Few expected it to turn into an event of this magnitude, but now that the numbers are on the table, the J/70 Mixed Plus World is shaping up to be a success even before the team gathering begins in Torbole, where this novelty will be offered to the public in all its splendor between 25 and 29 June.
Initially seen as a “mysterious creature”, the event that the J/70 International Class has entrusted to the J/70 Italian Class, as always happens when it comes to launching some new format, has raised the attention of enthusiasts and professionals. Thanks to a simple formula, given that the only real constraint is to have onboard no more than two adult male sailors: a line-up to be completed as needed, involving under legal age athletes of both sexes and female sailors. Launched in the United States a few years ago to promote more inclusive sailing, the Mixed Plus concept is establishing itself across the main one-design classes and in this case the J/70 family has proven again to be at the forefront.
This new World Championship, scheduled to take place at the Circolo Vela Torbole, therefore on the regatta fields beaten by the morning Peler and the afternoon Ora, will be animated by a significant fleet. From the forty registered at the second event of the J/70 Cup, held in Malcesine a few weeks ago, the number has risen to fifty: a result of absolute value, especially if we consider that the teams had to reorganize themselves to be on the starting line.
The competition is felt, and many are aiming for the best result: this is demonstrated by the fact that the entry list hides important names. Sailing rockstars like Giulia Conti: former 49er Fx world champion, four-time Italian Olympian and winner last year, as skipper of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team, of the first Puig Women America’s Cup. Also on board with her on Mauro Roversi’s J-Curve will be Giovanna Micol, already a protagonist of two editions of the Games and also winner of the women’s America’s Cup. On the starting line we will have the British Rob Greenhalgh (Vamos), four times around the world with the Volvo Ocean Race, and the member of the English national sailing team, Sophie Weguelin (Brutus II) as well as the Aussie Annie Wilmot, in the America’s Cup with the women’s team of Team Australia Challenge 2024. To be underlined is the presence of other Italian Olympians: Francesca Scognamillo will be on board JB Sailing Team of the J/70 Italian Class’ president Federico Siragna while Matteo Ivaldi and Emanuela Sossi will be with Manfredi Toninelli’s T-One.
So everything is ready, starting with the colorful Opening Ceremony, scheduled for the late afternoon of June 25th at the Circolo Vela Torbole clubhouse and the numerous activities planned to brighten up the hours following the end of the regattas. On the evening of the 27th, the Crew Party offered by Cantine Tinazzi, Gin Vento and Grappa Marzadro is scheduled. the event will be closed by the prizegivig ceremony, planned in the late afternoon of June 29th.
The 2025 season of J/70 Italian Class is supported by Lincoln International, Gottifredi Maffioli, Garmin, VelaMania, North Sails Collection, UtilGraph, Gin Vento and Cantine Tinazzi.
Event website: J70 Mixed Plus World Championship 2025