OpenSkiff European Championships in Barcelona, Spain
by Elena Giolai 1 Nov 16:19 UTC
24-31 October 2025
The European Championship of the Youth FIV OpenSkiff class came to a close with a major triumph for Italy, marking a strong comeback after narrowly missing the podium at this summer's World Championship in Japan. This time, Italy claimed 9 out of the 12 medals at stake.
Under 13
- Gold and bronze in the boys' fleet for Tuscan sailor Gabriele Lizzulli and Federico Monti
- Full podium sweep for the Italian girls: gold for Sofia Benetti, silver for Bianca Gorgerino and bronze for Elettra Santoro
Under 17
- Bronze in the boys' division for Carlos Mancabelli
- In the girls' fleet, gold for Maria Elena Barbarino and bronze for Elena Telisca
It is also worth noting that the U17 gold has a significant Italian connection: Ukrainian sailor Sviatoslav Yasnolobov has lived in Rimini since the start of the war and has always raced in Italy with Club Nautico Rimini, dominating the national seasons. Both European titles were extremely hard-fought: Gabriele Lizzulli, U13 European champion, and Yasnobolov in the U17 category secured their victories by the narrowest margins.
Under 13
Ten races were completed. A brilliant victory for Gabriele Lizzulli (CV Argentario), who, thanks to a very consistent series of results, edged out France's Côme Zunquin by just one point. Excellent bronze for Federico Monti (CN Rimini), finishing with a 20-point advantage over fourth place. Italian dominance also in the U13 girls' fleet: a full tricolour podium. Trentino sailor Sofia Benetti (Circolo Vela Arco) claimed the European title, delivering a strong comeback in the final races to finish sixth overall. Silver for Bianca Gorgerino (LNI Cagliari), slowed by two UFD penalties on the final day due to strong opposing current; bronze for Elettra Santoro (CV Argentario).
Under 17
The senior fleet completed 6 qualification races plus 6 finals (gold and silver fleet). Another nail-biting finish: Ukrainian-Italian Yasnobolov claimed the European title on equal points with French sailor Charles Ganivet. Bronze for Carlos Mancabelli (CV Arco), who - despite a black-flag penalty in the first race of the final series - held on to a solid third place. Outstanding performance in the girls' fleet from Maria Elena Barbarino (CN Posillipo), who became European champion and finished fourth overall, also winning race 10 outright. Bronze also for Elena Telisca (LNI Sulcis). Unlucky final day for Aurora Milanese, who started the championship strongly but slipped down the leaderboard and out of the podium positions in the closing races.
Overall, an exceptional result for the Italian U17 squad, with 10 Italians in the top 15.
Weather and racing conditions
The championship week featured highly variable and technical conditions, excellently managed by the Race Committee, who deserve great credit. The first two days saw early-morning racing, taking advantage of offshore winds between 9-14 knots, with significant shifts and flat water. Wednesday brought unstable breeze and just one race; Thursday saw a more irregular sea breeze with shifts up to 50 degrees and choppy seas.
On Friday, wind arrived late but settled at 9-13 knots with strong opposing current — a decisive factor that caused many premature starts, penalties, and major shake-ups in the standings. Despite the challenges, the Race Committee completed the full programme and launched the final race just minutes before the time limit, allowing three more races on the championship's final day.
Next events
The final international events of the OpenSkiff season — and of the RS Aero class, managed in Italy by the same association — will take place in Cagliari over the next two weeks, hosting the Team Racing World Championships:
- RS Aero U25 (7-9 November)
- OpenSkiff (13-16 November)
Both events will be held under a single major banner, the "Sardinia Team Race World Championship RS Aero & OpenSkiff".
Organised by Lega Navale Sulcis and Società Canottieri Ichnusa, the regattas will unfold in the stunning waterfront area of Su Siccu, right beside the base of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.