Australia Wins Platu25 World Sailing Championship

SAN BENEDETTO DEL TRONTO, Italy – Australian team Aftershock has won the 2026 Platu25 World Championship after a dominant performance that saw the crew claim seven victories from the 10 races completed.

The championship concluded on September 19 at San Benedetto del Tronto, with the event organised by Circolo Nautico Sambenedettese and supported by the municipalities of San Benedetto del Tronto and Ascoli Piceno, the Marche Region and Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio Ascoli.

Unpredictable weather delayed the start of racing on the final day until close to the time limit set by the sailing instructions. Only one race could be completed, bringing the championship total to 10 races from a possible 12.

The final race was won by Lithuanian Radvilas Janulonis and his crew aboard Manu, ahead of Fandango from Associazione Velica Senigallia and Flash Cube from C.V. Ventoforte.

The result confirmed the World Championship victory for Mark Griffith and the Australian Aftershock team, which won seven of the 10 races during the regatta.

Fandango, skippered by Marco Angiolini, finished second overall, while the Lithuanian team led by Janulonis completed the podium in third.

The Platu25 World Championship concluded after a strong week of racing supported by the organising team from Circolo Nautico Sambenedettese.

“This was a highly anticipated championship,” said CNS President Giacomo Forti, “one that rightfully takes its place among the most prestigious chapters in our club’s history as we approach our 60th anniversary.

“I would, of course, like to thank the municipal governments of San Benedetto del Tronto and Ascoli Piceno, the sponsors and the media for their coverage of the event, but special praise goes to my board members and all the young members of the club who went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly.”

Mark Griffith, owner and helmsman of the winning Aftershock team, praised both the racing and the hospitality in San Benedetto del Tronto.

“It’s incredible – we’ve had such a great time here in San Benedetto del Tronto; the hospitality has been simply fantastic for me,” Griffith said.

“The competition was fair; we’re satisfied with our result and our performance at the World Championship. Aside from this morning, all the scheduled races were held – everything was fantastic.”