THE FOILING ACADEMY WRAPS UP IN SARDINIA

 

From December 18 to 22 Cagliari hosts the finals of the "Foil Academy International Trophy," an international event dedicated to Waszp, Wingfoil and iQFOiL to showcase the best talents in "flying" sailing.

The Foil Academy International Trophy, part of the Next Generation Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa project, has attracted to the Sardinian capital over 40 athletes from 10 different nations (Spain, Ireland, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, Italy, Great Britain and a representation from the Isle of Man) selected and invited by the Italian Federation's officials.

Throughout the three planned days of regattas, girls and boys of ages between 14 and 26 will compete in single and team events to determine the winners who will be presented the evening of Friday December 22.

The opening press conference on Dec. 18 was attended by Max Sirena, Team Director and Skipper of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, and Marco Gradoni, one of the helmsmen. With three Optimist World Championships under his belt and the Rolex World Sailor of the Year title won at just 15 years old, Gradoni is considered a "beacon" for the new generations who are inspired by him: «The Academy is a well-structured project», he says, «both from a technical and training perspective, and it’s a tremendous opportunity because it allows young people to engage with new individuals and approach this type of sailing, which otherwise few could afford. Foiling sailing is exhilarating and fun, but it requires maturity, a clear mindset, and knowledge of one's limits. My message to young people is precisely this: have fun, go fast, and learn as much as possible. But respect your limits and don't overdo it...».

«The Academy is an important project that is already showing results», explains Mirco Babini, President of IKA (International Kiteboarding Association). «Events like this have a twofold advantage: on one hand they allow visibility to all Flying Classes, creating a show and capturing the attention of many young and very young people who, intrigued by foiling sailing, approach this sport; on the other hand, these classes also allow the Federation to target and focus on the growth of the most promising talents».

«I believe that great part of the recent success in Italian sailing can be attributed to the appeal of foiling», Babini continues; «after approaching "traditional" classes such as the Optimist, young sailors are discovering a world that is exciting, entertaining and stimulating; even at an amateur level these new boats have become incredibly popular and inhibited the scattering of athletes that used to happen before. Youths want to sail fast, they want the thrill, and foiling sailing gives them all of this. Maybe they won’t become champions, but they keep practicing and stay anchored to the sport. Then the really talented and motivated ones, who are willing to make sacrifices, emerge. It has always been like that. There are also many gifted young women in Italy showing promise in this new form of flying sailing».

FIV President Francesco Ettorre said: «The Foil Academy Trophy final represents another building block in the larger project of the Sardinia Sailing Cup. Cagliari welcomes, once again, an event of international level that represents a great opportunity for the growth of foiling in our country. I thank those who were able to make this event possible and fair winds to all the athletes who will participate!».