The Windsurfer Class European Championship 2025 concluded on Sunday, 14 September at the Centro Velico Punta Ala, featuring over 180 competitors from 16 countries over five days of racing.
The Gulf of Follonica was a vibrant display with the iconic sails of the Windsurfer Class, creating a picturesque scene during each launch from the private beach of PuntAla Camp & Resort. The event began on Tuesday, 9 September, facing challenging conditions, including a thunderstorm that rendered the racecourse unworkable on the first day. However, the following days featured light and shifty winds, which tested the Race Committee and the sailors, yet they demonstrated resilience and true sportsmanship. All eight course races planned for the men’s weight categories (A, B, C, D) and the Women’s category were completed, alongside the thrilling Long Distance race, which took place on the final day.
Racing days were long and demanding, with delays at the start, extended waits on the water, races stretching until sunset, and significant physical exertion required from the athletes. Despite the initial postponement, hopes for the Long Distance race appeared to dwindle again on Sunday due to a lack of wind keeping the fleet ashore until midday. At 13:15, just before the last warning signal’s time limit expired, a gentle westerly breeze at 6–7 knots filled in, allowing the marquee race to commence with around 150 boards hitting the water simultaneously. Many who considered leaving early missed the excitement.
Once on the water, the true Windsurfer spirit was evident. Despite fatigue from previous days, the desire to finish the championship with a spectacular race was palpable, showcasing the colourful sails racing together.
The two-lap, one-mile loop course provided an exceptional display in front of the resort’s beach. After approximately an hour and a quarter of racing, Andrea Marchesi (ITA 017, Associazione Vela Sabazia, cat. A) crossed the finish line first, followed by reigning world champion Alessandro Torzoni (ITA 90, LNI Olbia, cat. B) and Luca Frascari (ITA 013, East Bay Yachting Club Anzio).
Freestyle also captured attention, energising the crowd at sunset in front of the Beach Bar at PuntAla Camp & Resort, between happy hour and a DJ set. Though not counted towards overall standings, it was well-received and highlighted the playful, engaging spirit of the Windsurfer Class. Results included: Women: 1st Valeria Zullo (ITA 1710), 2nd Giulia Cocco (ITA 263); Men: 1st Stephan Louw (RSA 069), 2nd Nicola Spadea (ITA 2019), 3rd Marco Di Benedetto (ITA 3020), 4th Skir Nederpelt (0030), 5th Luca Del Gato (399), 6th Sam van Diepen (704), 7th Emile Martinie (13), 8th Michele Genna (1311), 9th Alain Blondeau (38), 10th Yuki Castrone (6751), 11th Leonardo Di Francesco (327).
In the championship overall, Italy and France dominated, with eight medals for France (2 golds, 4 silvers, 2 bronzes) and six for Italy (3 golds, 1 silver, 2 bronzes). The Netherlands secured third place in the Heavyweights category.
The competition was intense across all categories: Women (F) – Valeria Zullo (ITA 1710, Tognazzi Marine Village) emerged as the European Champion, leading consistently throughout, followed by sixteen-year-old Benedetta Barone (ITA 230, Circolo Canottieri Aniene), first among the Young, and France’s Sandra Marçon, who moved onto the podium after the Long Distance, edging out Italy’s Maria Giada Zalapì (ITA 23, Albaria), who finished fourth.
Lightweight (A) – Champion Andrea Marchesi (ITA 017, Associazione Vela Sabazia) confirmed his dominance with six race victories, followed by Pascal Bugeaud (FRA 6069) in second and Marco Costagli (ITA 85, LNI Piombino) in third.
Medium (B) – Reigning world champion Alessandro Torzoni (ITA 90, LNI Olbia) and Frédéric Duthil (FRA 1377) were neck and neck, with the Long Distance race tipping the title in Torzoni’s favour. Eric Belot (FRA 397, Yacht Club Villeneuve Loubet) finished third, just six points behind, keeping the standings competitive until the end.
Medium-Heavy (C) – The title went to France’s Cyril Dardashti (FRA 5611), who led the course racing with 7 wins out of 8, ahead of Jean Philippe Delapierre (FRA 037), the top Legend, and Italy’s Fabio Balini (ITA 211), the top Super Legend.
Heavy (D) – Frédéric Gautier (FRA 8, St Quentin) secured his title, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the eight races and a strong showing in the Long Distance, followed by Frédéric Boc-Ho (FRA 303, Wishbone Club Dinard) and Marcel Van der Ploeg (NED 031, WSV Oostvoorne).
Honourable mention goes to the 21 under-18 sailors, showcasing the class’s future, including the youngest participant, 11-year-old Giuseppe Accardo (Vela LNI Marsala).
Full results:
https://iwcaitalia.sailti.com/en/default/races/race-resultsall/text/WindsurferEuropeanChampionships2025-en
The championship closed with a thrilling finale, showcasing powerful emotions, team spirit, and a heartfelt display of sportsmanship and passion in the beautiful Tuscan Maremma. Special thanks are due to the staff at the Centro Velico Punta Ala and the entire Organising Committee for their constant support and efficient management, handling even the most complex situations with care. Overall, this championship was a serious, well-rounded event, with plenty of races and variable conditions that truly highlighted the core values of the sport.
The Windsurfer spirit shone through, demonstrating the event’s ability to unite sport, tradition, technique, and friendship, while remaining true to the class’s authentic essence, appealing to new generations while honouring its roots. This spirit was evident both on and off the water, complemented by social events organised by the Centro Velico Punta Ala in collaboration with PuntAla Camp & Resort, such as the Crew Dinner Party, freestyle shows during DJ sets, and beach bar happy hours, fostering a sense of community akin to a small “Olympic village”.
More info:
https://www.centrovelicopuntaala.it/regate/campionato-europeo-windsurfer-2025/
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