The highly anticipated appointment with the Winter Challenge is approaching, the historic sailing regatta organized by the Fraglia Vela di Desenzano. This year, the event will take place over four days, featuring over 65 boats competing in the waters of Lake Garda. The dates to mark on your calendar are Sunday, November 17, 2024, followed by December 1, 2024, January 19, 2025, and finally February 2, 2025.
Regatta Details
The crews will participate divided into four different classes, including Dolphin 81, Asso 99, and Meteor. The first race will kick off on Sunday morning at 10 AM, with a maximum of eleven races scheduled throughout the event. The awards ceremony will take place at the end of the final day of competition.
Tribute to Ettore Santarelli
The upcoming edition of the Winter Challenge will be enriched by special events dedicated to celebrating sailing tradition. On Saturday, November 16, the Fraglia Vela will pay tribute to Ettore Santarelli, a renowned designer and boat builder, on the occasion of the centenary of his birth. Santarelli was the genius behind numerous iconic models such as the Asso 99 and the Dolphin 81.
During the commemorative event at 5:30 PM, the book “Ettore Santarelli, Dreamer of Boats” written by Piero Vantini will be presented. Cristina Santarelli, the designer’s daughter, will be present, and the meeting will be moderated by sailing journalist Giulio Guazzini from Rai. The evening will also include a video screening showcasing historical images of Asso 99 regattas.
Statements from the Organizers
The president of the Fraglia Vela di Desenzano, Stefano Loda, expressed great pride in organizing the event: “The Winter Challenge is becoming one of the main sailing events in Northern Italy.” He also thanked local institutions for their support: “We thank the Municipality of Desenzano, the Vela Club Desenzano, and the XIV Zone for their collaboration.”
Italian Version
