THE 2026 SEASON OF THE FIV FOIL ACADEMY POWERED BY LUNA ROSSA KICKS OFF IN CAGLIARI

The WASZP Clinic in Cagliari (March 13–15) concluded after three highly productive days, officially launching the 2026 season of the FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa.

Organized at Marina Piccola in Poetto, the clinic brought together eight athletes sailing WASZP boats and benefited from the expertise of Marco Mercuriali, Luna Rossa rule advisor and one of the most well-known and respected international sailing umpires.

The three-day full-time program in Cagliari, combining briefings, classroom sessions, and on-the-water training, provided participants with a comprehensive, high-level learning experience, significantly improving both their racing approach and their confidence with the boat.

Alessandra Sensini, Head of the Academy and FIV Youth Technical Director, commented: «This year the FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa enters a new phase, and our rich calendar could only begin in Cagliari, also thanks to the increasingly strong technical collaboration with Luna Rossa. Alongside the Academy’s activities, which will be increasingly focused on the technical development of foiling athletes through FLY TEST, CLINIC, TRAINING, and STAGE sessions, we are adding a series of events connected to the main international competitions. A clear example is the FLY TEST sessions and promotional activities organized in Cagliari during the America’s Cup preliminary regattas. At the same time, we continue our work promoting foil disciplines throughout Italy, with the goal of supporting young sailors as they grow along a technical and sporting pathway dedicated to these new branches of sailing».

«I tried to introduce the Academy sailors to the racing rules by taking a more dynamic approach, the kind that foiling boats require», said Marco Mercuriali. «The goal was to focus on a quick and concise way of reacting to the different situations that can arise during a race. I believe the joint initiative between the Federation and Luna Rossa is extremely valuable, because it allows young sailors to get closer to foiling and further develop their skills in this discipline, which is now a well-established and widespread reality and is set to grow even more, especially among the younger generations».

Following the Cagliari event, the 2026 program of the FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa continues with a series of events across Italy.

The FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa includes the following activities: FLY TEST, CLINIC, TRAINING, and STAGE.

FLY TEST – Held on WASZP, Skeeta, BirdyFish, Wingfoil, and IQFOIL boards (for athletes already active in non-foil windsurfing classes). This activity is aimed at sailors from federation development classes, primarily those already competing in sailing who are approaching foiling for the first time.

CLINIC – Conducted on WASZP, Skeeta, Switch, Wingfoil, IQFOIL (for athletes already active in non-foil windsurfing classes), and Nacra 17. It is reserved for sailors who already have experience with foiling boats and wish to refine their technique in maneuvers, starts, and mark roundings, while deepening their understanding of racing dynamics, including formats and rules. Applications are submitted voluntarily and reviewed by the National Youth Direction, which evaluates and approves participation.

TRAINING – Conducted on WASZP, Skeeta, Switch, Wingfoil, IQFOIL (for athletes already active in non-foil windsurfing classes), and Nacra 17. It is dedicated to athletes already competing in foil classes and selected by Federal Coaches based on race results and/or direct observation during regattas attended by federation staff.

STAGE – Reserved for athletes following a competitive racing program who wish to strengthen their technical, tactical, and strategic knowledge. The topics covered are the same as those addressed in TRAINING activities but adapted to the participants’ level. Athletes attend with their own boats, subject to approval by the National Youth Direction.

In addition to sporting and training activities, the FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa organizes Open Days and instructional courses aimed at introducing younger generations to foiling sailing and training instructors in this flying discipline, enabling them to identify and select the most suitable boats for individual athletes. Since 2022, the Academy has also been involved in numerous international sailing events.

All the activities mentioned above are part of the FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa, a project launched in 2022 through the collaboration between the Italian Sailing Federation and the Italian team to develop and refine the next generation of Italian foiling sailing talents.

The Academy is directed by multi-medal Olympic champion Alessandra Sensini, who also serves as Youth Technical Director.