The Preliminary Regatta Sardinia provided an ideal backdrop for the FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa to extend its foiling programme in Cagliari, drawing significant public interest throughout the event.
Over the course of three days, the Academy made the most of its position alongside the racing to connect with a wide audience, from dedicated sailing enthusiasts to first-time spectators drawn in by the excitement of the AC40 competition.
"The three-day event in Cagliari was a great success," said Alessandra Sensini, FIV Youth Technical Director and Head of the Academy. Navigation restrictions imposed during AC40 race days prevented a full Fly Test from taking place, yet the initiative still attracted enormous interest from the public.
Federal athletes took to the water aboard Switch, Waszp, BirdyFish and Wing, giving spectators a vivid sense of what modern foiling sailing looks like in practice. On shore, Academy instructors and technicians fielded a steady stream of questions from people keen to learn more about the boats and the prospect of joining a sailing school. "I believe there will be a boom in registrations this summer," said the multiple Olympic medallist.
The Federation set up two dedicated display areas, one within the Race Village and a second at Lazzaretto, where assembled vessels were put on show and drew large crowds across all three days. The Parasailing area was also highly frequented, with the HANSA 303 featured as a boat well suited to introducing people with disabilities to the sport safely.
Luna Rossa's Simone Bartesaghi was among those who took part, and he spoke warmly of the experience. "Explaining the technical details of flight and foiling navigation is not easy, especially to very young people, but I was truly impressed by the curiosity and interest they showed towards these topics," he said. "Of course, many wanted to know more about the personal journey that eventually brought me to Luna Rossa, and I was very pleased to see such strong participation. Overall, the FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa seems to me to be a fantastic opportunity to convey important and positive messages."
