An exciting event that celebrates the Venetian sailing tradition.
Prosecco Doc Shockwave 3 – Hotel Excelsior with Mitja Kosmina at the helm and Venetian owner Claudio Demartis was the first vessel to cross the finish line and win the Venice Hospitality Challenge 2024. The regatta, of which Excellence Magazine was a media partner, took place as per tradition along the city route of the Serenissima, from the Rive di San Marco to the Giudecca Canal. The 90 footer of the Monfalcone Yacht Club, which boasts a palmarès with over 90 victories in regattas most important in the world, immediately took the lead after the start. This year’s edition was particularly hard-fought with the fleet still compact after more than halfway, also due to the wind which never exceeded five-six knots.
Due to the adverse weather conditions forecast, the Venice Yacht Club, in agreement with the competent authorities, decided to postpone the XI edition of the Venice Hospitality Challenge to last Sunday to guarantee the safety of the crews and the public during the regatta. The event, which is part of the schedule of “Le Città in Festa”, closes the sailing season of the Serenissima, returning to the Venetian Autumn calendar.
For the first time in the history of the Venice Hospitality Challenge, the regatta committee, chaired by Gianfranco Frizzarin assisted by Francesco Pappagallo, Emilia Barbieri and Antonella Gregoris, drew up the final ranking, with the times compensated according to the ORC regulations thanks to the support of Nicola Sironi.
The final ranking of the Venice Hospitality Challenge sees in the Maxi A Regatta ranked first Mitja Kosmina with Prosecco Doc Shockwave 3 – Hotel Excelsior, Paolo Montefusco with Idrusa – Alajmo Ristorante Quadri, and Dudi Coletti with Moro di Venezia – Comune di Venezia/Salone Nautico; in the Maxi B Regatta Alberto Leghissa takes first place with Anywave Safilens – St. Regis, followed by Roberto Zambelli with Pegaso – Sina Centurion Hotel and Clean Sport One – Nolinski Venezia by Jure Orel; in the Maxi Cruiser on the podium are Francesco Manzin with Forever – Londra Palace, Luca Riccobon with Anemos II – JW Marriott and Paolo Pesaresi with Kiwi – Ca’ di Dio/Lilt.
Also up for grabs is the Barcolana Venice Hospitality Trophy, a Challenge trophy awarded considering the best performances in the Barcolana Maxi Trofeo Portopiccolo and Venice Hospitality Challenge which was won by Anywave Safilens – St. Regis helmed by Alberto Leghissa. Of note is the participation of Ancilla Domini – The Gritti Palace who also raced for Emergency led by ocean navigator Alberto Riva.
The president of the Venice Yacht Club, Mirko Sguario, stated, “This year, for the first time, it was necessary to postpone the regatta to Sunday. Making this decision was certainly difficult, but when the weather forecasts are unfavorable, it becomes unavoidable. In consultation with the relevant authorities, we decided to delay the start to ensure the safety of the crews and provide the public with a spectacle that meets their expectations. The last-minute challenges were numerous, but I am proud to have once again brought a unique event to Venice. I would like to thank the Capitaneria di Porto, Port System Authority, Marina Militare, Police, Guardia Costiera, Carabinieri, Fire Brigade and everyone who contributed to the realization of this event despite the many difficulties.”
Ermelinda Damiano, president of the Venice City Council, added, “The Venice Hospitality Challenge enhances quality tourism, a common goal for all of us. I thank Mirko Sguario for his commitment, which allows us to witness a truly unique spectacle each year.”
“The elite of sailing returns to Venice, marking an important milestone leading up to the next Boat Show, which will take place from May 29th to June 2nd, 2025. Congratulations to the Venice Yacht Club for hosting this emotional eleventh edition of the Venice Hospitality Challenge,” said Fabrizio D’Oria, director of Salone Nautico Venezia.
Venice Hospitality Challenge is sponsored by the Municipality of Venice and the Northern Adriatic Sea Port System Authority. It benefits from the support of partners Vela Spa, Salone Nautico Venezia, Marina Militare, Capitaneria di Porto, Guardia Costiera and FIV. Main sponsors include Generali Italia, VISA and Boscolo Bielo; sponsors are New Murano Gallery, MureaDritta, Prosecco Doc, Panfido, VYP Venice Yacht Pier, Select, Acqua Dolomia, Alilaguna, Assonautica Venezia and Portodimare.
Photos © Marco Contessa
