75th Centomiglia del Garda announced – Key updates revealed
by Elena Giolai 23 Mar 06:50 UTC
6-7 September 2025
Centomiglia del Garda © Elena Giolai
The Centomiglia del Garda celebrates its 75th edition this year, embracing a renewed vision that blends tradition and innovation.
Organized by the Circolo Vela Gargnano, the most iconic regatta of Lake Garda continues its evolution with the goal of making the competition increasingly inclusive, technical, and representative of the entire Garda sailing community.
Founded in 1951, the Centomiglia is the longest-running offshore regatta on inland waters, a benchmark in the sailing world. Over the years, it has hosted legendary boats, world-class sailors, and witnessed the evolution of technology and competitive sailing. Innovation drives progress, and the Centomiglia continues to evolve, welcoming new trends, cutting-edge designs, and high-performance boats.
Following the legendary Class Libera challenges that marked unforgettable pages of this regatta, the Centomiglia remains open to ever-faster boats and sailors eager to experiment with new technologies and speed concepts, preserving its pioneering spirit.
A new era: tradition and innovation
The Centomiglia 2025 blends its legacy with modern advancements, attracting more sailors and enthusiasts than ever before. The competition now focuses on ORC-class boats, which allow for a more inclusive and strategic race. The handicap system ensures that teams of all skill levels, sailing different types of boats, can compete on an equal footing, prioritizing skill and tactics over raw speed.
The "line of honour"—awarded to the first boat to cross the finish line in real time—remains a prestigious feature of the competition. The goal is to create an event where everyone can experience the thrill of sailing on Lake Garda, without feeling excluded from the race.
The role of Circolo Vela Gargnano
At the heart of this evolution is the Circolo Vela Gargnano, which has been organizing the Centomiglia with passion and dedication since its inception. The club strongly believes in offering all offshore sailors a unique opportunity to race on Lake Garda, a venue rich in history and sailing culture. Thanks to its vision and the tireless work of its members, the Centomiglia remains a landmark event in Italian and European sailing, celebrating both tradition and the future.
A lake, a community, a great challenge
Francesco Capuccini, President of Circolo Vela Gargnano: "The Centomiglia is a heritage of all Garda sailors and beyond. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has a chance to compete for victory, regardless of their boat, thanks to the ORC system. This year's regatta will once again be held over two days, but in the coming years, we will introduce further innovations to make it even more exciting and inclusive.
We also want to strengthen ties with every shore of the lake and its deep-rooted sailing tradition. This is why we have reintroduced the Torbole mark and established an overall ORC ranking, which will determine the Centomiglia champion based on the combined results of the Trofeo Gorla and Trofeo Gargnano.
We are also introducing the Double Handed class, inspired by major international offshore races, to give two-person crews a new challenge. Additionally, we are exploring the Cento People project to engage a broader audience.
These changes are part of a clear vision: the Centomiglia must be a regatta where anyone can win, not just a race for the fastest boats. It remains an event that represents the entire Lake Garda sailing community. This evolution is just the beginning of a renewal process that will guide the Centomiglia in the years to come, keeping alive the spirit that has made it legendary."
Course and classes of the 75th edition
As in the previous year, the Centomiglia 2025 will consist of two distinct races:
- Trofeo Gargnano (Saturday, September 6, 8:30 AM): Start in Bogliaco, mark in Gargnano, route to Desenzano, and return to Bogliaco.
- Trofeo Gorla (Sunday, September 7, 8:30 AM): Start in Bogliaco, mark in Limone (Hotel Eala My Lakeside Dream), turn at Torbole, Acquafresca, and return to Bogliaco.
Major awards and rankings:
- Line Honour: Winners in real time for both races.
- ORC Overall: The sum of points from Trofeo Gargnano and Trofeo Gorla will determine the overall winner, awarding the prestigious Trofeo Bettoni.
- ORC Class Rankings: Individual rankings for each ORC class based on handicap times.
- One-Design Class Rankings: Standings for monotype classes (if eligible).
- ORC Double Handed: A new two-person crew category, awarding the Trofeo Beppe Croce* to the best-scoring team over both races.
Who was Beppe Croce?
Beppe Croce was one of the most influential figures in Italian and international sailing. In 1964, he won the Centomiglia aboard Manuela VI (5.5 S.I.), in an edition marked by extreme weather conditions, where only three boats out of fifty finished. Croce was not only an exceptional sailor but also a key figure in global sailing governance, serving as President of both the Italian Sailing Federation and the International Sailing Federation.
A regatta that celebrates sailing and Lake Garda
The Centomiglia is not just a race, it is a celebration of sailing and Lake Garda's maritime identity. The lake's crystal-clear waters, steady winds, and stunning landscapes create the perfect setting for a competition that attracts boat owners, professional sailors, and passionate enthusiasts alike.
This event blends adrenaline, tradition, and a deep sense of community, making it a must-see spectacle in the international sailing calendar.
The 75th Centomiglia del Garda is set to sail on September 6-7, 2025, an edition that will be remembered for its innovation, excitement, and enduring legacy.