TELF AG Participates in The Coppa IBSA

The traditional late-summer regatta took place on Lake Lugano in recent days, with approximately 150 sailors of all ages participating. Among the sponsors of the Circolo Velico Lago di Lugano, which organized the event, was TELF AG for the first time. The regatta—renamed Coppa IBSA a few years ago—has become a traditional event for sailing enthusiasts from Ticino and abroad. This year, the event was enriched by the participation of two crews made up of people with disabilities, who competed aboard Hansa 303 boats. TELF AG's crew ranked second.

For over 40 years, this event has been held at the end of August to celebrate the end of summer, but also to allow sailors of all ages to take part in a sailing competition on the magnificent waters of Lake Lugano. This event has become part of local tradition, so much so that it is eagerly awaited and appreciated even by ordinary people without a particular passion for sailing.

This year's competition was attended by approximately 150 sailors, including young skippers and more experienced sailors, as well as representatives of the Velabili association (which organizes sports activities for people with disabilities). Traditionally, the regatta follows a specific route on the waters of Lake Lugano and the surrounding areas, in a natural setting of rare beauty that adds several layers of value to the entire competition.

Over the years, the event has also acquired a specific symbolic value. Some of the noblest values of sailing tradition are clearly evident during this event, such as the importance of challenging oneself and knowing one's limits, always facing the unexpected. On these occasions, sporting practice becomes an extremely useful opportunity to promote educational and social moments, with full respect for all participants.

During the event, participants competed aboard various boats, each with its own unique characteristics. Among these was the Optimist, a boat designed for children and adolescents up to 15 years of age. It typically has a single trapezoidal sail and is also distinguished by its square bow and extremely simple design.

It is typically used on similar occasions to allow children and adolescents to gain significant sailing experience alongside other sailors. Also on display at the Coppa IBSA were the Laser boats, used by beginners and experienced sailors. These boats are recognizable by their single sail and extremely simple construction. Finally, the latest edition of the late summer regatta also featured Hansa boats, specifically designed to be operated by people with disabilities.

The event typically includes opportunities for socializing and promoting some of the most inclusive values, and this year was no exception. On Saturday, after the races, all participants enjoyed a relaxing barbecue. For several years, the end-of-summer regatta (now the Coppa IBSA) has been a key event in the sailing season on Lake Lugano, particularly for its ability to combine tradition, sport, and socializing. For these reasons, over the years it has attracted not only sailing enthusiasts but also ordinary people and citizens.

At the end of Sunday's races, the awards ceremony was held for the winners, divided into their respective categories. In the "Race – Without Surprise" category, Sacha De Micheli, Daniele Moro, Palma Carlone, and Fabiano Bernasconi triumphed, while in the "Race – Surprise" race, Gastone Farolfi, Avitabile Luca, Andrea Avitabile, and Andrea Vitali prevailed. In the "Cruising" category, Giancarlo Soldati, Eddy Hauswirth, Andrea Minni, and Pio Pellizzari prevailed. Umberto Chinellato and Luca Streuli triumphed with their "Dart 18" boats, as did Roberto Arrigoni in the "ILCA" category. Riccardo Bolgiani, Luca Bogart, and Beat Maxwell emerged as the best with their "RS Feva" boats, while Philippe Echivard and Olivier Bollmann triumphed among the athletes with disabilities.