Scheduled to take place in the picturesque town of Desenzano on Lake Garda from June 4th to June 11th, the sporting event will be organized by Fraglia Vela Desenzano.

This morning (Friday, May 10th), the “2024 Desenzano FISU World University Championship Sailing” was officially unveiled. The event, scheduled from June 4th to June 11th, is being organized by Fraglia Vela Desenzano in collaboration with CUS Brescia. The university world championship draws a diverse international representation to the charming lakeside town and will be held under the auspices of the Italian Sailing Federation, the Italian University Sports Center, and the International University Sports Federation.

Renowned worldwide for its favorable conditions for high-level regattas, Lake Garda has attracted interest from numerous universities. Sixteen teams, selected by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), from across the globe are expected to participate. Represented countries include Italy (2 teams, one of which comprises athletes from Fraglia Vela Desenzano), Canada (2 teams), Singapore, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Japan, Croatia, Poland, Malaysia, Australia, Ireland, and China.

The format of the 2024 Desenzano FISU World University Championship Sailing will feature fleet racing. The first two days will be dedicated to determining the finalists for the races on June 8th and 9th, culminating in the crowning of the winning crew.

The Dolphin 81 will be the vessel used for the event, a one-design boat manufactured by the Brescia-based shipyard Maxi Dolphin, designed by Ettore Santarelli, a Desenzano-born designer who celebrates his centenary in 2024.

Athlete arrivals are scheduled for June 4th, with the opening ceremony set to take place on the afternoon of June 5th. Preceding the ceremony, there will be a parade along the Desenzano lakeside featuring all participating teams, alongside representatives from the Lombardy Region, the Municipality of Desenzano del Garda, FIV President Francesco Ettorre, the Rector of the University of Brescia, the President of CUS Brescia, and delegates from CUSI and FISU.

The event offers ample opportunities for exploring the region. On June 10th, a guided tour of the city of Brescia is planned, while typical local product tastings are scheduled throughout the championship.

Stefano Loda, President of Fraglia Vela Desenzano, remarked, “Like all great projects, organization has not been simple, and this final month will see us heavily involved. I am convinced that it is truly major projects like this that allow entities like Fraglia Vela Desenzano to grow and nurture the younger members of our club. The 2024 Desenzano FISU World University Championship Sailing will be an opportunity for all our young people to be present and collaborate during the regatta days: we want to involve everyone, from the youngest to the oldest.”

Lara Magoni, Undersecretary for Sport of the Lombardy Region, stated, “In June, we will have the honor of hosting the 2024 Desenzano FISU World University Championship Sailing on one of our most beautiful lakes in Lombardy, Lake Garda. This extraordinary event will highlight the importance that Lombardy, and in particular Brescia, have been gaining as attractive sports hubs on the international stage for years. This is not only a beautiful sporting event but also a great opportunity to showcase the excellence of the region to international visitors. Sport symbolizes unity and culture for mutual enrichment. I thank CUS-Brescia and FIV, who this year have organized an event together with the institutions that can be an inspiration for the future. I hope to see a large influx of visitors, as well as sailing enthusiasts. Especially on this occasion, sailing is synonymous with collaboration and teamwork, fleets and crews will be the protagonists of this competition. Long live sports, long live sailing!”

Guido Malinverno, Mayor of Desenzano del Garda, emphasized, “In a season of important sports events taking place in our city (Gran Fondo Colnago and Giro d’Italia time trial stage), we are pleased to support and host this world championship on our lake with the participation of so many nations from around the world. Desenzano reaffirms itself not only as an important and well-known tourist destination but also as a center for significant events, thanks to the collaboration with our associations such as Fraglia Vela Desenzano, which has been working tirelessly for years to promote this important sport that characterizes our territory.”

The 2024 Desenzano FISU World University Championship Sailing is supported by Gruppo Bonera Mercedes, Promotica, Cantiere Maxi Dolphin, Alfa Live, HPA, Sunstripe, Razzi, Acqua Maniva, Amadori Piscine, Revetec, Isotherm, Vibatex, Sicurtec, and Wi Legal.