GREAT SUCCESS FOR THE FLY TESTS IN NAPLES

During the Formula Wing European Championship (April 7–12, 2026), Naples hosted one of the stages of the FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa. The program included promotional activities and FLY TEST sessions on Waszp, Wingfoil, and BirdyFish.

The modules took place from April 7 to 9 and from April 10 to 12, under the supervision of federal coaches. As noted by Alessandra Sensini, multiple Olympic medalist and FIV Youth Technical Director, the Naples stage saw strong participation, with registration requests reaching capacity within a few days. «We are pleased with this event, which involved around 40 young athletes—both male and female—and generated significant interest. Weather conditions allowed us to sail every day, and it was encouraging to see sailors from different FIV youth classes showing curiosity and a willingness to approach foiling. The Naples event also provided an opportunity to present the structure and training pathway of the FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa, and several athletes expressed interest in continuing within the program».

Giulio Giovanella, Logistics Director of Luna Rossa, attended on behalf of the team and shared his impressions: «The boys and girls I met in Naples are all very young, yet you can clearly sense that they have the sea ‘inside’ them. They are mature, passionate, and curious, and they asked thoughtful and technical questions ranging from my sporting background to the America’s Cup, and Luna Rossa in particular. They were interested in understanding the differences between match racing in traditional boats and in AC75s, as well as the potential professional pathways for a sailor. I believe the FIV Foil Academy provides a valuable opportunity, enabling new generations of sailors to approach foiling in a comprehensive way and to develop the key skills required for this discipline».

The FLY TEST activity is aimed at athletes who are already engaged in competitive sailing and are approaching foiling for the first time. Sessions include both theoretical and practical components, led by federal coaches. Participants born between 2003 and 2014 are eligible, provided they demonstrate solid dinghy-handling skills (supported by a competitive sailing résumé) or regularly compete in a federation-recognized sailing discipline.

The FIV Foil Academy powered by Luna Rossa uses a mixed fleet that includes single-handed boats—such as the Waszp and the Skeeta, ideal for developing foiling skills—as well as crewed boats, which help sailors build not only foil management capabilities but also teamwork.

The foiling world also includes boards, such as the iQFOiL, which is the Olympic windsurfing class, and the wing foil, which is especially popular among younger athletes.

The BirdyFish is the latest addition to the Academy’s fleet and is designed for two people (or three in the case of children). It is extremely versatile, allowing safe sailing both in displacement mode and in foiling mode, thanks to its three-point stability. It also features multiple sail configurations, enabling young sailors to easily reduce or increase sail area through simple mechanisms, helping them gain confidence and control. It’s a boat that encourages interaction and allows even young athletes, who may not know each other, to quickly become an effective crew.

The Waszp and the Skeeta, on the other hand, are ideal boats for learning to foil. They are designed for single sailors, who must manage a wide range of variables, including balance and precise weight distribution, often by moving across the racks to maintain control.