La Spezia welcomed the sixth edition of the Vele d’Epoca, an event dedicated to historical sailing and maritime tradition, which took place from 9 to 11 October 2026. Organized by the Italian Naval League – Section of La Spezia, chaired by Francesco Costa, the event has seen the participation of more than 250 people, with three days of regatta, two sailed and moments of encounter between shipowners and fans. Among the boats in the race, vintage yachts, classics and Latin sails, with particular attention to the conservation of the nautical heritage and the promotion of the new generations.
Vintage and classic yachts in race
The event saw the participation of thirty boats, divided into different categories. Among the first places, vintage yachts such as Margaret (1926), Gazell (1935) and Greylag (1932), were classified as Onfale (1962), Penelope (1965) and Grifone (1963). The Elegance Competition saw the victory of Margaret, while the Cantieri Navali Trophy of La Spezia was delivered by Marco Agnese, director of the yard. The event also saw the participation of boats such as Ojalà II (1973), Sandra (1972) and Chaplin (1974), with particular attention to maintenance and conservation.
The parade and sails have made visible the beauty and importance of historical boats. Next to the regattas, the program has planned a parade in front of the Morin Walk, two sails reserved for the cans and moments of encounter between the crews. The traditional component of the event has been referred to Traditional Sailing, with President Fanja Raffellini leading the award ceremony. Among the awards, a prize went to the young Emmanuele Dalla Vecchia, owner of Pilgrim II (1971), who prepares to start important maintenance work in view of the next edition.
Tradition and innovation in balance
The event also saw the participation of boats such as Ishtar (2002), Don Giovanni (2012) and Capo Amato (1965), with particular attention to the conservation of the nautical heritage and the promotion of the new generations. The Youth Trophy in AIVE was awarded to Giovanni Generoso, a third-media student of La Spezia, to promote the practice of sailing on board the vintage boats. The event also saw the participation of boats such as Ruscin (1946) and Leonardo (1958), awarded for assistance at sea during sailing.
The sixth edition has joined competition, culture and conservation of the maritime heritage. The sixth edition of the Vele d’Epoca in Stroller Morin has thus brought together sports competition, conservation of nautical heritage and marine culture, confirming the role of historical boats as a living testimony of the tradition of the sea. At the end of September, instead, Porto Santo Stefano will host the Italian Championship of Vela Latina, a further appointment for the promotion of historical sailing and maritime tradition.