Garda Sailing Circuit Wins at Chiemsee and Promotes Lake Region

The scenery is Ludwig II of Bavaria’s island, surrounded by the large boats participating in the Centomiglia.

On Luca Valerio and Cesare Pasotti’s «Raffica», the words «Lago di Garda» appear as the logo of the quality mark that the Comunità del Garda promotes through its various initiatives.

It seems good luck is on «Raffica». The hull wins two races in the first leg of «Vela evento», the European circuit that the owners of these boats have decided to promote across all the lakes of Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and, of course, Italy.

The regattas on Chiemsee and the main participants

The race on Chiemsee took place over Pentecost. For the Bavarians, it is the first major celebration of their summer. «Raffica» wins the first night race and the 1000 miles race on this lake.

The other two races are of «Principessa», the new hull designed by New Zealand’s Bruce Farr, built in Gargnano by the Patucelli family. The crew is German, and the owner is Austrian Joschi Enter.

This is the newest addition to the group. It already appears as one of the favorites for the most important victories.

Other boats and key players in the races

Not to be underestimated is «Gardazzurra-Zetaline», the renowned «Dimore», which holds the record of 6 hours and 5 minutes in the Benaco Centomiglia, entrusted to Oscar Tonoli, who has won this race five times.

Garda promotes itself through sailing, its skippers, and its builders. After Chiemsee, the waters of Lake Constance will host, the most European of basins, with shores touching Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

Following Constance, the fleet will head back home. At the end of July, the «Vela evento» fleet will be in Malcesine. In August, it will reach the «reduced» Golfo di Salò and the historic emblem of Canottieri Garda.

End-of-summer events and the circuit’s climax

From August 27 to September 3, the 100 Week, the Gorla Trophy, and the 50th Centomiglia will take place, culminating in the Conte Bettoni Trophy, marking half a century that surprisingly coincides with the year 2000.

The final phase will be held in Desenzano in mid-September. The Fraglia, symbol of youth promotion, will join the «flying machines», an emblem of this spectacular sailing that the entire world envies us. (S. Pell.)