16 teams from 14 countries impatient to set sail on Lake Garda

The beautiful northern Italy waters about to welcome the Desenzano 2024 FISU World University Championship Sailing from 6 until 9 June.

The Fraglia Vela Desenzano, in collaboration with CUS-Brescia and under the auspices of the Italian Sailing Federation and the Italian University Sports Center are excited to be hosting the 2024 FISU World University Championship Sailing.

The format

From 6 to 9 June 2024, 14 teams from 16 countries will be competing in the waters of lower Lake Garda. The chosen format for the competition will be fleet racing, using the Dolphin 81 boat, which, in addition to being fast and suitable for Garda regattas, allows for teams of 4 to 6 people. Participants must form a mixed and gender-equal crew, be university student and be born between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2006.

The boats

The Dolphin 81 is a monotype designed for high-level sailing competitions. It is known to offer exceptional performance, agility and control in all conditions. These boats have been carefully designed for maximum performance and are the preferred choice of many professional sailors. Eight boats are available for the student-athletes and will be shared amongst the 16 teams.

The winds

Lake Garda is swept by high-altitude mountain winds that can be quite intense. There are two major winds: the “Pelér”, that blows from north to south in the morning when the tepid air of the lake rises and gets air from the Valle del Sarca; while the “Ora” blows from the south in the afternoon: it is a lake wind that moves the cool air to the mountains that are warmed up by the daily sunlight.

Many other secondary winds accompany these two: the powerful “Balì’’ or “Balinot” that blows from Passo Ballino above Riva; the “Vinessa” that comes from east and is considered an extension of the “Bora” of Trieste; the “Ander” from the north; the “Gardesana”, a chilly and strong breeze that mitigates the summer heat; the “Ponale” that comes from the Valle di Ledro, from the west, and that blows in the evening or at night – sometimes even in the morning. Several other breezes take on different names depending on the area.

The programme

5 June: Opening Ceremony
6-7June: Qualifying Rounds
8-9 June: Finals
9 June: Closing Ceremony

The Desenzano 2024 FISU World University Championship Sailing will not be streamed live, but you can find more information on the and extensive coverage (photos, videos, interviews) on the even’s social media ( and ). Just jump on deck!

Written by Thérèse Courvoisier, photos Matteo Rocca.