The 2025 Contender World Championship concluded today at Fraglia Vela Malcesine after five spectacular days of world-class sailing on the stunning waters of Lake Garda. The event brought together the very best of the international sailing community, with 12 nations proudly represented, combining sport, culture, and camaraderie in a celebration of excellence.
The championship officially opened with a vibrant opening ceremony at the historic palace in Malcesine, Palazzo dei Capitani, featuring a parade through the streets of Malcesine with all national flags of participating nations — a symbolic start to a week marked by strong competition and international spirit.
Australian Sailors Top 10 Results:
Mark BULKA – 1st
Sam ELLIS – 5th
Simon BARWOOD – 9th
Racing Highlights
The regatta unfolded over three days of Qualifying Series and two days of Finals, testing sailors under varying and often challenging conditions.
Day One saw beautiful Ora winds allowing two full races to be completed for each of the four qualifying fleets — Blue, Green, Red, and Yellow.
On Day Two, despite lighter winds, the race committee skillfully delivered another full schedule of racing across all fleets.
Day Three brought uncertainty, with a morning storm delaying action. While fleets were sent out under a light northerly breeze, conditions worsened quickly, and all racing was ultimately abandoned for the day. Nonetheless, the evening featured a friendly get-together with local Stiegl beer and Redoro olive oil bruschetta — a signature Garda welcome and happy hour.
Day Four marked the start of the Finals, when only the Gold Fleet managed to race due to strong and unstable weather conditions. Racing was tight and intense, as sailors vied for positioning ahead of the decisive final day. But the final day saw both Gold and Silver fleets back on the water. Pelèr wind from the north brought ideal racing conditions — steady breeze, sunshine, and a wave pattern that tested the skills of the fleets. Thanks to these favorable conditions, we were able to complete races for both fleets, ensuring a fair and complete ranking across the board.
Day Five Pelèr wind from north brought ideal racing conditions — steady breeze, sunshine, and a wave pattern that tested the skills of the fleets. Thanks to these favorable conditions, we were able to complete races for both fleets, ensuring a fair and complete ranking across the board and determining the 2025 world title.
Final Results
After a week of competitive sailing, it was Mark Bulka (AUS 2457) who claimed the World Championship title, prevailing on countback in an extraordinary three-way tie on points. Bulka’s consistency and number of race wins secured him gold, ahead of Italy’s Antonio Lambertini (ITA 2561) and Great Britain’s Graeme Willcox (GBR 2787).
In the women’s division, Olga Henneberg (DEN 2772) was crowned Female World Champion, finishing 70th overall. In the youth’s division, Remco Riesthuis (NED 170) was crowned Youth World Champion, whilst Mark Bulka also claimed the title of World Champion in the Master division, and Stuart Jones was crowned Grandmaster World champion — a remarkable achievement showcasing strength and determination throughout the week.
This edition of the Contender Worlds has not only delivered exciting and competitive sailing, but also a series of memorable shore-side moments — from the lake-view dinner with Tinazzi wines, to the warm hospitality extended by the local community and event partners.
Fraglia Vela Malcesine extends its deepest thanks to all competitors, volunteers, staff, and sponsors who made the 2025 Contender World Championship an outstanding success. We look forward to welcoming the global sailing community back again in the future.
The 2025 Contender World Championship was made possible thanks to the invaluable support of sponsors and partners who believe in this ambitious sporting and local development project. Our heartfelt thanks go to our main sponsor Falconeri and to partners Cassa Rurale Alto Garda Rovereto, Funivie Malcesine–Monte Baldo, Metallurgica Frigerio, Frantoi Redoro, Stiegl Breweries, Cantine Tinazzi, and Speck Stube.
The event was further enhanced on land with buffets, aperitifs, and dinners that made each day even more enjoyable and convivial. And additionally huge thanks to our institutional partners, Visit Malcesine and Federazione Italiana Vela. Technical sponsors: Negri Nautica Store and Helly Hansen.
The event was held under the patronage of the Veneto Region and the Municipality of Malcesine.
Finally, a special thanks goes to both the Italian Contender Class and the International Contender Class Association for their trust, support, and collaboration in making this World Championship an outstanding success.
Fraglia Vela Malcesine, August 3, 2025
Regatta Review Video – https://www.facebook.com/reel/1703594397709683
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