ORC Sportboat European Championship 2025 - The fleet will gather at Circolo Vela Torbole in May
by Offshore Racing Congress 1 Mar 2025 09:36 PST
11-17 May 2025
Circolo Vela Torbole © Zerogradinord
The ORC Sportboat European Championship will take place in Torbole from May 11 to 17, 2025. The event, set in one of the most renowned sailing venues thanks to its exceptional weather conditions, will be organized by the Circolo Vela Torbole and the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC).
Founded in 1964 and chaired by Mauro Versini, Circolo Vela Torbole is internationally recognized due to the unique geography of the area, which creates a predictable thermal wind system: Peler (northerly wind) in the morning and Ora (southerly wind) in the afternoon. The rapid shift in wind direction extends further south, allowing for the setup of two distinct racecourses. The club's professional staff boasts an impressive track record and strong connections with World Sailing, the Italian Sailing Federation, and other Lake Garda yacht clubs.
Eligibility and classes
The ORC Sportboat European Championship is open to sailing boats between 6 and 9.15 meters in length, with a displacement under 2,000 kg and a displacement-to-length ratio below 6.66. This means the event will feature fast and lightweight monohulls, whether custom-built or production boats such as Fat 26, Delta 84, ILC 25, among others, alongside top one-design classes like Melges 24, J/70, RS21, Esse 850, SB20, Este 24, Platu 25, and more. Racing will be scored using the ORC rating system to ensure fair competition.
Many classes have taken part in previous Sportboat European Championships, including several that are regular competitors on Lake Garda: Dolphin 81, Protagonist, Blu Sail 24, UFO 22, UFO 28, Surprise, Fun, and J/24.
Among the most competitive boats, the timeless Melges 24 has consistently reached the podium in nearly all ten past editions, securing two victories. The J/70 has also demonstrated great potential, winning the Class A title in 2021. The event history and past winners can be found here.
Entry requirements
To compete, each yacht must hold a valid ORC certificate for 2025. If the boat complies with its one-design rule, the certificate can be issued based on the International One Design Certificate published by ORC.
Owners of custom boats or non-one-design models should not be discouraged. ORC measurers will be available on Lake Garda in the coming weeks and at Torbole in the days before the championship to issue measurement certificates for those who need them.
More Information
Full details can be found on the event website or by contacting Circolo Vela Torbole's office.
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