Olmo Cerri and Gioia Bertolani Win the Vaurien World Championship
TRAVEMÜNDE (Germany), July 24, 2026 – Italian sailing celebrates another prestigious world title. Gioia Bertolani, representing Circolo Velico Torre del Lago, and Olmo Cerri, from Rosignano Marittimo and competing for Circolo Velico Pietrabianca of Livorno, have been crowned 2026 Vaurien World Champions at the end of the 64th Vaurien World Championship, held in Travemünde, in the Bay of Lübeck, on the Baltic Sea.
The Italian duo secured the title after a highly competitive week of racing, marked by changing weather conditions and a strong international fleet. Crews from several countries gathered in Germany to compete for the world crown in a class that has played a fundamental role in the history of sailing and continues to attract talented sailors across generations.
Cerri and Bertolani built their victory race after race, combining consistency, tactical awareness and excellent teamwork. Their ability to adapt quickly to different wind conditions and their focus during the most decisive moments of the championship proved to be key factors in their success.
Rather than relying on individual race wins, the Italian crew’s achievement was based on overall consistency. Throughout the event, they remained among the leading boats, demonstrating technical precision, strategic intelligence and a strong understanding between helm and crew.
This world title further confirms Italy’s leading role in the Vaurien class, one of the oldest and most respected international dinghy classes. Over the years, Italian sailors have repeatedly achieved outstanding results in major Vaurien events, highlighting the strength of the country’s sailing tradition and the quality of its clubs, coaches and young athletes.
For Gioia Bertolani, this achievement represents the culmination of a path of continuous growth, built through dedication, experience and participation in national and international competitions. Alongside her, Olmo Cerri confirmed his technical skills, racing experience and ability to manage the most challenging phases of a championship. Together, they formed a balanced and competitive team, capable of performing at the highest level throughout the event.
Beyond the sporting achievement, this victory carries an important meaning for Italian sailing as a whole. The success achieved in Travemünde highlights the vitality of a movement that continues to develop talented sailors and maintain a strong presence on the international stage, also in traditional classes where experience and seamanship remain essential values.
The triumph on the Baltic Sea is therefore more than just a personal milestone for Cerri and Bertolani. It is another confirmation of the strength of Italian sailing, a country capable of producing world-class athletes across different disciplines and generations.
With the 2026 Vaurien World Championship title, Olmo Cerri and Gioia Bertolani enter the history of the class, carrying forward a tradition of excellence and opening the door to new international challenges.
Filippo Ceragioli
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