Team Italy aiming to retain crown at 2024 eSailing Nations Cup

The Italian captain Nicolo Gatti (aka Nico) told us: “Last year’s victory is the result of work that began four years ago with the federal eSailing project. In these years with our coach Alfredo Ricci, we have grown with many players in team racing from a tactical and strategic point of view. France remains the strongest team but, probably, last year we were the most prepared and organised team. This year, we will try to do our best again, but France remains the clear favourite.”

The Italian raising star Lorenzo Sorrenti (aka LS42) added: “Our hard work and consistency has led to significant progress, culminating in last year’s victory. This success was made possible by the unwavering support of the federation, who have always been organised, enthusiastic, and willing to take on new challenges. With that same dedication, we are focused on defending the title this year.”

Strong challenges are expected from nations like France and Japan, both eager to dethrone “il Bel Paese.” However, surprises could come from any of the seven competing teams: France, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Germany, Poland, and Switzerland. The regattas will take place in the virtual waters of Mondello, Italy, in a Round Robin format that is crucial for determining seeding for the quarterfinals. Securing the best seeding will help teams avoid facing the strongest competitors until the final stages, adding excitement to the build-up.

The French captain Tristan Peron (aka Asere) told us: “Team France has a great pool of sailors, some of which are incredible eSailors as well. Just missing on the title last year, we will give it all to get the crown back to our country. The usual suspects will offer a great challenge, but we will stand tall.”

The group stage will consist of seven races, all of which must be completed. The schedule of races is two-on-two Star (mixed), three-on-three ILCA, four-on-four J70, five-on-five Offshore racer, nine-on-nine 49er, three-on-three J70, and four-on-four F50. This format ensures that all 10 players from each team compete in three races, revealing the true collective strength of each nation and preventing individual stars from dominating matches.

The semi-final, bronze-final, and grand final will be contested in a best-of-nine series, with the same race schedule as the Round Robin, plus two additional races: five-on-five ILCA and three-on-three F50.

How to Follow

Group Stage – 28 October-17 November 2024

Quarter-Finals – 30 November 2024

Semi-Finals – 1 December 2024

Grand and Petite Final – 8 December 2024

The group stage and semi-final matches will be streamed on the Virtual Regatta Twitch and you can review it on Virtual Regatta YouTube channels.

The bronze and grand final will be streamed to the World Sailing YouTube channel as well as the eSailing World Championship Facebook page.

The Notice of Race is available to read here.