International Para Sailing regattas mark a spectacular day

After Tuesday's regattas, inclusive sailing is once again Trieste’s main protagonist. Many top Italian athletes competed on the regatta course, including silver and bronze medallists at the last World Championships in the Netherlands Davide Di Maria and Antonio Squizzato, who competed side by side with international sailors and able-bodied athletes. Thanks to the support of World Sailing and the activities of the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV)’s Para Sailing Academy supported by IBSA, Trieste is at the centre of a great sports and cultural movement, which believes that sailing is for everyone. The athletes proved their competitiveness and confronted the wind and the waves in the beautiful waters of Trieste, while people on land cheered enthusiastically. This event is much more than a competition – it is an opportunity to raise awareness of inclusion and to celebrate diversity, showing that sailing is a sport open to all, regardless of physical ability.

Two classes of boats were involved in this edition of the Barcolana Para Sailing: the Hansa 303 Class (won by Vincenzo Gulino, followed by Jazz Turner and Carmelo Forastieri) and the 2.4 Class (Antonio Squizzato ranked first, Davide Di Maria second, and Giancarlo Mariani third).

“This day of racing is a clear sign of our commitment to opening the doors of sailing to everyone, regardless of physical ability,” said Councillor Fabio Colella. “The Barcolana Para Sailing is a major event that highlights the talent and determination of Para Sailing athletes. We will keep up the hard work to promote accessibility and inclusion in sailing.”

The FIV Para Sailing Academy supported by IBSA will be back tomorrow with an “open day” dedicated to local associations and organisations that deal with disabilities. Instructors and boats will be available to disabled people who have never tried sailing in order to bring them closer to this sport.