2026 29er World Championship, Victoria Demurtas and Ludovico Beretta win bronze in the mixed crews in Kiel
Kiel – On the demanding waters of Kiel, Fraglia Vela Riva sailors claimed another World Championship bronze medal. The achievement came courtesy of Victoria Demurtas and Ludovico Beretta, who finished third among the mixed crews at the 2026 29er World Championship, held at the venue that hosted the sailing competitions of the 1936 Berlin and 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
Contested over no fewer than seventeen races, all sailed in windy and highly variable conditions, the 2026 29er World Championship brought together the very best of this dynamic skiff class, widely regarded as the ideal pathway to the Olympic 49er and other high-performance skiffs. More than 270 crews took part, including over fifty mixed teams. Victory in the mixed division went to Americans Julia Sitzman and Anton Schmid, who consistently remained among the leaders of the overall standings throughout the championship.
Victoria Demurtas and Ludovico Beretta enjoyed an excellent qualifying series before finding the extra energy needed to secure a place on the podium in the final race of the event.
“It definitely wasn’t an easy regatta. The race course was extremely demanding and even qualifying for the Gold Fleet was a challenge. We sailed seventeen very hard-fought races, and the standings remained uncertain right up to the final leg. We gave everything we had, staying focused and never giving up, even when things became difficult. In the end, the greatest reward came in the very last race, when we secured our place on the podium. It’s a result that makes us incredibly happy and repays all the effort and determination we put into racing over these past few days,” said Victoria Demurtas and Ludovico Beretta after the prize-giving ceremony.
Also representing Fraglia Vela Riva in Kiel, under the guidance of coach Luigi Rago, were Lucia Finato, once again sailing with Bianca Marchesini (FVM), who finished first in the Silver Fleet; Emma Bert and Achille Angelini, together with Giulio Mattanini and Francesco Naccari, who competed with determination in the Bronze Fleet and produced several encouraging performances; while the championship also provided valuable international experience for Sara Fragapane and Elisabetta Cappato.
“It was an extremely demanding World Championship, with strong winds right through to the final day and constantly changing conditions. Seventeen races, more than 270 crews and six qualifying groups made it a particularly challenging event. During the opening days we didn’t read the conditions as well as we should have, but I’m proud of the team’s reaction and their determination never to give up. Victoria and Ludovico stayed mentally strong through the difficult moments and earned a fantastic podium finish. Bianca and Lucia ended the championship as fourth overall among the women and third in the Under 19 category, although the 29er class still does not award Under 19 prizes as other youth classes do; this rule is expected to change next year. Emma and Achille won the Bronze Fleet, even though their goals had been different. Giulio and Francesco were hampered by a trapeze failure on the opening day and a health issue that forced them to miss an entire day of racing. Sara and Elisabetta gained valuable experience at their first World Championship,” commented Fraglia Vela Riva’s 29er Racing Team coach, Luigi Rago.
“It is always a pleasure to celebrate a World Championship podium, and even more so when it is achieved by two determined and passionate sailors who have proudly represented Fraglia Vela Riva throughout their sporting careers. Congratulations to Victoria and Ludovico, and to coach Luigi Rago, who is no stranger to outstanding performances on the world stage,” said Fraglia Vela Riva President Chiara Carloni.
