The 29th edition of the Trofeo SIAD – Bombola d’Oro – Coppa Roberto Sestini, the traditional event dedicated to the Dinghy 12’ Class, came to a close in the Gulf of Tigullio.
Helmsmen and enthusiasts from all over Italy gathered between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, alongside crews arriving from Monte Carlo, Switzerland, and Germany, for three days of racing dedicated to one of the most historic dinghy classes in international sailing.
Ideal conditions in the Gulf of Tigullio allowed the Race Committee to complete all six scheduled races, which proved particularly technical and closely contested, set against the stunning backdrop between Rapallo, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Portofino.
The winner of the 2026 Trofeo SIAD Bombola d’Oro was Vittorio d’Albertas aboard Behemot who, after finishing the opening race in 53rd place — later discarded — staged an impressive comeback with four victories and a third-place finish.
Second overall was Marcello De Gaspari aboard Irene, who also won the Master category reserved for sailors over 65, while Filippo Jannello aboard Cicci completed the podium in third place. Fourth overall was our former President Gerolamo Bianchi aboard White.
The 2026 Bombola d’Argento, awarded to wooden hulls, was won by Damina helmed by Alberto Patrone, ahead of Andrea Falciola aboard Absolutely Free and Giorgio Puccini aboard Gatto Matto.
The Coppa Roberto Sestini, awarded to the helmsman with the best overall score without discard, went to Marcello De Gaspari aboard Irene.
In the Super Master category (over 75), victory went to our Member Vincenzo Penagini aboard Plotzlich Barabba!, ninth overall, while among the Legends (over 80), our Member Attilio Carmagnani aboard Scignoria claimed first place. Antonio Iacometti aboard Oliver won the Under 40 category.
The Lady Prize for the first all-female crew was awarded to our Member Francesca Lodigiani, Secretary of the Italian Dinghy 12’ Class, aboard Cavallo Indomito.
The Giovanni Falck Trophy for the best team was awarded to Marcello De Gaspari, Vincenzo Penagini, and Fabrizio Bavestrello, while the Style & Elegance Award, established in memory of Corrado Cohen, went to Pinuccio Viacava and his splendid Pieraldo.
The Coppa Roberto Sestini, established in 2024 in memory of Roberto Sestini — historic President of the SIAD Group and creator of the Trophy — continues to represent one of the most meaningful symbols of the event. Deeply connected to the Dinghy world and to Portofino, Sestini left an indelible mark on the history of both the Class and the Trophy.
In keeping with Roberto’s vision, the Yacht Club Italiano recently rediscovered a painting by the great Berto Ferrari, depicting the very first Dinghy Class regatta held in 1931 in the waters in front of the then Regio Yacht Club Italiano. That regatta had been organised to allow fathers and sons to race together aboard a new type of boat, with the aim of passing on values, traditions, and a passion for the sea. Today, just as then, the Dinghy continues to unite generations of enthusiasts regardless of age.
The bond between Yacht Club Italiano and Gruppo SIAD is also expressed through shared initiatives ranging from sporting activities to educational and social projects. Alongside its support for the Trofeo SIAD Bombola d’Oro, the collaboration also extends to the Yacht Club Italiano Sea School and the Fondazione Tender To Nave Italia ETS, founded through the partnership between Yacht Club Italiano and the Italian Navy, promoting sailing as an educational, inclusive, and therapeutic tool.
During the event, the formal donor of a €10,000 prize in support of the Fondazione Tender To Nave Italia ETS was also drawn by lot.
The Trofeo SIAD now looks ahead to next year for a special edition celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Bombolino and the 100th anniversary of Gruppo SIAD. The 2027 edition will also hold World Cup status, further confirming the central role of the Trofeo SIAD Bombola d’Oro on the international Dinghy 12’ scene.
