Riva del Garda, July 2, 2025 – Fraglia Vela Riva ready to host the highlight event of its 2025 racing season
Over 250 teams from 29 nations have gathered at Lake Garda for the 29er European Championship, officially opened this evening in a vibrant and unforgettable ceremony. The event is hosted by Fraglia Vela Riva, one of Europe’s premier sailing clubs.
The opening ceremony was a spectacle of color, energy, and international spirit. Athletes paraded through the streets of Riva del Garda, proudly carrying their national flags and chanting in their native languages as locals and visitors lined the sidewalks to cheer them on. With the majestic mountains of Garda Trentino as a backdrop, the parade wound its way through the city’s charming historic center, culminating in Piazza III Novembre in front of the town hall. It was a moving display of unity and celebration among the 29 represented countries, highlighting the truly global nature of this youth sailing event.
This championship is a key milestone for young double-handed sailors, many of whom aim to progress to Olympic classes such as the 49er, FX, and Nacra 17. Its global reach and high level of competition make it one of the most significant events in the 29er class calendar.
Fraglia Vela Riva has a long-standing relationship with the International 29er Class Association and has frequently hosted Eurocup finals in the past. The venue will again welcome the Eurocup series later this year in October.
The championship runs for six days, with three days of qualification races followed by three days of finals, concluding on July 8 with the official awards ceremony.
Peter Lubeck, PRO and President of the International 29er Class Association, is overseeing race operations, while Niall Macleod heads the International Jury.
“It’s a true honor for Fraglia Vela Riva to host such a flagship event for youth sailing,” said Andrea Camin, President of Fraglia Vela Riva. “With this level of international participation, it almost feels like a World Championship. My deepest thanks go to the volunteers and team members who have worked tirelessly to prepare. This will be an unforgettable experience for all participants and a great opportunity for the local area, with over 6,000 estimated visitors and significant economic impact. Riva del Garda and Garda Trentino will also enjoy outstanding visibility through coverage on major websites and social media channels.”
Floating Eco-Hub Workshop Launches Tomorrow
– July 3–5
Also kicking off tomorrow is an exciting new sustainability initiative at the regatta: the Floating Eco-Hub Workshop, hosted by Kidzink. Running from July 3 to 5, with daily sessions at 18:00, this creative challenge invites young sailors to design and build miniature floating eco-hubs using recycled materials.
Working in teams of four, participants will compete in a fast-paced challenge that emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and sustainable thinking. Each sailor may only participate once — every session is unique and counts toward major prizes.
Prizes for the Winning Team:
Full regatta fee sponsorship for the winning team
1x Jib per sailor
1x Spinnaker per sailor
(4 jibs + 4 spinnakers total)
This workshop is more than just a fun side event — it’s part of a shared mission by Kidzink and the 29er Class to encourage youth-led innovation in sailing, while spotlighting the importance of environmental responsibility.
We are excited to kick things off tomorrow. See you on the water!