura Championship in Domaso. Celebrating this 75th edition will also be Gianfranco Oradini, another historic Garda sailor, racing aboard the Asso 99 of Prince Leopold of Bavaria. Finally, one-design fleets such as Dolphin 81, Protagonist 750, and Ufo 22 will line up to compete in their own classes while also remaining highly competitive in the ORC overall standings.
"Old and new boats will be placed on the same level thanks to the ORC system," said Francesco Capuccini, President of Circolo Vela Gargnano. "Over the years we have always sought to adapt the CentoMiglia format to the situations and to the historical and sporting evolutions of each era. This year is no exception: it reflects the present moment in sailing, where, for example, double handed racing is gaining great popularity. That's why we included it not only in the CentoMiglia, but also in the Trofeo linked to the Transbenaco X2, raced just last weekend. Younger sailors often don't realize the many changes made in these 75 years to keep the event current and a true witness to its time."
With such a diverse fleet and open to all types of crews, the 75th CentoMiglia Internazionale del Garda confirms itself as a technical, spectacular, and constantly evolving stage. Each new entry has the potential to rewrite the script of a regatta that has, for 75 years, bridged tradition and innovation. Who will climb the podium? Who will leave their mark? There's still time to be part of history in Italy's longest-running inland waters regatta.
Alongside the racing, a rich onshore program will also be featured, with details to be announced shortly.
The event is made possible thanks to the contribution of Regione Lombardia, the Municipality of Gargnano (Departments of Commerce, Sport and Tourism, and Culture), Pro Loco Gargnano - This is Gargnano, and the support of prestigious official partners. Main sponsor Fineco, one of Europe's leading fintech banks, is joined by partners including Euroimmobiliare, Cantiere del Pardo, Consorzio del Valtenesi, Acqua Tavina, Hotel Eala My Lakeside Dream, Easysea, Apropos, Gruppo Bossoni, and the Carolina Zani Melanoma Foundation - organizations that share the values of excellence, innovation, and territorial connection promoted by the CentoMiglia.
All information at www.centomiglia.it