Circolo Vela Torbole on Top of Europe: Elisa Bombana Wins the WASZP European Championship

Circolo Vela Torbole Reaches the Top of Europe: Elisa Bombana Crowned WASZP European Champion

Circolo Vela Torbole has once again confirmed its status as one of the leading clubs in international youth sailing, achieving outstanding results at the 2026 WASZP European Championships, held on the waters of Mar Menor, Spain.

The standout achievement came from Elisa Bombana, who claimed the WASZP 6.9 European Championship title, finishing first overall after an intensely competitive regatta of the highest technical standard. The young Circolo Vela Torbole sailor dominated the event through remarkable consistency, finishing the 13-race series with a four-point advantage over the runner-up—a result that highlights both the strength of her performance and the maturity she has reached in one of the sport's most competitive foiling classes.

There was further success in the WASZP 7.5 fleet, where Olivia Castaldi secured an outstanding third place overall and second place among women, confirming her position among Europe's leading sailors in the class while bringing another prestigious result to the Alto Garda sailing community.

Circolo Vela Torbole's success extended well beyond these two podium finishes. The WASZP European Championship showcased the strength and depth of the club's entire racing team, with several athletes delivering impressive performances across multiple categories.

In the WASZP 6.9 fleet, Daniel Castaldi finished an excellent fifth overall while taking the Under-15 title, with Jacopo Frassine placing sixth overall.

Strong performances also came in the WASZP 8.2 fleet, where Luca Franceschini finished 16th overall and fifth in the Under-19 category. He was followed by Jacopo Travaini (24th), Artur Brighenti (42nd), and Pietro Riccardo Bertolone (63rd), all of whom gained valuable international racing experience during a week of high-level competition.

Behind these achievements stands an experienced coaching team led by Alexandra Sadler, Head Coach and Technical Director of Circolo Vela Torbole's racing programme. She was supported by Mattia Cesana and Giorgia Bertuzzi, both multiple-time champions and highly respected figures in international sailing, together with coaches Davide Ferrari and Francesca Magherini, whose contribution to the team's preparation and development proved invaluable.

These results are the product of a long-term programme built on daily training, meticulous technical planning, and continuous athlete development. They demonstrate that Circolo Vela Torbole's vision goes far beyond individual victories, focusing instead on building a strong, competitive team capable of performing at the highest international level.

Today, the WASZP class represents one of the most advanced forms of foiling sailing. These high-performance dinghies rise above the water on hydrofoils, reaching impressive speeds while demanding exceptional technical skill, tactical awareness, physical fitness, and precise boat handling from their sailors.

For Circolo Vela Torbole and the entire Alto Garda region, these results represent another significant milestone. Elisa Bombana's European title, Olivia Castaldi's podium finish, and the outstanding performances delivered by the whole team underline the quality of a sporting programme that continues to develop young talent and carry the name of Lake Garda to the forefront of international sailing.