Brindisi-Vlorë Great Salento Regatta - Welcome Trophy
The classic sailing race connecting both shores of the Adriatic in the spirit of hospitality
About Brindisi-Vlorë Regatta
A race across the Adriatic
The Brindisi-Vlorë Great Salento Regatta - Welcome Trophy is the premier sailing event of the City of Brindisi, located in the heart of Salento and Apulia. Each year, vessels set sail from the inner harbor of Brindisi to tackle a free route of approximately 70 nautical miles across the Strait of Otranto, finishing at the Marina of Orikum near Vlorë on the Albanian coast. It is a demanding offshore challenge that attracts crews from across the Adriatic and Ionian coasts of Italy.
Sport and shared memory
Established in 2011, the regatta is more than just a sporting competition: it commemorates the historic arrival of Albanian refugees in Brindisi in 1991, transforming that dramatic route into a bridge of friendship between two shores of the Mediterranean. This is the origin of the main prize, the Welcome Trophy, awarded to the first boat to cross the finish line in real time. The Mirko Gallone Trophy is awarded to the winner in corrected time in the Over-All classification.
Categories and the challenge at sea
The regatta features monohulls and multihulls divided into ORC A, B, C, Gran Crociera, and MULTI2000 categories. The event is also valid for the assignment of the Italian Offshore ORC Champion title, which enhances its prestige within the national sailing scene. Cups and sponsor prizes are awarded to the top three boats in each category.
The Regatta Village
In the days leading up to the start, the Brindisi waterfront hosts the Regatta Village, featuring exhibition spaces, demonstrations, Apulian food and wine, and live music. It is a time when the city gathers around the crews for technical briefings, official presentations, and the traditional welcome party. The awards ceremony takes place on the other side of the Adriatic, at the Marina of Orikum, sealing the twinning between Brindisi and Vlorë.
A classic of Apulian sailing
Having grown with each edition, the Brindisi-Vlorë is now considered a classic of Italian sailing, capable of combining the competitive nature of offshore racing with profound civic and cultural value. For the Province of Brindisi and all of Apulia, it represents an identity-defining appointment that celebrates the sea as a place of encounter between peoples rather than division.
Brindisi-Vlorë Regatta — edition 2026
15th edition, July 3-4, 2026
The fifteenth edition of the Brindisi-Vlorë Great Salento Regatta confirms its well-established format. The start is scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026, at 8:00 AM from the waters in front of the Lega Navale Italiana in Brindisi, with 47 boats competing in the ORC A, B, C, Gran Crociera, and MULTI2000 categories.
The Village and the eve
The Regatta Village will enliven the waterfront on Wednesday, July 1, and Thursday, July 2, with stands, sponsor demonstrations, food and wine, and music. On Thursday, July 2, the crew briefing is scheduled for 6:30 PM, followed by the official presentation of the regatta at 8:00 PM in the presence of city authorities.
Awards
The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 4, at 7:30 PM at the Marina of Orikum, Albania. The Welcome Trophy will be awarded to the first boat in real time, and the Mirko Gallone Trophy to the first in corrected time in the Over-All classification.
Programme Brindisi-Vlorë Regatta 2026
15th Edition Program
- Wednesday, July 1 - Opening of the Regatta Village on the waterfront (5:30 PM - 11:00 PM), sponsor demonstrations
- Thursday, July 2 - Regatta Village from 6:00 PM; crew briefing at 6:30 PM; official presentation of the regatta and crews at 8:00 PM
- Friday, July 3 - Start of the regatta at 8:00 AM from the LNI of Brindisi towards the Marina of Orikum (approx. 70 nautical miles)
- Saturday, July 4 - Awards ceremony at 7:30 PM at the Marina of Orikum
Highlights Brindisi-Vlorë Regatta 2026
- 47 boats registered in ORC A, B, C, Gran Crociera, and MULTI2000 categories
- Free route of approximately 70 nautical miles from Brindisi to Vlorë
- Race valid for the Italian Offshore ORC Champion title
- Welcome Trophy (real time) and Mirko Gallone Trophy (corrected time)
Prices Brindisi-Vlorë Regatta 2026
Practical information — Brindisi-Vlorë Regatta
Location
The race starts from the port of Brindisi, at the headquarters of the Lega Navale Italiana - Brindisi Section, on Via Amerigo Vespucci. The finish and awards ceremony are held at the Marina of Orikum, near Vlorë (Albania).
How to reach us
Brindisi is served by the Salento Airport (Brindisi-Casale) and the railway station on the Adriatic line. The port and the Regina Margherita waterfront are within walking distance from the city center.
Regatta Village
In the days preceding the start, the waterfront hosts exhibition stands, food and wine stalls, and music, all free to the public. Participation in the regatta is reserved for boats registered through the Lega Navale Italiana of Brindisi.
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Where does it take place — Brindisi-Vlorë Regatta
Lega Navale Italiana - Sezione di Brindisi
Via Amerigo Vespucci, 72100 Brindisi