Regatta Report - 2025 Masters Worlds

Formia, Italy

The ILCA Masters World Championship was a remarkable event with 455 ILCA 6 and 7 sailors from 35 countries racing over 7 days in the azure, calm seas off Formia, in southern Italy. There was an opening ceremony, involving contestants marching behind their country flags to We are the Champions and Chariots of Fire, speeches and the lighting of the flame - though the most memorable moment of the first day was when 455 boats returning from the practice race tried use 4 small ramps when each boat was only able to use their designed numbered dolly.

There were 6 DBSC representatives in the large Australian contingent (second largest after the Italians). L-R: Pat Levi, Kerryn Smith, Rod Barnes, Mike Dunn, Martin White and Scott Finlayson.

The weather throughout the week was rarely over 10 knots, with few opportunities to hike, and on a couple days we spent 5-6 hours mulling around the start line waiting in vain for wind to start racing. Fortunately, on the quiet days, there was lots to do in Formia and the nearby historic town of Gaeta - in particular involving pizza, pasta and Birra Moretti, meeting sailors from many different countries or just exploring the city and beaches. The regional government was very hospitable, and made the sailors feel welcome. 

Despite the light winds, most fleets completed 10 and 11 races over 7 days. There were great results from DBSC sailors, including Martin's 19th in the Great Grand Master ILCA 6 fleet, Pat's 26th in Great Grand Master ILCA 7 fleet and Rod's 37th in the Standard Gold Fleet ILCA 7 (which was won by Brett Beyer - his 18th win). Pat's result was particularly impressive as he normally sails ICLA 6 and had his 70th birthday a few days before the start of the regatta.  

The regatta was the final stage of more than two weeks in Italy – starting with three days training and hospitality on stunning Lake Garda with Italian, American and Canadian sailors and organised by Mark Bethwaite (which Rod covered in an earlier newsletter). Pat, Martin and I had a very entertaining driving tour to southern Italy, stopping at the Ferrari museum in Modena, a memorable night in Bolonga and three days in Perugia (Umbria) before the long drive to Formia. 

Overall, it was an amazing experience that I’ll always remember. Even though a torn meniscus in my knee meant I missed a third of the races and could only sail for one afternoon on Lake Garda, I’m so glad to have made the trip and are keen to do another Worlds. Special thanks to Rod for this organisation skills, Mark for the Lake Garda training, Martin for his counsel, Pat for many things (save for holding shopping bags for Martin and I), Mike for his stories and in particular my housemate Scott.      

 The 2026 World Masters will be held on the Greek Island of Skiathos in June next year – think about it.  

- Kerryn Smith

All photos by Kerryn Smith except where otherwise noted.