Cagliari, one of the most important sailing venues in Italy, has won the right to host the 2025 World Championship of three doublehanded Olympic Events. These three World Championships will be run concurrently during the annual Sardinia Sailing Cup, from October 7-12, 2025.
The foiling Nacra 17 is a favourite event in Italy. The defending Olympic Champions, Ruggero Tita and Caterina Banti (ITA), are set to defend their Olympic title in Marseilles. Additionally, the Italians have the team of Gianluigi Ugolini and Maria Giubilei (ITA), who have won multiple Junior World Championships and Senior World Championships medals.
Cagliari has recently returned to international sailing prominence as a venue since the Luna Rosa America’s Cup team based its efforts in the picturesque seaside town. Olympic sailors now look to use its shores as a home base for winter training and a clean place to set down roots for great sailing.
These are the words of Francesco Ettorre, the president of the Italian Sailing Federation: “We are immensely proud to announce that Italy, and particularly our beautiful Sardinia with Cagliari as a highlight, will host this prestigious global sailing event. The entire region, not just Cagliari, will be involved, showcasing the capacity and dedication of our Organizing Committee. This event will not only highlight the beauty and hospitality of Sardinia but will also strengthen our commitment to promoting sailing sports and maritime culture. It is an honor for the Italian Sailing Federation to bring such a significant competition to Italy and to see our efforts in supporting and developing sailing recognized on a global stage.”
The 2025 World Championship will set a marker for all teams aiming at LA 2028. Returning teams from Paris 2024 will be back, and up-and-coming teams will have had a year of extra training to prove they are below the elite ranks of Olympic sailing.
The classes will also be using updated formats to conclude their championships. While the final details are still being processed, the Nacra 17 will likely conclude in a match race, just like the foiling America’s Cup, while the 49er and FX will use a first-to-win-three system like the Kite surfing has been utilizing.
