Snipe Italian National Championships 2025 - Registration Open
by Alessandro Balzani 2 Aug 02:48 PDT
2-5 October 2025
Italian Snipe fleet © Caroni - Raspar
The Italian Snipe Class Association and the Yacht Club Porto Rotondo have officially opened registrations for the 2025 Snipe Open Italian Championship. The event is scheduled for October 2-5 on the waters off Porto Rotondo, within Sardinia's Gulf of Cugnana.
With the publication of the Notice of Race, preparations are well under way for this highly anticipated event. This marks the first time the Snipe National Championship will be held in Sardinia, a significant milestone for the local fleet and a testament to the Class's continuous growth on the island and in Italian sailing.
The Costa Smeralda is a prime sailing destination, known for its optimal weather and beautiful scenery. The Porto Rotondo racecourse, about one nautical mile from the club, typically sees an average wind of 12 knots (W-NW). In October, the average water temperature is around 21 degreesC, with air temperatures ranging from a high of 22 degreesC to a low of 16 degreesC.
This edition is expected to be one of the most attended and technically engaging in recent years. Top Italian Snipe specialists, including Dario Bruni and Francesco Scarselli, Paolo Lambertenghi and Antonia Contin, and Stefano Longhi and Gioele Toffolo, are confirmed. Champions from other countries are also expected, with multi-champions Augie Diaz and Ernesto Rodriguez from the USA, and strong teams from South America and other European nations already confirming their presence.
The event promises an ideal blend of on-water competition and onshore hospitality, thanks to the prestigious racecourse, favorable weather, and impeccable organization by the Consorzio and Marina di Porto Rotondo, with operational support from Circolo Velico Nox Oceani.
Maria Elena Balestrieri, SCIRA Italy Secretary, stated, "The Championship is open to all Italian and foreign crews through its Open formula. We have high expectations for Porto Rotondo and Sardinia, as the local fleet has grown to over ten boats in just a few years. Several international teams have already expressed interest, confirming the event's growing international relevance. The 2025 edition is the result of consistent growth, leading us to ambitiously consider future European-level events in Sardinia."
Fabrizio De Falco, President of the Yacht Club Porto Rotondo, added, "We are delighted to host a historic class like the Snipe for the first time. Our facility is increasingly geared towards high-profile sailing events. This year, we'll host the RS21 World Championships, and we also aim to invest in dinghies, starting with the Snipe."
Event Program:
Wednesday, October 1: Sail measurement
Thursday, October 2: Sail measurement, Briefing, 2 races. Welcome cocktail and aperitif at 6:30 PM.
Friday, October 3: 2 races.
Saturday, October 4: 2 races. Traditional Sardinian dinner at 7:30 PM (not included in the registration fee).
Sunday, October 5: 2 races. Prize-giving ceremony with refreshments.