Saturday, September 20th, Genoa becomes the city of sailing with the 37th edition of the Millevele IREN, the regatta organized by the Yacht Club Italiano, included in the calendar of Liguria European Region of Sport 2025, twinned with the Genoa International Boat Show and with IREN as Title Sponsor.
The Millevele IREN 2025 officially kicked off today, September 10th, at the Yacht Club Italiano with the Guidon Ceremony, during which the burgees were presented to the Ligurian sailing clubs that will compete for the Boero Bartolomeo Interclub Trophy.
The sailing clubs of Genoa and Liguria have long been actively involved in the Millevele IREN, supporting the organization of the Yacht Club Italiano in an event that, this year, is part of the Liguria European Region of Sport 2025 program: a rich calendar of national and international events, accompanied by initiatives aimed at promoting the culture of sport and its core values of accessibility, integration, social inclusion, and well-being.
Statements
“Once again, the Millevele IREN confirms itself as a true celebration of sailing,” stated Carlo Cameli, President of the Yacht Club Italiano. “It is an event for all sea enthusiasts, where the right spirit among participants has never been lacking — always respectful of the values of the sea and safety. We aim to look ahead and give our regatta an even higher purpose: this year, we have decided to donate a significant portion of the entry fees to AIRC – the Italian Association for Cancer Research.”
“The Millevele is preparing for a top-level sporting spectacle as it celebrates its 37th edition, reaffirming itself as a benchmark in both the national and international sailing scenes,” commented Simona Ferro, Regional Councillor for Sport of Liguria. “This is a very special year for Liguria, proudly holding the title of European Region of Sport — a prestigious recognition that validates our efforts in the sporting field. In this context, sailing has always played a central role in our region, as we saw just last week with the Ligurian leg of The Ocean Race Europe. During the weekend of September 20th and 21st, the Millevele will once again showcase the deep connection between Ligurians and the sea, through tradition and passion for sailing and classic yachts.”
“The Millevele is one of the most authentic expressions of the deep bond between Genoa and the sea,” said Silvia Salis, Mayor of Genoa. “It is an event that combines sport, passion, and tradition, engaging the entire city. During the week of the Genoa International Boat Show, Genoa once again proves itself the capital of boating. I wish to thank the Yacht Club Italiano for its dedication to organizing this regatta every year, and even more so for the social purpose embraced this year through the donation to AIRC — yet another demonstration of the great solidarity that defines our city.”
Gianluca Bufo, CEO of Iren S.p.A., stated: “Once again this year, Iren has chosen to support the organizers of this important regatta, strengthening an already solid partnership that confirms our company’s commitment to the territory and, in particular, to promoting sporting events that embody values we deeply share — such as tradition, passion, innovation, a close relationship with nature, and respect for the sea.”
The Regatta
The starting signal for the Millevele IREN is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20th.
The successful format is confirmed, with hundreds of boats taking to the water during the same week when Genoa, thanks to the International Boat Show, reaffirms its status as the world capital of boating.
Courses
As in previous years, there will be three different courses, divided by boat length, starting off Quarto and finishing with a spectacular parade from Boccadasse to the Foce.
- Red Course: from 17 to 13 nautical miles
- Green Course: from 15 to 11 nautical miles
- Yellow Course: from 11 to 9 nautical miles
The Race Committee will choose the longer or shorter version based on weather conditions.
Program
Thursday 18 – Friday 19 September
• Finalization of registrations and delivery of race kits (YCI – Sala Trossi)
Saturday 20 September
• 11:00 a.m. – Start of the Millevele IREN 2025
• 8:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m. – Crew Party (Race Village – YCI)
Sunday 21 September
• 11:00 a.m. – Award Ceremony – Genoa International Boat Show, Jean Nouvel Pavilion Terrace
Challenges within the Challenge
- Iren Utility Cup: now in its 8th edition, featuring 35 boats with crews invited by Iren Luce Gas e Servizi, representing leading companies from across Italy, active beyond the utilities sector.
- Millevele Classic: classic and vintage yachts will compete for the YCI Heritage Trophy – Genoa 2025, awarded to the oldest registered vessel.
- Boero Bartolomeo Cup: a competition among local sailing clubs, featuring their best boats and crews.
Media Partners
Radio Babboleo and Primocanale, which will broadcast the regatta live with a dedicated team at sea.
Partners of Millevele IREN 2025
Title Partner: Iren Luce Gas e Servizi
Technical Partners: Banca Passadore, B&G, North Sails, 65th Genoa International Boat Show, SLAM
Charity Partner: AIRC – Italian Association for Cancer Research
Institutional Sponsors: Regione Liguria, Agenzia InLiguria, City of Genoa, and Confindustria Nautica
Objectives
Thanks to the renewed partnership with the Genoa International Boat Show and the support of local institutions (Regione Liguria, Agenzia InLiguria, City of Genoa, Confindustria Nautica, FIV, and FIV I Zone clubs), the Millevele IREN aims to continue growing, consolidating its role as a symbol of maritime culture and a celebration of sport, community, and passion in the stunning setting of the Gulf of Genoa.
