Sardinia Team Race Worlds: U25 RS Aero European Team Racing Championship in Cagliari - Day 2
by Elena Giolai 7 Nov 10:45 PST
6-8 November 2026
In Cagliari, Riccardo Serra and Anita Marullo lead the standings with 11 wins from 11 matches. Italy 1 sits second ahead of defending European champion Monaco. Fading winds bring racing to an early end, with the final round robin matches, semifinals and finals scheduled for Sunday.
Italy 2 continues its unbeaten run at the U25 RS Aero European Team Racing Championship, taking place on the waters of Su Siccu in Cagliari. Following a strong opening day on Friday, Saturday's racing confirmed the close competition among the leading teams, with several hard-fought matches despite lighter winds than on the first day. The breeze gradually weakened, particularly during the final matches, eventually forcing the Race Committee to stop racing with just six matches remaining to complete the round robin.
The European Championship is the second event of the Sardinia Team Race World Championship 2026, organised by Lega Navale Italiana del Sulcis in collaboration with Società Canottieri Ichnusa, with the recognition of the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) and the support of the Sardinia Regional Government's Tourism Department. This year's event marks the largest participation since the championship was first held, with 13 teams representing 11 nations competing in a two-on-two team racing format. Each team consists of two Under 25 sailors, one male and one female, each helming an RS Aero dinghy.
Italy 2 maintains a perfect record as the battle for the semifinals intensifies
The standout team of the first two days has been Italy 2, represented by Riccardo Serra and Anita Marullo, the only team yet to suffer a defeat. The Italian pair has claimed 11 victories from 11 matches, maintaining a perfect 100% winning record and demonstrating excellent teamwork, boat handling and tactical coordination, all essential elements in a discipline where the team's combined result takes priority over individual performance. Italy 1, with Davide Mulas and Alice Sussarello, holds second place in the provisional standings with 9 wins from 11 matches. Defending European champion Monaco, represented by Riccardo Hai Gessa and Chiara Sussarello, has the same record and currently sits third, remaining firmly in contention to retain the title won last year. Lithuania 1, with Nojus Volungevicius and Ruta Mažunaviciute, occupies fourth place, having already completed all 12 of its round robin matches with 9 victories. Hungary, represented by Marco Bachis and Liliana Fresi Juhadz, follows in fifth with 7 wins from 11 matches, ahead of Romania, with Angelo Manconi and Elena Telisca, on 6 victories.
Sunday to decide the European title
With the single round robin nearing completion, the six remaining matches will take place on Sunday, 8 November, determining the final standings and the four teams advancing to the semifinals. The decisive knockout matches will then lead to the final, where the U25 RS Aero European Team Racing title will be awarded. After two days of racing in contrasting wind conditions, the final day promises an exciting conclusion, with both Italian teams at the top of the standings and defending champion Monaco still firmly in the title race. Once again, the ability to read the racecourse, execute tactical manoeuvres to control opponents and work effectively as a team will be decisive in the battle for the European crown.