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Formula 18 brings two weeks of top-level sailing in Punta Ala to a close
Two consecutive Italian Championships, six days of racing and the waters in front of our beach brought to life by dinghies and catamarans. With the conclusion of the 2026 Formula 18 Italian Championship, PuntAla Camp & Resort brings two weeks of top-level Italian sailing to a close.
After welcoming the crews competing in the Fireball Italian Championship, from 17 to 20 September the resort became the base for another national championship organised by Centro Velico Punta Ala. Three days of racing brought 21 crews to the Gulf of Follonica, where they faced particularly technical conditions.
The light and unstable wind was slow to arrive each day, testing both the sailors and the organisers. The Race Committee and the team on the water made the most of every suitable opportunity, repeatedly adjusting the course to changes in wind direction and strength and completing seven of the nine scheduled races.
Two races were completed on each of the first two days. After four races, the battle at the top of the standings could not have been closer: Elia Mazzucchi and Jacopo Lisignoli, Maurizio Stella and Davide Paolo Recalcati, and Matteo and Andrea Viganò entered the decisive day tied on 11 points.
On Sunday, a westerly breeze of between 5 and 7 knots allowed another three races to be held. With only the smallest margins separating the leading crews, every start and mark rounding had the potential to change the outcome of the Championship. The tension remained high until the final race, which got underway after two general recalls and the subsequent use of the black flag.
The title went to twins Matteo and Andrea Viganò of Centro Vela Dervio, who delivered a perfect final day. Three victories in the last three races completed their comeback and secured the Championship with 11 points.
Maurizio Stella and Davide Paolo Recalcati, also representing Centro Vela Dervio, finished second with 15 points. Elia Mazzucchi and Jacopo Lisignoli of Circolo Vela Canottieri Domaso took third place with 16 points. Andrea Sanzone and Leonardo Ruggeri finished just outside the podium positions, followed by the Dutch crew of Remco Kenbeek and Jelien Taselaar.
The Championship was enjoyed with just as much enthusiasm ashore. The traditional hospitality of PuntAla Camp & Resort accompanied the event with several opportunities to spend time together, from drinks on the beach and the Class dinner to the final prize-giving ceremony.
For many crews, the trip also became an opportunity to spend the weekend with their families and enjoy a few days by the sea, making the most of the resort’s services and the pleasant September weather.
This was the 19th Formula 18 regatta organised in Punta Ala. The relationship began with the 2004 World Championship and has continued to grow through numerous national and international events—a shared history that Centro Velico Punta Ala and the resort hope will continue for many years to come.
With the major sailing season now over, PuntAla Camp & Resort is already looking ahead to its next sporting event. On 26 and 27 September, it will welcome the participants of the Fiorino Mud 400 , the gravel bike adventure that crosses Tuscany and stops in Punta Ala.
