CICO Edison Next sailing championship in Naples

The CICO Edison Next 2026 Italian Olympic Classes Championship in Naples faced an initial delay when the opening day was canceled due to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and wind gusts of up to 40 knots. Officials postponed the competition to allow for safer racing conditions.

By the penultimate day of the event, weather conditions improved significantly, featuring sunny skies and light thermal breezes of 6-8 knots. While most of the approximately 347 boats participated in racing, some classes, such as the Nacra 17 catamaran and the 49er and 49erFX skiffs, were unable to compete due to irregular wind. The championship also included a sustainability conference titled ‘Discovering the sea above and below water’ held in collaboration with the One Ocean Foundation.

The event concluded with favorable weather on the final day, featuring sun and moderate to strong winds between 14 and 18 knots. These conditions allowed for the completion of the racing program across six different courses in the Gulf of Naples, determining final rankings and national titles for all categories.

A total of 399 athletes competed in 347 boats and boards across various Olympic disciplines and Para Sailing classes. The championship utilized the Lungomare Caracciolo and Rotonda Diaz as central hubs for the FIVillage, technical stands, and award ceremonies, while Para Sailing athletes were based at Molosiglio. As part of official protocols, Nado Italia conducted surprise anti-doping tests for several winners.

Notable individual performances included Antonio Pascali winning the Under 21 title in the ILCA 7 class, and Lorenzo Ghirotti securing first place in the ILCA 6 category. In the paralympic classes, Giancarlo Mariani of the Liberi nel Vento team earned a bronze medal in the 2.4mR class.