56 sailors from 17 countries set for the 2025 2.4mr World Championship
by Fraglia Vela Malcesine 8 Oct 2025 19:17 BST
7-12 October 2025
2.4mR Inclusive World Championship at Lake Garda © Beatrice Colombo for Fraglia Vela Malcesine
The 2.4mR Inclusive World Championship has officially begun in Malcesine, marking the start of the first-ever Inclusive Sailing World Championship. Until October 12, Paralympic and able-bodied athletes will compete side by side on the waters of Lake Garda, with the event hosted by Fraglia Vela Malcesine, the organizing yacht club.
Official racing will start tomorrow, October 9, but the event already set sail yesterday with the Press Conference, which kicked off a week dedicated to great sport, inclusion, and emotion.
With its world-class sailing conditions, Lake Garda once again confirms its status as an international sailing hub and a symbol of sport as a vehicle for equal opportunity.
Milestones of Fraglia Vela Malcesine:
- 2018 - Hosted the Paralympic Development Program
- 2021 - Hosted the Italian Olympic Classes Championship (CICO), including the 2.4mR class
- 2025 - Host of the first Inclusive World Championship ever
The Press Conference welcomed numerous institutional and sporting representatives, including:
- Roland Rienzner, Vice President of Fraglia Vela Malcesine (representing President Marco Carletto)
- Francesco Ettorre, President, Italian Sailing Federation
- Alessandra Locatelli, Italian Minister for Disabilities
- Flavio Massimo Pasini, President, Province of Verona
- Massimo Marchiotto, Councillor for Sport, Municipality of Malcesine
- Marco Giunio De Sanctis, President, Italian Paralympic Committee
Also in attendance were key international figures such as Heiko Kroeger (President, International 2.4mR Class), Hannah Stodel (World Sailing Technical Delegate), and Adrian Stoggall (Principal Race Officer).
The evening concluded with a scenic Sunset Buffet at B'LAC Bistrò & Bar, a perfect prelude to the racing days ahead.
The championship gathers 56 sailors from 17 nations, divided into three categories — NOD, NOD-PARA, and OPEN— all competing together on the same racecourse, truly embodying the spirit of inclusivity.
Marco Carletto, President of Fraglia Vela Malcesine, commented:
"Hosting this World Championship is a great source of pride, both on a sporting and social level. Bringing together Paralympic and non-Paralympic sailors celebrates different abilities as strengths. Our club has long promoted accessible sailing, encouraging participation and inclusion for all."
Francesco Ettorre (Italian Sailing Federation): "This is a truly important moment for Parasailing. I'm sure this event will play a key role in advancing inclusive sailing worldwide."
Flavio Massimo Pasini (Province of Verona): "We must continue working to make this sport increasingly inclusive and open to everyone."
Massimo Marchiotto (Municipality of Malcesine): "Events like this should become the norm, not the exception."
Heiko Kroeger (International 2.4mR Class President): "We are a unique class — we all sail together, no matter our differences. That's the true spirit of sailing."
Hannah Stodel (World Sailing): "This is a big year for us — we have the opportunity to push for sailing's return to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic program."
Adrian Stoggall (Principal Race Officer): "We're in one of the most iconic sailing venues in the world. In October, where else would you rather be? We have wind, sun, and an outstanding fleet — and everyone's included!"
The program features training sessions, briefings, the opening ceremony, and four days of regattas, with evening social events for sailors and guests.
Today's practice race enjoyed a steady Ora wind at 10-12 knots, offering perfect conditions to open the championship.
The day concluded with the official Opening Ceremony on the lakeside terrace of Fraglia Vela Malcesine, followed by a celebratory buffet to mark the start of this landmark event.
The 2.4mR Inclusive World Championship 2025 enjoys broad media coverage thanks to World Sailing, the Italian Sailing Federation, the event's media team, and numerous sailing outlets, also contributing to local tourism and economic development.
Local associations will have the unique opportunity to watch the races directly from the water aboard a historic sailing vessel, sharing the excitement of inclusive sport.
The event is made possible thanks to the support of Intesa Sanpaolo (Main Sponsor) and partners Falconeri, Funivie Malcesine-Monte Baldo, Negri Nautica, Helly Hansen, MAN Truck & Bus Italia, Frantoi Redoro, Birrerie Stiegl, Cantine Tinazzi, and Speck Stube.
It is held under the patronage of the Veneto Region, Province of Verona, Municipality of Malcesine, and BIM Adige - Province of Verona, in collaboration with World Sailing and the Italian Sailing Federation.