Campionato Italiano Match Race 2026 in Gaeta

From 24 to 27 September 2026, the Golfo di Gaeta becomes a racing arena for duels: the Campionato Italiano Match Race a Gaeta returns, with the Open, Under 23, and Femminile titles awarded over four days.

Match racing is not a regatta like any other. There is no fleet starting together: there are just two boats, head to head, sizing each other up right from the pre-start. You win simply by crossing the line ahead of the other boat. It is the America’s Cup format, and it is also the only one you can easily follow from the shore without knowing anything about sailing: two boats, one in front, one behind.

Who is competing

A maximum of twelve skippers are admitted. Entry is granted by right to the reigning Campione Italiano Assoluto, the reigning Campione Italiano Under 23, and the top four Italian Under 23 skippers in the World Sailing ranking list; one place is allocated by the organizing committee. All-female crews, foreign skippers, and mixed crews by nationality and gender are permitted.

Races are contested on Match 25 boats provided by the club and drawn by lot each day, ensuring that skill at the helm makes the difference rather than the boat assigned. Crews consist of four people — five if all-female — up to a maximum total weight of 350 kg.

The schedule

• Thursday 24 September — registration, practice sessions on the water, and crew weigh-in from 12:00 to 18:00. Opening ceremony at 18:30.
• Friday 25 September — skipper briefing at 9:00, first warning signal at 12:00. Pasta party upon return.
• Saturday 26 September — skipper briefing at 9:00 and racing. Gala dinner at 20:00.
• Sunday 27 September — skipper briefing at 9:00 and final races: no start signal will be given after 16:00. Award ceremony at the end.

The format consists of a full round-robin stage, followed by semi-finals among the top four (first against fourth, second against third) and finals, first to score two points. For the Femminile and Under 23 titles, only the round-robin stage counts.

Where to watch

The races take place in the gulf, close to shore: this is the nature of match racing, created as a spectator format. The boats moor at the Yacht Club Gaeta, on Lungomare Caboto, and from that stretch of the promenade you can follow the activity between the port and the race course. Watching is completely free.

The organizers

The Federazione Italiana Vela delegates the event to the Sezione Vela della Guardia di Finanza — celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026 — in collaboration with the Comitato IV Zona FIV and Yacht Club Gaeta E.V.S., with the support of Comune di Gaeta, Base Nautica Flavio Gioia, and Visit Lazio. The event has applied for World Sailing Grade 3 status.

Eight days later, on the same stretch of water, the Campionato Italiano delle Zone FIV takes place: two national championships in ten days.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Campionato Italiano Match Race a Gaeta take place?

From 24 to 27 September 2026. Thursday 24 registration and water practice from 12:00, Friday 25 first warning signal at 12:00, Sunday 27 no starts after 16:00 followed by the award ceremony.

Can you watch? Is there an admission fee?

Yes, and it is free of charge. The races take place in the gulf close to shore; the boats moor at Yacht Club Gaeta, on Lungomare Caboto, and can be watched from that stretch of the promenade.

What is match racing?

A one-on-one duel: two boats against each other, where the first to finish wins. It is the America’s Cup format. In Gaeta, racing takes place on Match 25 boats provided by the club.

Who organizes the Campionato Italiano Match Race 2026?

The Sezione Vela della Guardia di Finanza, delegated by the Federazione Italiana Vela, in collaboration with the Comitato IV Zona FIV and Yacht Club Gaeta E.V.S.