Argentario Sailing Week 2026 sees death of 61-year-old sailor

During the 25th edition of the Argentario Sailing Week in Porto Santo Stefano, a 61‑year‑old accountant from Reggio Emilia who was part of the historic crew of the boat Freya suffered a sudden medical emergency after the race on 25 June. Emergency services, including the 118 medical team and the Pegaso air‑rescue helicopter, responded promptly, but the sailor died despite resuscitation attempts. The incident prompted the vessel’s owner to withdraw Freya from competition and led to widespread expressions of condolence from the sailing community.

The week-long regatta, running from 25 to 28 June, featured 50 classic yachts from ten nations representing 3,478 years of sailing heritage. The historic Italian navy training ship Nave Palinuro served as the guest of honor, docked at the Garibaldi jetty and open for public visits. Organisers highlighted the event’s economic significance for Monte Argentario, expecting more than a thousand visitors and reinforcing the region’s reputation as a premier destination for international classic‑boat sailing.