Many SB20 sailors will remember the Class’ strong presence in Italy, hosting major events such as the 2010 SB20 Volvo Laser SB3 World Championships, the 2013 European Grand Slam and the 2015 SB20 Worlds on Lake Garda attracting competitive fleets of up to 100 boats. Today, with the support of our new builder Devoti Sailing and Luca Devoti himself the Class is looking forward to revive the Italian fleet and bring SB20 racing back to its former strength in this country.
How will it happen?
Dovoti team will be joining forces with local sailors and yacht clubs who still enjoy SB20, calling for the existing owners and attracting new owners by presenting the boat at a number of events. The first event will take place in just under a month on 29th-30th March at Port of Anzio hosted at the Lega Navale Italiana section, with the collaboration of Circolo Vela Roma and Circolo Canottieri Tevere Remo. The attendees will have a chance to test the new SB20 boats built by Devoti and connect with top Italian sailors and, on top of that, be a part of Italy’s new bid to host the SB20 World Championships in 2028! More than just a test-sail the event aims to revive the SB20 fleet in Italy and bring together the sailors that are still passionate about the Class.
Who is behind it?
Luca Devoti will be at the event, presenting the boats and bringing his expertise alongside Chris Caldecoat, the CEO of Devoti Sailing. Luca Domenici, a well-known name in Italian sailing will be sailing the boat at the first event and sharing his insights.
Luca Domenici, a notary from Rome, has built a remarkable sailing career, starting in the Optimist class and achieving success across multiple one-design fleets – SB20, Melges 20 and J/70 classes sailing alongside Lorenzo Bressani, Diego Negri and Pietro Sibello. While Luca is now making waves in the J70 class, his competitive racing included Notaro team in the SB20 Italian circuit until 2014. He competed at the 2013 SB20 World Championships in Hyères finishing 28th out of 90 boats and is a recognised standout sailor in Italy. Despite shifting to other classes, Domenici has always enjoyed the SB20 Class. Now based in Anzio, he is leading the effort to revive the Italian SB20 fleet in partnership with Devoti Sailing.
Expert talks will be held by the event organisers with press coverage by Fabio Colivicchi from the top Italian Sailing media Saily.it. The weekend will be a fantastic social occasion in traditional Italian hospitality with an informal dinner on Saturday, featuring wines from the Brigaldara winery generously provided by a fellow sailor from Verona.
Where will the event be?
The event will take place at the Port of Anzio, with recommended accommodation at Astura Palace Hotel in Nettuno. Space is limited so early booking is advised.
Lega Navale Italiana Sezione di Anzio is an active sailing club 50km from Rome airport with a strong tradition of hosting high-level competitions, including the International Sailing Week of Rome. The club actively supports competitive sailing running the Snipe, Finn and Laser National Championships. It also plays a key role in youth and adult sailing, regularly organizing ILCA (Laser) regattas and other training programs to promote the sport.
Words: Anna Zyk
Images: Lega Navale Italiana, Facebook page of SB20 Class Italy
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a key moment for the revival of the SB20 Class in Italy – see you in Anzio on March 29-30th!
To sign up or ask questions, please email Luca Devoti.