Italia Cup Laser 2013 in Campione del Garda

After the District Championship held in Crotone at the end of July, the Italian Laser racing calendar resumed with the third stage of the 2013 Italia Cup. The event took place in Campione del Garda, on the western shore of Lake Garda, from 20 to 22 September.

Around 240 sailors from across Italy were expected to take part, competing in the Laser Standard, Laser Radial and Laser 4.7 classes. The famous Peler, the steady northerly wind that characterises the northern part of Lake Garda, was one of the elements that could shape the racing.

Univela as the event hub

The regatta was organised by the Circolo Vela Gargnano on behalf of Assolaser, while Univela served as the main logistical base for the event. It provided a central point for athletes, coaches and accompanying staff throughout the competition.

For Campione del Garda, the Italia Cup was more than a sporting appointment. It was an opportunity to showcase the village’s facilities, hospitality and connection with high-level sailing, while also bringing visitors and economic activity to the area.

The sailors to watch

In the Laser Standard class, Enrico Strazzera and Giovanni Meloni from Cagliari were among the names attracting attention. They faced strong competition from sailors of the Fraglia Vela Riva, including Marco Benini, newly crowned U19 District Champion, and Michele Benamati, winner of the U21 District title in Crotone.

In the women’s Laser Radial fleet, Joyce Floridia of the Fraglia Vela Riva was considered one of the leading contenders. Claretta Tempesti of the Circolo Nautico Livorno, bronze medallist at the U21 European Championship, was expected to be a serious rival.

In the men’s Radial class, Giovanni Valentini of the Circolo Nautico Brenzone arrived after winning the District title. Other sailors in the spotlight included Simone Salvà, Riccardo Vincenzi and Gianmarco Planchestainer, who had recently moved up to the Radial class.

Young talent in the 4.7

The Laser 4.7 fleet promised an open and competitive event. Athletes from the Fraglia Vela Malcesine, including Vittorio Gallinaro, Emil Toblini and Federico Benamati, were among those expected to challenge for leading positions.

In the women’s fleet, attention focused on Carolina Albano, then U16 champion, Francesca Bergamo and Sofia Capparuccini. Capparuccini had won bronze at the Laser 4.7 World Championship on Lake Balaton in July.

A key event for Lake Garda

The Italia Cup brought together experienced Laser sailors and emerging talents from different parts of Italy. The first races were scheduled to begin on Friday 20 September at 1.00 pm.

For Univela and Campione del Garda, the 2013 Italia Cup represented an important moment for sailing on Lake Garda: a meeting point between competitive racing, young athletes and the unique sporting atmosphere of the lake.