The 2024 Italian Dinghy Cup starts from Bari. From 25 to 27 April the Apulian capital will host the first stage of the event, organized by the Barion Rowing Club on behalf of the VIII Zone committee of the Italian Sailing Federation. And so, just two years after the organization of another stage of the Italian Cup, Bari will return to being the capital of the 12′ Dinghy, the oldest sailing class in Italy.
The event will be presented on Wednesday 24 April at 5.30 pm on San Nicola pier, at the Barion Rowing Club headquarters, on the eve of the first day of the regatta: «The return to Bari and to the Barion of the Italian Cup – explains the president of the club Francesco Rossiello – testifies to how much our organizational commitment has been appreciated. A dutiful effort in respect of an ancient tradition, if you consider that during the 1950s the city hosted some editions of the Italian championships and had its own competitive Dinghy fleet, as attested by the beautiful wooden examples still kept on site. And so the name of Bari will once again be associated with one of the most important events at a national level.”
There are six tests scheduled: starting at 1pm on Thursday 25 April with two tests a day until Saturday 27 April. The regatta field will be set up in the stretch of sea in front of the old port, with two buoys located respectively at Piazza Diaz and Pane e Pomodoro beach. The participation of around forty crews is expected and they will invade the Bari club of Molo San Nicola with the colorful sails and wooden and fiberglass hulls of the historic Dinghy boats. Prizes for the first five overall in the final ranking but also for the first in the Classic Dinghys (wooden hull), the first in the Master (over 65 years) and Super Master (over 75) rankings, the Legends over 80, the first Lady and the first double team.
Among the most anticipated competitors are Francesca Lodigiani of the Circolo Velico Santa Margherita Ligure, current class secretary, and Mimmo Bottiglione of the Sailing Section Marina Militare Taranto, flagship of a constantly growing Apulian fleet. And the Rowing Club Barion is making an important contribution with its leading helmsman Gigi Costantino and many other enthusiasts. Also competing in this class are the president of Barion Francesco Rossiello and the head of the Regatta Officers section of the VIII Fiv Zone, Stefano Antoncecchi, again for the Bari club.
Also in 2022, like this year, Bari hosted the first stage of the Italian Cup. The Apulian capital had already been on the Dinghy class scene in the past with the organization of five editions of the Italian Championships in 1950, 1951, 1953, 1963 and 1967, organized by the Circolo della Vela. Those were the roaring years of the Bari helmsmen Nicola Lapenna, Gianni Modugno winner of two titles in 1959 and 1962, Gianni Milano and Francesco Piccininni of Canottieri Barion. Now history repeats itself with the Italian Cup which after Bari will continue in Portofino and Venice.
Dinghy 12′: over a century of sailing and passion
The 12′ Dinghy is a historic dinghy with a wooden or fiberglass hull, with a large peak-rigged sail. In the international sailing scene, few other boats can boast such a long and successful history. Born in 1913 from the pencil of the Englishman George Cockshott, this design jewel has won the hearts of sailors of every generation, thanks to its simplicity, robustness and exceptional performance.
Since its first races, the 12′ Dinghy has stood out for its versatility, easily adapting to different types of water and weather conditions. Its popularity grew rapidly, leading to the foundation of the International 12′ Dinghy Class in 1919. In 1920 and 1928, the boat had the honor of appearing as an Olympic discipline in the Antwerp and Amsterdam editions, consecrating its status as a sailing icon . It was precisely the experience of the Italian sailors who were selected for the Olympics of those years that introduced it to our country, where the first boats were built in 1929 and the first Italian Championship was held in 1931.
The secret of the 12′ Dinghy’s success lies in its accessibility. This is an economical boat to build and maintain. Furthermore, her ease of handling makes her perfect for those approaching sailing for the first time, but at the same time she offers stimulating challenges even to the most experienced sailors. Over the century of her life, the 12′ Dinghy has undergone some changes to the tonnage regulations, while maintaining her original spirit unchanged. The introduction of new technologies and materials has made it possible to improve the performance of the boat, without distorting its essence.
Today the 12′ Dinghy boasts an active fleet in over 20 countries around the world, with a growing number of enthusiasts who appreciate its unique qualities. The class continues to organize regattas at all levels, from national championships to international competitions, offering an ideal comparison ground for sailors of all ages and backgrounds.
Founded in 1969, the Italian Association of the 12′ Dinghy Class (AICD) is committed to enhancing and promoting this historic sailing class. The association works to preserve the legacy of the 12′ Dinghy and to pass on its values to new generations of sailors. Every year over 200 helmsmen participate in national, zonal and local regattas – from Lugano to Palermo – on their wooden and fiberglass hulls.
The 12′ Dinghy represents more than just a sailboat. It is a symbol of tradition, sportsmanship and passion for the sea. Its more than one hundred year history is a testimony to its ability to unite people from all over the world under the sign of a common love for sailing.
Tags: Italian Dinghy Cup returns Bari April
