Mabelle, Ilda, Crivizza, and Gazell win the 6th Capraia Sail Rally

Twenty-one participating boats, an offshore Sail Rally contested using the "multi-start" formula, two coastal races with northerly winds of up to 12 knots, two convivial evenings for the crews, the participating boats ranging in length from 9.25 to 23.50 meters, and 1931 being the year Patience, the oldest vessel, was launched. These are the numbers of the 6th Capraia Sail Rally, the sailing event organized from June 11 to 14, 2026, by the Viareggio Historic Sails Association (www.velestoricheviareggio.org). "This year too," declared VSV President Gianni Fernandes, "the excellent wind and sea conditions allowed us to hold an event that prioritizes meeting and socializing among the crews over the purely competitive spirit. Thanks to the Vele Storiche operational team on land, including Roberto Olivieri and Serena Laudisa who handled the rankings, everything went smoothly." The approach rally to the island took place on Thursday, June 11th, using the "multi-start" formula. Recordings on the Garmin Navionics Boating App of the coordinates, route, miles, and time elapsed (within a two-hour navigation interval) decreed the victory of Mabelle, a Dick Carter design launched by Sangermani in 1973. The boat, built of three layers of pine on acacia frames, underwent a major refit in 2024 by the Servizi Nautici shipyard of master shipwright Giuseppe Frassi. "We are thrilled with this victory," said Pisan owner Gabriele Berti, "achieved by sailing close-hauled at an average speed of 6.5 knots with a 15-knot Mistral wind." In the evening, Edmondo Colliva, owner of Italnolo, sponsor of the event, who became a Knight of Capraia after renowned journalist Piero Ottone decided to pass the title on to him 12 years ago, officially presented him with the Challenge Nobile Ordine Marittimo Cavalieri di Capraia. This year marks the debut of the "Trofeo Challenge del Cavaliere Nero," won by Roberto Fini's 1979 Magim and awarded to the last-place finisher in the Rally to celebrate the spirit of participation, regardless of placing.

The Capraia Sail Rally was organized by the Viareggio Historic Sails Association with the patronage of the Tuscany Region, the Municipality of Capraia Isola, the Noble Maritime Order of the Knights of Capraia, the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV), the Italian Vintage Sails Association (AIVE), the International Mediterranean Committee (CIM), and the Coast Guard. Sponsors and partners of the event were Italnolo, Osculati, Navigo, Équipement de Vie, Tera Energy, Navionics, Veleria Millenium, Cantiere Navale Francesco Del Carlo, Cecchi, 4F Group, Masseria Canestrello, Marina di Capraia Isola, La Piana, Arura Farm, Il Saracello, Ortigrandi Brewery, and San Rocco Farm.