Nearly 600 young sailors from 44 nations took to the water on Saturday as the 2026 Ora Cup Ora got underway on Italy's Lake Garda. Hosted by Circolo Vela Arco under the authority of the Italian Sailing Federation, the international Optimist regatta runs until Monday, 10 August, and has once again attracted one of the largest fleets on the junior sailing calendar.
Global Gathering: Hundreds of Optimist dinghies fill the racecourse beneath the cliffs of Lake Garda as nearly 600 young sailors from 44 nations contest the 2026 Ora Cup Ora in Arco. Photo: Elena Giolai
The opening day featured three races sailed in Garda's characteristic southerly 'Ora' breeze, which built to around 16 knots and provided ideal conditions across the race area.
Beyond the competition, the event has become a major family gathering, with competitors joined by parents, coaches and supporters from around the world. Organisers estimate that almost 1,800 people are attending the regatta, including accompanying families. The fleet represents every corner of the globe, with entries from across Europe, North and South America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
The first standings are available in the Cadet Division B, where Switzerland's Carlo Milan leads after posting a second, third and race victory from the opening three races. Cyprus' Kira Tsaruk sits second, with Belgium's Maxime Glorie Farrerons third on countback from American Arthur Yepes. Italy's Valerio Pucci is seventh, while Ginevra Casella is ninth overall.
Future Force: Young Optimist sailors make the most of Lake Garda's fresh Ora breeze on the opening day of the 2026 Ora Cup Ora, where almost 600 competitors from 44 nations took to the water. Photo: Elena Giolai
Results for the Junior Division A, split into four fleets of 123 sailors, were still being processed after racing concluded.
Racing resumes on Sunday, with up to three more races scheduled before the regatta concludes on Monday, when the 2026 Ora Cup Ora champions will be crowned on Lake Garda.
