SESTRI LEVANTE – The fourth edition of Tigullio Ocean Racing concluded with outstanding participation and enthusiasm, following a weekend of racing on 17 and 18 October 2026 in the spectacular setting of Sestri Levante. Around 170 athletes took to the water over the two days: more than a hundred in the youth categories (Allievi, Cadetti and Ragazzi) and around seventy across the Junior, Under and Senior categories.
Organiser Giovanni Saperdi (Shock Wave Sports A.S.D.) gave his immediate assessment of the event:
“This edition closes after a great deal of work, tremendous passion and some very rewarding moments. The weather tested us on Sunday, but the response from the athletes and our team was exceptional. Seeing 170 athletes out at sea, from the overall champions to the youngest paddlers in the introductory categories, makes every effort worthwhile.”
A Saturday to remember: summer weather and a Candela double
The opening day, Saturday 17 October, delivered ideal conditions: almost summer-like temperatures of around 25°C and calm seas. The athletes raced on a course within the picturesque Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fables), providing one of Liguria’s most beautiful coastal scenes while allowing smooth logistics without complicated transfers.
On the racing front, the Candela siblings claimed a superb double: Leonardo Candela won the men’s overall race, while Beatrice Candela took the women’s overall victory. The first day ended with the prize-giving ceremony at the Teatro Conchiglia, followed by the traditional dinner for athletes and staff at the Bocciofila Rivana.
Italian titles on Sunday: Marilù Brambilla and Leonardo Brandizzi crowned champions
Sunday 18 October began with unsettled weather, but by mid-morning the sun had overcome the rain, creating a splendid window for the decisive races.
- Marilù Brambilla dominated her race to become Italian champion in the Under 16 category.
- In the Italian Ragazzi Championship, an exciting, closely fought contest around the 14-minute mark ended with the title going to Leonardo Brandizzi. He emerged victorious from a packed field, with 30 starters in the men’s race and around ten in the women’s.
The Allievi and Cadetti races also provided plenty of excitement, with heats of six boats paddling Bonito Fenn surfskis. The closing prize-giving ceremonies took place in the historic setting of the former Convento dell’Annunziata, overlooking the Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence).
Thanks and a look ahead to 2027
The event’s success was the result of seamless cooperation between the organisers and local organisations. Organiser Giovanni Saperdi closed with these words:
Explore the 2026 edition“Special thanks must go to Shock Wave Sports and all the associations that supported us so wholeheartedly: Lega Navale Italiana, Stai Fuori and Acquamanara, who made all of this possible. We look forward to seeing you at the 2027 edition: we are already planning and working for you!”