Italy dominated the 2026 ILCA Under-21 World Championships, claiming gold across all three divisions — ILCA 6, ILCA 7, and Under-19. The event concluded on Saturday at Marina Rubicón, Lanzarote, after six days of intense racing.
Strong and variable north winds between 15 and 18 knots delayed the start of the final day, with false starts and general recalls testing the fleet’s patience.
Pascali Wins ILCA 7 in Nail-Biting Finish
Italy’s Antonio Pascali surged to victory in the ILCA 7 fleet. Heading into the final race, Pascali sat in fourth. But a decisive win secured him the world title. “This is one of the most important wins of my career,” said Pascali. “I fought until the very end, following the plan I made with my coach: never give up.”
Slovenia’s Luka Zabukovec took silver, and Poland’s Filip Olszewski claimed bronze after winning the final race. Spain’s Karol Krupski, the long-time regatta leader, finished fourth after a disappointing penultimate race.
Cirinei Takes ILCA 7 Under-19 Gold
In the Under-19 division, Italy’s Alessandro Cirinei claimed gold. Spain’s Tim Lubat and Sergio García earned silver and bronze, respectively.
Caracciolo Crowned ILCA 6 Champion
In the ILCA 6 women’s fleet, Italy’s Ginevra Caracciolo secured gold after a consistent week at the top. “It’s been a really tough week, but I managed to keep my focus,” Caracciolo said. “After three years finishing fourth, I’ve finally made it to the podium.”
Greece’s Hermione Ghicas took silver, and Spain’s Adriana Castro earned bronze with a steady final-day performance. “I found my rhythm throughout the week and sailed really well in the final days,” said Castro.
The championship featured 148 athletes — 96 men in ILCA 7 and 52 women in ILCA 6 — from all seven ILCA regions. Twelve races were completed between 19 and 24 January.
The prizegiving took place at Oasis Marina Bay on Saturday evening. Marina Rubicón hosted the event with support from the Cabildo of Lanzarote, local government bodies, and sailing federations.
Final Podium – ILCA 6 Women U21
- Ginevra Caracciolo (ITA) – 49 pts
- Hermione Ghicas (GRE) – 87 pts
- Adriana Castro (ESP) – 94 pts
Final Podium – ILCA 7 Men U21
- Antonio Pascali (ITA) – 72 pts
- Luka Zabukovec (SLO) – 75 pts
- Filip Olszewski (POL) – 79 pts
Final Podium – ILCA 7 Men U19
- Alessandro Cirinei (ITA) – 123 pts
- Tim Lubat (ESP) – 146 pts
- Sergio Garcia Garrido (ESP) – 158 pts
For full results, photo gallery, and videos, visit the official event page here.
