Trans Benaco Cruise Race 2023: Sailing, Vintage Cars, and Charity Near Riva
The 13th edition of the Trans Benaco Cruise Race – Inoxpran Trophy will take place on the waters of Lake Garda from July 23 to 25. Organized by the Circolo Nautico di Portese, with the support and active collaboration of other Gardesani clubs, particularly the Fraglia Vela di Riva. This regatta has now become one of the main sailing events on Lake Garda, included in the FIV (Italian Sailing Federation) calendar of events.
Boats and Activities
Approximately one hundred boats, representing nearly all classes except Libera, sailing on the waters of Italy’s largest lake, will participate in this exciting event. The most beautiful vessels of the Gardesano fleet will be engaged over two days. During these two days, boats will compete under full sail on the stretch of water between Porto Portese and Riva del Garda.
Participants will include classes such as Crociera and Crociera Classica, Asso, Ufo, and Monotipo, all seeking the best wind, or gust, conducive to sailing and the best possible position in the standings, both partial, before, and final, at the end of the two race days.
Participation Rules and Spirit of the Race
The regatta will also admit classes that manage to gather and register at least five crews. This respects the spirit of offering the opportunity to participate even to boats and crews that pursue sailing as a pure sport of fun rather than competition.
The classic format of this regatta remains unchanged. An interesting aspect of this year’s program, which for the second year in a row will see the participation, by land, of a large number of vintage cars belonging to the Club Seduzioni d’Epoca, alongside numerous organizations that have granted their prestigious patronage. This year, the AIDO (Associazione Italiana Donatori Organi, Italian Organ Donors Association) will also be involved, aiming to raise awareness among sports enthusiasts about the charity’s mission.
Program and Ceremonies
The official presentation will be held on the afternoon of Friday, July 23, at the Circolo Nautico headquarters, with the presence of authorities and members of the club’s board of directors, headed by Italo Mosca. At 6:30 PM, following the official opening ceremony, an aperitif will take place at the Piazzale Marinai d’Italia.
On Saturday, at 10:00 AM, the first race of the 13th Trans Benaco will start from Portese heading towards Riva del Garda. An hour later, at 11:00 AM, the vintage car convoy will leave from the piazzale, touching locations within the Gardesano hinterland, before linking up with the racers in Riva, where, on the terrace of Fraglia Vela Riva, an aperitif will be offered to participants at 6:30 PM.
At 8:00 PM, during the official dinner, awards for the results of the first race day will be handed out. On Sunday morning, early at 8:30 AM, the return voyage from Riva to Portese will begin. If the winds follow tradition, the trip may conclude within a few hours.
Awards and Conclusions
The final awards ceremony is scheduled for 6:30 PM at the Park Hotel Casimiro di Portese, where the Trofeo Perenne, created by craftsman-artist Silvano Baccolo, will be presented to the overall winner. Trophies and cups will be awarded to the top finishers in each class, who will receive the Trofeo Inoxpran.
The event will conclude at 11:00 PM for all participants registered with the Sesto Senso Club of Desenzano.
Patrons and Partner Organizations
Among the organizations that have granted their patronage to the event are the Regione Lombardia – Department of Transport; the Provincia di Brescia – Department of Sport; the Comunità del Garda; the Associazione dei Comuni della Valtenesi; the Comune di San Felice; the FIV (Italian Sailing Federation); and the FIM.