Porto Rotondo launches the 2026 Open Skiff Eurochallenge and opens the RS Aero national season
by Elena Giolai 27 Mar 06:10 AEDT
3-5 April 2026
Open Skiff Eurochallenge © Elena Giolai
Porto Rotondo is set to welcome one of the standout early-season events on the youth and singlehanded dinghy calendar, with Yacht Club Porto Rotondo hosting the second Italian National Open Skiff Regatta, which also serves as the opening round of the 2026 Eurochallenge, alongside the first RS Aero National Regatta, from 3 to 5 April.
The event brings together two classes that share a fresh, modern and youth-oriented vision of dinghy sailing, combining performance with accessibility, fun and strong community spirit. It also marks an important moment for Yacht Club Porto Rotondo, now under the leadership of newly elected president Corrado Fara, as the Club begins its 2026 season with an event focused squarely on young sailors and emerging pathways in the sport.
For the Open Skiff class, Porto Rotondo is the first stop of the 2026 Eurochallenge series, which will then move on to Barcelona, Warnemünde and Lake Balaton. Set during the Easter holiday period, the Sardinian opener underlines the island's growing status as a premium venue for international youth sailing, not only for its conditions on the water but also for its proven ability to host large, high-level events.
Around 120 Open Skiff sailors are expected on the start line, including 71 Under 17 and 47 Under 13 competitors. The entry list features teams from Germany, Hungary, India, Lithuania, Poland, Switzerland, the United States and Italy, confirming the international reach of the event. India's return to racing in Italian waters adds a meaningful note to a class that has built lasting links between sailors, coaches and teams well beyond national borders.
That international spirit is one of the defining strengths of Open Skiff. While the class is undeniably competitive, it has also developed a distinctive culture built around enjoyment, friendship and respect. From the freestyle component often included on the course to the use of in-water umpiring that reduces protests ashore, Open Skiff continues to offer a format that is intense on the racecourse yet relaxed and social once the boats are back on the beach.
Porto Rotondo will also signal the start of the RS Aero national season, with fleets split into RS Aero 5, 6 and 7 rigs. Increasingly seen as a natural progression for many young Open Skiff sailors, the RS Aero has found its place thanks to its clean design, light handling and rewarding performance. It offers a modern and highly responsive singlehander, technically engaging while remaining more accessible and less physically demanding than Olympic pathways such as the ILCA.
Sardinia's role in youth dinghy sailing will remain in focus beyond Porto Rotondo. From 25 to 31 July, Calasetta will host the 2026 Open Skiff World Championship, another major international appointment that reinforces the island's position as one of the Mediterranean's most active and attractive sailing hubs.
"I am delighted that the Yacht Club Porto Rotondo season is opening with young sailors and with classes such as Open Skiff and RS Aero, where sailing is first and foremost about fun, respect for the rules and sporting development," said Corrado Fara, President of Yacht Club Porto Rotondo and President of the III Zone of the Italian Sailing Federation. "The in-water umpiring system also helps create a fair and positive racing environment. Sardinia continues to be a reference point for sailing at every level, from youth classes to major international events, thanks to ideal conditions throughout the year. After this event, our Club will continue its 2026 season with a full and varied calendar including ClubSwan Racing one-designs, Solaris yachts and offshore sailing."
With young talent, international teams and two classes that speak the language of modern dinghy sailing, Porto Rotondo is ready to deliver one of the most interesting spring events on the 2026 calendar.