The prestigious GC32 Racing Tour will arrive in Sardinia at the end of June. It will be the first time that an international sailing event will stop in Villasimius, in the southernmost part of the island. When, in 2015, the Italian challenger to the 35th America's Cup Luna Rossa announced its retirement the consequence was also the quick cancellation of the America's Cup World Series event that was scheduled for that summer in Cagliari. It is now 2017 and foil catamarans will finally arrive in Sardinia with a leg of the GC32 Racing Tour, which will then become the first international sailing event to take place in Villasimius, on the southern tip of the island.
While Cagliari is well known to international sailing for having hosted events of the TP52 and RC44 circuits in the past and for being the base for Luna Rossa's challenge to the America's Cup, until now Villasimius has been a well-kept secret from Italian enthusiasts. Located 50 kilometers east of Cagliari, the resort has enchanting shores and clear blue water, aspects on which Sardinia's international success has been built. A nearby brackish water lake, Timi Ama, is even home to groups of pink flamingos. Scheduled from June 28 to July 1 thanks to the support of the Region of Sardinia, the GC32 Villasimius Cup will be the second leg of the 2017 GC32 Racing Tour circuit, following its debut in the waters of Riva del Garda on Lake Garda in mid-May. Gianluca Dessi, Mayor of Villasimius welcomed the teams to his town, "The goal of the municipality is the promotion of the area through sport. This for us is one of the best opportunities to make known the 'Polynesia of the Mediterranean,' a paradise of wind and life...our Villasimius." The town of Villasimius is located at the base of a small peninsula that ends with the well-known Capo Carbonara, and in the western part of this peninsula is the Villasimius Marina where GC32 catamarans will be moored for the duration of the event. In the eastern area, however, is located Valtur's Tanka Village Golf & SPA, where the organizers and participants will stay.
Both the marina and the village are sponsors of the GC32 Villasimius Cup. Villasimius Marina director Amedeo Ferrigno said, "We are happy to host an international event of this level. Given our knowledge of the venue and all that is available here, we hope that participants will not want to leave Villasimius anytime soon and, indeed, want to make it a permanent fixture on the GC32 Racing Tour. Our goal is for the event to return to the southern air of Sardinia, right in Villasimius." The Capo Carbonara area is part of a Marine Protected Area, headed by Fabrizio Atzori. "Although the Marine Protected Area has rules to protect the marine and coastal environment, it still allows sports events to be held and promoted within its boundaries. Sailing is a discipline that fascinates many sportsmen and women, young and old, and it is a sport that allows sailing in the area in a respectful manner while enjoying a natural spectacle that is unique in its shapes and colors." Said Atzori.
For the GC32 Villasimius Cup, the CG32 Racing Tour has appointed Marco Babibi as local coordinator. Babini, a professional windsurfer and kite boarder for many years, is also president of the International Kiteboarding Association. He also has extensive experience in professional sailing, having previously worked for Luna Rossa. The Italian Naval League (LNI) of Villasimius will provide technical assistance in organizing the event and the actual regatta. A few days ago the LNI organized a major event dedicated to O'pen Bic class dinghies. President Sergio Ghiani said, "We hope that the GC32 class will fall in love with this place. our task will be to transmit the values of Sardinian hospitality to all competitors. Good wind to everyone." GC32 Racing director Christian Scherrer commented on the news saying, "I am looking forward to experiencing this second event of the 2017 GC32 Racing Tour in southern Sardinia, in Villasimius. The place is magnificent, known for its excellent conditions and great hospitality. I would like to thank all the partners and people who will welcome us in Villasimius."
The GC32 Villasimius Cup will take place from June 28 to July 1 and will be the second event in the class this year after the debut leg, the GC32 Riva Cup, which will take place May 11-14 on Lake Garda and will then be followed by other legs in Spain and France. The venue for the fourth event on the calendar will be announced soon.
2017 GC32 Racing Tour
- May 11-14 - GC32 Riva Cup / Riva del Garda, Italy
- June 28-July 1 - GC32 Villasimius Cup / Villasimius, Sardinia, Italy
- August 2-5 - 36 Copa del Rey / Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- September 13-16 - location to be confirmed
- October 12-15 - Marseille One Design / Marseille, France
