LUNA ROSSA AND FIV TOGETHER AGAIN TO SHAPE THE NEXT FOILING GENERATION

For the third consecutive year, the International Trophy took place in Cagliari from October 13 to 16, a Nations Trophy that brought together around 50 young sailing talents from Italy and abroad competing in the following foiling classes: Waszp, iQFoil, and Wingfoil.

The event is part of the FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa,  a collaboration launched in 2022 between the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) and Luna Rossa, aimed at training and developing young Italian foiling sailors. The Academy is led by multi-medal Olympic champion Alessandra Sensini.

Thanks to the cooperation of Mirco Babini, President of the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA), the International Trophy was held as part of the Sardinia Sailing Cup (September 23 – October 16). The heart of the event was Marina Piccola, home to the FIV Village, with dedicated areas for athletes and teams, and an open amphitheater that hosted the public for talk shows and panel discussions focused on sports and environmental sustainability.

In the Waszp class—featuring mixed teams—two female athletes from the Luna Rossa women’s team took part: Margherita Porro, paired with Mosè Bellomi, and Maria Vittoria Marchesini, paired with Francesco Carrieri. The two Italian teams competed against opponents from ten countries under challenging weather conditions, with shifting and gusty winds that forced the race committee to cancel several heats.

After the completed races, Margherita Porro and Mosè Bellomi won the Waszp Team ranking, while Maria Vittoria Marchesini and Francesco Carrieri finished in fourth place.

«I took part in this event two years ago», said Maria Vittoria Marchesini, «but this time it’s different, as I’m racing under the Luna Rossa flag, which is a great honor. Last time I competed with the Wing, while now I’m on the Waszp—a fun and fast class I know better and that’s closer to the type of racing we do. The Federation and Luna Rossa have done an excellent job: the level is very high, and the races are tight and technical. My advice to the youngest athletes here is to gain as many different experiences as possible and never give up, because you never know what opportunities might come your way».

«It’s my first time at this event», added Margherita Porro, «and I was really impressed by the athletes’ level and preparation. I know the Waszp well, having raced both the Worlds and the Europeans with it, and I think it’s perfect to prepare young sailors for faster and larger foiling boats, like those in the America’s Cup. I find this synergy between the Federation and Luna Rossa fantastic—a collaboration that will do a lot of good for the next generations of sailors. I see myself in these young athletes and recognize their passion. In the Waszp class there’s also a great atmosphere: we’rerivals on the water, but on land there’s real camaraderie. I think that’s a wonderful message for everyone».

Alessandra Sensini commented: «On one hand, the Italian Sailing Federation—with the Olympic Games, where foiling now plays a central role—and on the other, the America’s Cup and the opportunity to work with Luna Rossa, a team that embodies innovation, professionalism, and passion: together they form a winning combination for our young sailors, who can now see several real paths ahead of them. With the Foil Academy, we want to provide young people with the foundations to grow not only as athletes but as well-rounded sports professionals, capable of sharing experiences, strengths, and knowledge, just like in major international teams. This synergy enhances the journey the Federation is building and offers our young talents an ever more inspiring horizon».