Basilico skippered by Matteo Sampiero is the new Italian Meteor Champion

Basilico, skippered by Matteo Sampiero of Circolo Vela Erix, is the new Italian Meteor champion. The 53rd edition of the Italian Championship concluded today in the waters off Grignano, beneath Miramare Castle, with just five points separating the top three crews after five races and one discard.

Basilico, which was already leading at the end of yesterday’s racing, secured the title with 17 net points, ahead of Enrico Michel’s Frivolotto, representing Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, which finished second on 20 points. Third place went to Davide Sampiero’s Pekoranera Ensto of Circolo Vela Erix, with 22 points. The podium reflects the consistency of the leading crews throughout a championship that remained closely contested until the final day.

It was a particularly positive championship for Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, which, in addition to Frivolotto’s second place, saw Luca Taglialegne’s Ismo finish fifth on 30 points. Also in the top ten was Tommaso Salvi’s Bee Wave, ninth overall with 43 points and first among the Under-25 crews, securing the Trofeo Patelli awarded to the Italian champion in that category. The award for the highest-placed female helm went to Margherita Mesini, at the helm of Bloody Mary (Il Portodimare ASD), who finished 14th overall.

The championship, organised by the Italian Sailing Federation together with Società Nautica Grignano and Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, concluded after five races. Results remain provisional pending the completion of jury proceedings.

For the top twenty crews in the overall standings, racing continues tomorrow with the Barcolana By Night Regional Cup, which will see the Meteor fleet compete in the San Giusto Basin. They will be joined by five Under-25 crews and five crews selected by draw.