2026 EurILCA Europa Cup, Alexandre Kowalsky (ILCA 7), Emma Mattivi (ILCA 6F), Lorenzo Ghirotti (ILCA 6M), and Hristov Simon (ILCA 4) win in Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda – A full racing schedule was completed at the 2026 EurILCA Europa Cup event superbly organized by Fraglia Vela Riva. Thanks to the synergy between the on-the-water team led by Fausto Maroni and the excellent Principal Race Officer Zlatko Jakelic, this major international event, which brought more than 640 sailors to Riva del Garda and generated a significant economic impact for the area, concluded with eight valid races for all fleets.

Characterized by variable weather conditions, which became unstable after a superb opening day, the races proved highly selective and, as is often the case, favored some sailors while frustrating others.

In the ILCA 7 fleet, the men’s Olympic single-handed class, French sailor Alexandre Kowalski (Brest Bretagne Nautisme) left no room for his rivals, securing overall victory with one race to spare. “I am happy with my performances this week: it was both educational and enjoyable. I am now heading to Kiel, where I will be racing again in just two days, aware that I have improved my downwind sailing, which was my main objective when I decided to come to Lake Garda to race and train.”

Completing the podium were Israeli sailor Omer Vered Vilenchik (Sdot Sam Sailing Club), who was also the top Under 21 competitor, and Ukraine’s Oskar Madonich (Yacht Club Imperia). Among the Under 19 sailors, victory went to Federico Cittadini (Club Porto Civitanova).

In the ILCA 6 Women’s fleet, another Olympic class, local star Emma Mattivi (GS GDF) delivered a dominant performance, winning by a wide margin ahead of Nicol Segnini (Club Nautico del Mare Isola d’Elba) and Marina Murri (Circolo Nautico La Lampara), who topped both the Under 21 and Under 19 rankings. In the Under 17 category, Spain’s Francisca Puig Bonet (Real Club Náutico de Palma) claimed victory.

In the ILCA 6 Men’s fleet, Fraglia Vela Riva’s Lorenzo Ghirotti took the win. Also the top Under 19 sailor, Ghirotti prevailed after an exciting duel with Manuel Henk Vos (Fraglia Vela Malcesine). Some way behind in third place was Toma Smircic (JK Split), who emerged as the best Under 17 competitor.

The hugely attended ILCA 4 fleet was won in the men’s division by Simeon Hristov (Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club), who finished ahead of Leonardo Denti (Circolo Vela Bellano) and Andreas Marton (European Sailing Academy). Among the Under 16 sailors, Fraglia Vela Riva’s Marco Emanuele Aloisi came out on top.

In the women’s division, Sofia Gisele Berteotti delivered an impeccable victory. The Fraglia Vela Riva sailor, who finished second overall in the fleet of more than 300 competitors, kept Elena Ezraty (La Pelle Marseille), the top Under 16 sailor, and Giorgia Tumbarello (Società Canottieri Marsala) at bay.

To access information and official documents relating to the Riva del Garda leg of the 2026 EurILCA Europa Cup, click here.