THE FLEET POWERS THROUGH THE TYRRHENIAN SEA AND FACES THE TACTICAL CHALLENGE OF THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS.

The offshore marathon of over 1,500 nautical miles non-stop is entering its decisive phase.

After the first few days at sea, the Figaro 3 fleet is preparing to face the uncertainty of the high-pressure system between the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas.

The sixth edition of the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Veloce 2026 – Italy’s Sailing Tour – is entering its crucial stage.

The longest and most compelling offshore race in the Mediterranean, launched by the Italian Ministry of Defence, the Italian Navy and Difesa Servizi S.p.A., and organised in collaboration with SSI Sports & Events, is putting world-class sailors to the test in a non-stop crossing of over 1,500 nautical miles from west to east.

The double-handed crews, at the helm of high-performance Beneteau Figaro 3 monohulls designed by VPLP, are competing along a circumnavigating route across the Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Adriatic Seas. The course will take the fleet to the prestigious finish line in the Gulf of Trieste, with arrivals coinciding with the 58th edition of the Barcolana.

The First Phase: Pure Speed and Technical Precision

Since the official start from Genoa on 25 September, the first days of racing have been characterised by a steady flow of wind, allowing the boats to make the most of their speed potential. Satellite tracking data shows a tightly packed fleet, following the ideal route towards the designated waypoints.

During this initial phase, with no major weather changes, the decisive factor has been technical precision: rig tuning, timely sail changes and raw hull speed have rewarded those able to push their boats relentlessly to the limit.

The Weather Puzzle: High Pressure Between the Aeolian Islands and Calabria

The tactical picture, however, is now changing dramatically.

Currently sailing through the channel between the Aeolian Islands and the Calabrian coast, competitors are facing the first major strategic turning point of the race. Weather models indicate the formation of a vast high-pressure system across the central and southern Mediterranean, likely to bring a significant drop in wind strength, shifts in direction and extensive areas of calm.

Sailing in light airs will turn the race into a finely balanced game of chess, where the crews’ responsiveness and intuition will make all the difference.

Entering the Ionian Sea

According to race routing projections, the fleet could round the southern tip of Sicily and enter the Ionian Sea on Saturday, 3 October.

At that point, sailors will face a crucial decision: stay close to the coast in search of weak thermal breezes, while risking wind shadows created by the surrounding terrain, or head further offshore in search of more stable synoptic winds, at the cost of sailing a longer distance.

The ability to read the slightest ripples on the water and manage weight distribution on board will be key to taking the lead as the fleet heads towards Taranto and the Adriatic Sea.

Initial Comments from the Organisers

Riccardo Simoneschi, CEO & Executive Manager of the Marina Militare Nastro Rosa Tour, is following the fleet alongside the Shore Team, which provides onshore support to the competing crews. He shares his assessment of the event’s technical level, the logistical challenges involved and the outlook for this exciting route towards Trieste.

“The sixth edition of the Veloce is confirming the exceptionally high technical standard of the competition. The demanding qualifying races held in the Gulf of Genoa brought together top-level Italian and international sailors, and the first days of racing have confirmed this, with a closely packed fleet making the most of the strong winds.

“Now, as the fleet rounds Sicily and encounters lighter conditions, strategy will also come into play. The Shore Team has done a tremendous job and will continue to support the crews all the way to Trieste, in the setting of the Barcolana. There, once again, we will stand alongside Nave Vespucci, which we proudly support, with its logo displayed on the sails and hulls.

“The attention received from the media and the public along the route is an important sign of the event’s continued growth.”