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The Italian Fireball Championship brings colour to the waters of Punta Ala
Twenty-one crews and nine races in front of the PuntAla Camp & Resort beach.
For three days, the colourful Fireball sails filled the Gulf of Follonica, turning the waters in front of the PuntAla Camp & Resort beach into a spectacular natural arena.
Organised by Centro Velico Punta Ala, the 2026 Italian Fireball Championship welcomed 21 crews from Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Germany. All nine scheduled races were completed, with starts, crossings and mark roundings visible from the shore against the backdrop of Elba Island and the Tuscan Archipelago.
Luca Stefanini and Stefano Borzani of Fraglia Vela Desenzano claimed the Italian title, while the Czech crew of Filip Procházka and Milan Čáp took the overall victory. The varied international fleet also included two wooden Fireball Classics, one Under-25 crew and a significant number of female sailors, including several mixed crews.
The Championship took place over sunny, pleasantly cool days. While the crews competed at sea, families, supporters and resort guests enjoyed the atmosphere of the event as well as the beach, pine forest and the many sporting experiences offered by Your Outdoor Arena.
The PuntAla Camp & Resort served as both the event’s logistics base and its beating heart. With the boat park, race office, beach, accommodation and resort services all within easy reach, every part of the experience was simple and enjoyable, from preparing the boats to spending time together after returning ashore.
The competition was accompanied by a positive atmosphere and a strong sense of fair play, perfectly reflecting both the spirit of the Fireball Class and the warm hospitality of Punta Ala. The experience was so appreciated that, as they said goodbye, the sailors made a promise: to return in two years’ time.
Meanwhile, top-level sailing at Punta Ala continues. From 17 to 20 September, PuntAla Camp & Resort will host the Italian Formula 18 Championship, bringing another exciting display of speed and sails to the waters in front of our beach.
