The RS500 World Championship 2025 brought an unforgettable blend of competitive racing, international camaraderie and sun-soaked celebration to Follonica, Italy, from 4th to 8th August. Hosted by the team at Lega Navale Italiana Follonica (LNI Follonica), the event welcomed 84 sailors from seven nations – Italy, UK, Netherlands, Czech Republic, France, Switzerland and Hungary – for five exhilarating days of racing on the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Follonica.
A World Championship Rooted in Passion and Community
From the opening ceremony on Sunday 3rd August, to the final awards presentation on Friday evening, this year’s RS500 World Championship reflected everything we love about this class: exciting, close-fought racing, a welcoming international community, and a vibrant programme of social events that made everyone feel part of something special.
The Mayor of Follonica, Matteo Buoncristiani, summed it up beautifully at the start of the event:
“Hosting the RS500 World Championship is a great pride for Follonica. These events bring international visibility, economic energy, and strengthen our city’s identity as a place of passion and hospitality.”
Close Competition and Home-Grown Champions
The Gulf of Follonica delivered a variety of conditions across the week, keeping sailors on their toes and showcasing the RS500 at its best: fast, responsive and fun in every breeze.
Local heroes Gabriele Corsi and Giulia Galletti of LNI Follonica put on a masterclass in consistency and tactical sailing, leading from day one and clinching the title with two bullets and a fourth on the final day. Their victory on home waters was not just a personal triumph – it was a moment of pride for the whole Italian sailing community.
The final podium:
- 1st – ITA: Gabriele Corsi & Giulia Galletti (LNI Follonica)
- 2nd – GBR: Paul Cullen & Fresh Abbendstern (Bough Beech / RDNBYC)
- 3rd – ITA: Iacopo Roncuzzi & Federico Roncuzzi (Circolo Nautico del Savio)
With three different nations finishing in the top five, the competition demonstrated the growing strength and global reach of the RS500 fleet.
Racing Hard, Celebrating Together
While the sailing delivered plenty of drama and excitement on the water, the experience ashore was just as important. Daily post-race pizza gatherings at the club offered a chance to debrief, share stories and connect across borders – a signature feature of RS events.
The social programme was packed with moments to remember:
- A lively Opening Ceremony set the tone on Sunday.
- Tuesday’s Eurocup Prize Giving and International Class Party brought together past and future champions.
- Wednesday’s Sailors’ Dinner was a highlight of community spirit.
- Thursday’s legendary Dutch Party added international flavour.
- And on Friday, the World Championship Prize Giving capped the week in style.
As Azzurra Droghini, Follonica’s Sport and Tourism Assessor, put it: “The RS500 World Championship perfectly represents the synergy between sport, natural beauty and warm hospitality.”
More Than a Regatta – A Movement
At RS Sailing, we’re committed to making sailing accessible, exciting and community-driven. The RS500 World Championship in Follonica was a perfect expression of these values. This is a class that brings together youth and experience, serious racers and passionate newcomers, in boats that are made for performance and fun.
We applaud the work of the International RS500 Class Association, LNI Follonica’s amazing volunteers, and the sailors who made the journey from across Europe to be part of something bigger than just a championship – it was a celebration of why we all sail.
Michiel Geerling, Commercial Director at RS Sailing, commented: “As proud builders of the RS500, RS Sailing celebrates the incredible energy and dedication of the International Class Association, the host club and every sailor who came together to make this World Championship a true highlight of the 2025 sailing season.”
Congratulations again to Gabriele and Giulia, and to every crew who competed. We can’t wait to see you all back on the water soon.
