Veleziana 2015

A spectacular Saturday challenge of the 2014 winners with Elan Duveticas.

The autumn classic organized by the Compagnia della Vela with its spectacular arrival in St. Mark's lagoon. The Veleziana programmed for the 18th October with 11 sailing boat categories all gathered in the splendid framework of the Venetian lagoon, is the closing regatta of the sailing season, and held only a week after the Barcolana.

Spectacular heats especially for the competition area, but also a magnificent sailing festival missed by very few! A regatta within a regatta completing a grand weekend, because on Saturday 17th - the day before the Veleziana, the 9 maxi yachts from the Venice Hospitality Challenge will parade in the lagoon waters. All the boats at the “Veleziana” departure, will be battling to participate in the Overall finals, and among these a certain Paul Cayard and the “Moro di Venezia.”
Veleziana was presented at the Compagnia della Vela's head office in St. Mark's Square this morning and the registration is open to all boats over 5 metres: 11 categories including the Elan Duveticas. With the latter, the Compagnia della Vela thought to organize a special starting event named “Velezianina” as a prelude to the Sunday regatta. The winners from each category in the 2014 Veleziana will participate on board one-design ELAN 210 Duveticas with a 3-4 person crew.
The challenge will be held mid-Saturday afternoon, in waters between the island of San Servolo and the island of San Giorgio (in front of Compagnia della Vela's sporting centre-Centro Sportivo di Eccellenza).
Regarding the Sunday regatta - the route is coastal, and as usual will depart offshore from the Lido di Venezia, south of the San Nicolò dyke, lagoon entrance through the Porto del Lido, at the San Nicolò canal, with an obligatory gateway (passing) near the Sant’Andrea Fort. Then continue on to the San Marco canal, canale dell'orfanello and arrival near the Compagnia della Vela di San Marco moorings in St. Mark's basin.

“Since its beginnings, Veleziana has been the most awaited autumn date in Venetian sailing – says Ugo Campaner, Compagnia della Vela's president – this and Venicemarathon programmed for 25th October are sporting festivals that keep Venice in the spotlight during this period. Last year 150 boats were registered. We hope to obtain the same in 2015, already knowing that many boats guarantee their presence on the way back from the Barcolana programmed for Sunday 11th in Trieste. Even the Maxi Yacht heats with Paul Cayard returning once again to Venice, must be tried out and enjoyed. Everything will be a sight to be seen, tried out, and enjoyed for tourists and Venetians alike, who once again, become the hosts with their sailing boats.”

“Veleziana is an important regatta for the city and the federation I represent – added Dodi Villani, president of the FIV's (Italian Sailing Federation) Zona XII Veneto branch – and thanks to the Compagnia della Vela, the city is reverting to quality organization in events like this, showing not only big love and enthusiasm for the sport, but also for the city of Venice.”

Classifications will be compiled in real time, in an only heat. Classifications for each category will be determined from the general classification. The absolute winner will be awarded the “Veleziana” trophy – the permanent “Challenge” trophy which must be restored to the Compagnia della Vela di Venezia by 31st August 2016. The “Veleziana” prize-giving will take place at the Compagnia della Vela's headquarters on the island of S. Giorgio, at 11.00am, on 28th November 2015.

Please refer to www.compagniadellavela.org  for information regarding registration and announcements. The “Veleziana” event can also be followed through photos and constantly updated information on the Compagnia della Vela's facebook page.