49erFX Open Series Lago di Garda 2025: Rossi and Alberti triumph in a thrilling final showdown
by Alexia Lahoud / 49er and Nacra 17 Sailing 24 Oct 16:44 BST
16-19 October 2025
49erFX Open Series Lago di Garda 2025 © Campione del Garda
Campione del Garda once again delivered spectacular sailing conditions for the 2025 49erFX Open Series, which concluded on October 19 after four intense days of racing.
Sixteen teams from across Europe competed on the stunning waters of Lago di Garda, hosted by Univela Sailing SSD in collaboration with the International FX Class Association.
Despite a cloudy sky, the famous Ora wind from the south filled in reliably each afternoon at 10-12 knots, allowing the race committee to complete all 16 scheduled races. Consistent yet tactically challenging conditions made for a dramatic regatta that went right down to the final race.
After a nail-biting duel that lasted until the very end, Lorenzo Rossi and Marco Alberti (ITA 346, Società Canottieri Garda Salò) emerged victorious—winning on countback after finishing tied on points with the Swiss team. Their ability to secure more race wins proved decisive in breaking the tie.
Simon Mille and Theo Kowalewsky (SUI 515, CVE / Zürcher Yacht Club) took a well-deserved second place overall with 44 net points, just behind the Italians. Completing the podium were Alessio and Walter Bonizzoni (ITA 434, Società Canottieri Garda Salò), who finished third with 45 net points, only one point off the leaders.
In the women's division, the Hungarian sisters Boróka and Szonja Fehér (HUN 11) staged a remarkable comeback on the final day, overtaking both Irish teams—Lauren O'Callaghan / Charlotte Eadie (IRL 206) and Lucia Cullen / Alana Twomey—to claim the top spot among the female crews.
The event showcased the tight competition and high level of the FX fleet, confirming Lago di Garda's reputation as one of Europe's premier sailing venues. With four days of steady winds, close racing, and a photo-finish finale, the 2025 edition will be remembered as one of the most exciting chapters in the series' history.
Overall Results: (top three, 16 races, 2 discards)
1 ITA 346 - Lorenzo Rossi / Marco Alberti (Società Canottieri Garda Salò) — 44 pts (wins on countback)
2 SUI 515 - Simon Mille / Theo Kowalewsky (CVE / Zürcher Yacht Club) — 44 pts
3 ITA 434 - Alessio / Walter Bonizzoni (Società Canottieri Garda Salò) — 45 pts