2026 Open Skiff Eurochallenge and RS Aero National Regatta in Porto Rotondo - Day 1
by Elena Giolai 3 Apr 20:04 BST
3-5 April 2026
The opening day of the first stage of the Open Skiff Eurochallenge and the first RS Aero National Regatta ended on a high note in Porto Rotondo, with three races completed for all fleets.
The event is organised by Yacht Club Porto Rotondo under the authority of the Italian Sailing Federation.
The standings are currently provisional, as some checks and corrections are still being carried out. A total of nine nations are represented at the event: Italy, Poland, India, Hungary, Germany, the United States, the British Virgin Islands, Lithuania and Switzerland.
After the strong breeze that accompanied the gradual arrival of teams in Sardinia yesterday, conditions remained challenging again today, especially early on. In the morning the wind looked as though it might ease, but it stayed quite strong, with waves running through the early afternoon. Only later in the day did it gradually settle to around 12 knots, allowing the Race Committee to send all fleets afloat.
Despite the relatively late start on the water, it turned into a full and rewarding day of racing, with three excellent races completed by all competitors. As the afternoon went on, the sky cleared steadily and Porto Rotondo showed all the beauty of its setting.
In the Open Skiff Under 13 fleet, Poland's Filip Zbyryt is the provisional leader after a perfect opening day, scoring 1-1-1. Gianmaria Iannuzzi sits second with 12-4-7, while Francesco Farella is third with 14-3-9. The provisional top female sailor is Francesca Chiantera, currently eighth overall, with scores of 13-16-8.
In the Open Skiff Under 17 fleet, Gianluca Pilia leads the provisional standings with 3-6-1. Manuel Albanese is second with 7-1-4, while Poland's Paulina Szczepa is third overall and first female with 1-5-6.
In the RS Aero Sail 5 fleet, Riccardo-Hai Gessa holds the early lead with a flawless 1-1-1 scoreline. Andrea Carboni is second with 2-5-3, while Poland's Maksymilian Oskroba is third with 4-3-6. Chiara Sussarello is the leading female sailor, lying fourth overall with 3-4-8. In the RS Aero Sail 6 fleet, Filippo Vincis tops the standings with 1-1-2. Riccardo Serra is second with 2-2-1, followed by Leonardo Nonnis in third with 3-3-3. Alice Sussarello is the leading female sailor, also fourth overall, with 5-5-5. In the RS Aero Sail 7 fleet, Luigi Pintaldi is currently in front with a clean 1-1-1 series.
All in all, it was a very positive first day, both technically and in terms of the overall flow of the event. After an opening phase shaped by breeze and waves, Porto Rotondo delivered a bright and spectacular afternoon, providing the ideal backdrop for an event that combines youth sailing, international competition and exciting racing on the water.
The programme for Saturday, April 4, includes the skipper meeting at 10.00 and the first possible start at 11.00. The forecast looks much more promising, with more stable conditions and sunshine expected to further enhance the colours and beauty of Porto Rotondo and the Sardinian coastline.
Full Results