Garda Trentino Foil Days at Circolo Surf Torbole - RRD One Hour Classic
by Elena Giolai 19 Jun 11:31 PDT
The first edition of the Garda Trentino Foil Days has started in the best possible way. The new major sporting and expo event promoted by Circolo Surf Torbole has once again brought Torbole and Garda Trentino to the centre of the international windsurfing, foil and, more broadly, water sports scene.
The sporting heart of the first two days was the RRD One Hour Classic, one of Circolo Surf Torbole's signature regattas, born on the waters of Garda Trentino and over the years becoming an event capable of attracting champions, enthusiasts and young athletes thanks to a format as simple as it is unique: one hour of racing between two marks, trying to complete as many legs as possible.
The 2026 edition marked an important step in the history of the event. For the first time, windsurf fin, windsurf foil and wingfoil took to the water with a single start, joined also by the boards of the Windsurfer Class, on one shared line that told the story of the evolution of windsurfing and the new foil disciplines. A choice in step with the times, capable of enhancing the tradition of the One Hour Classic while at the same time opening the regatta to the most current and spectacular forms of board sailing. The weather also supported the first two days positively, despite the intense heat and some initial uncertainty over the arrival of the Ora. On both days the southerly wind allowed the one-hour race to be held on the race course positioned between Conca d'Oro and Ponale. The still moderate intensity did not allow competitors to aim for the record, but nevertheless delivered technical, closely contested races of great sporting significance. Particularly striking was the image of the single start, with the "rabbit" boat launching a diverse and spectacular fleet made up of windsurf fin, foil, wingfoil and Windsurfer boards. A perfect picture of the spirit of the Garda Trentino Foil Days: different disciplines, different generations and different levels on the water at the same time, on the same race course.
The RRD One Hour Classic thus confirms one of its most authentic characteristics: bringing World Cup champions and those who simply live these disciplines with passion onto the same starting line. This year, numerous international-level athletes are present in Torbole, including slalom foil world champion Matteo Iachino, as well as many young riders, starting with the Under 15 athletes of the Circolo Surf Torbole wingfoil team, taking part in an event that represents for them a valuable opportunity for sporting growth and comparison, as well as enjoyment. This year all the races are also broadcast in live streaming on the official Circolo Surf Torbole channels, YouTube and Facebook Page, offering many enthusiasts the chance to experience the event.
After the first two days, the provisional windsurf foil ranking, which for the final result will take into account the best performance achieved across the racing days, is led by Amado Vrieswijk, Bonaire, who completed 19 legs in 1:00:10 in his best race. Behind him are Bruno Martini ITA - second, and Sam Stroosma, Netherlands, third. The first Under 20 is Matteo Della Fiorentina -ITA-. The first female athlete is Anna Biagiolini - ITA -, who on Friday raced with the fin and also prevailed in this discipline. In windsurf fin, the provisional lead belongs to Matteo Iachino -ITA -, who completed 15 legs in 1:01:26 in his best race. Kevin Grosjean, France, is second, with Arnon Dagan, Israel, in third. The first Under 20 is Alex Schiattino -ITA-.
In wingfoil, Carlo Ciabatti -ITA- holds the provisional lead, having completed 17 legs in 1:01:52 in his best race. Luca Franchi -ITA is second, while Sebastiano Zorzi -ITA- is third and also the first Under 20 in the provisional ranking. The first female athlete is Marleen Fritz.
Alongside the racing, the Garda Trentino Foil Days are also bringing a strong expo dimension back to the beach in Torbole. After around twenty years, stands with boards, sails, foils, accessories and equipment from the sector's leading companies have returned directly to the lakeshore, offering the public and athletes the opportunity to discover and test the latest-generation gear.
Among the side initiatives, the free sessions dedicated to the first basics of wingfoiling, offered in the expo area thanks to the Flywave school, have also attracted great interest. This confirms the event's desire to speak not only to racers, but also to those who want to approach a fast-growing discipline for the first time. The Italian Sailing Federation is also present among the exhibitors, increasingly close to the foil world and committed to developing projects dedicated to the new disciplines, in continuity with the path undertaken in recent years also through high-profile experiences such as the Luna Rossa Foil Academy. The more social side of the event is not missing either, with evening gatherings and parties hosted by Torbole's main specialist shops, combining music, meetings and exchange between riders, companies and enthusiasts. A natural complement to an event that brings together sport, innovation, sector culture and beach life.
After two days, the first edition of the Garda Trentino Foil Days is already confirming the value of the new challenge launched by Circolo Surf Torbole. The RRD One Hour Classic continues to be a benchmark regatta, but it is also looking ahead, interpreting the evolution of the disciplines and reaffirming Torbole's role as one of the symbolic places for windsurfing, foil and water sports at international level.