Capraia Sail Rally
Edition 2026 Nature Sea Nautical

Capraia Sail Rally

Vintage, classic, and historic sailing in the Tuscan Archipelago

Capraia Isola — Livorno (049) Since 2019
Dates 11 Jun โ€” 14 Jun 2026
Location Capraia Isola (049)
Prices Free
Status Finished

About Capraia Sail Rally

The Capraia Sail Rally is a unique regatta-gathering that brings a fleet of vintage, classic, and historic sailboats to the Island of Capraia every Juneโ€”a true jewel of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Organized by the Associazione Vele Storiche Viareggio, the event blends sailing, coastal racing, and social camaraderie in one of Tuscany's most breathtaking marine settings, turning the island's harbor into a living floating museum.

A gathering of historic sails in the Tuscan Archipelago

The Capraia Sail Rally is the premier early-summer event that draws a fleet of vintage, classic, and historic sailboats to the waters of Capraia Island. These wood and metal vessels have shaped the history of 20th-century sailing. Organized by the Associazione Vele Storiche Viareggio, the event is part regatta, part rally, and a celebration of the sea, set within one of the most protected natural environments in the Mediterranean.

Capraia, located in the Municipality of Capraia Isola in the Province of Livorno, is the northernmost island of the Tuscan Archipelago and the only one of volcanic origin. Much of its territory is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and is surrounded by a protected marine area. Reaching this island by sail, aboard vessels with decades of history, gives the event a truly unique charm.

How it works

The Sail Rally format combines a transfer cruise with multiple starting points from various Tyrrhenian ports toward Capraia, along with several coastal regattas held in the island's waters. For a few days, the marina transforms into a floating museum, where enthusiasts and curious onlookers can admire historic ketches, yawls, and sloops, all meticulously restored.

  • Approach navigation to the island with GPS tracking
  • Coastal regattas reserved for historic sailing classes
  • Crew briefings, prize-giving ceremonies, and social gatherings on land
  • Final dinner with live music on the beach

Sport, tradition, and the sea

Beyond the competitive aspect, the Capraia Sail Rally is a tribute to nautical culture and Tuscan maritime tradition. The awards ceremonies honor the history of the island and its Cavalieri di Capraia (Knights of Capraia), while the camaraderie among crews and the warm welcome from the small island community make this gathering an experience that goes far beyond the race. For those who love the sea and vintage boats, it is an unmissable opportunity to experience Capraia at a special time of year.

Capraia Sail Rally โ€” edition 2026

The sixth edition of the Capraia Sail Rally took place from June 11th to 14th, 2026, gathering a fleet of vintage, classic, and historic sailboats on Capraia Island. Four days of transfer sailing, coastal regattas, awards, and camaraderie, featuring the debut of the new "Challenge del Cavaliere Nero".

The 6th Capraia Sail Rally, organized by the Associazione Vele Storiche Viareggio, was held from June 11th to 14th, 2026, in the waters of Capraia Island. The event confirmed its successful formula, combining multi-start approach navigation with coastal regattas held over the two central days, all within the protected setting of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.

Among the novelties of the 2026 edition was the debut of the Challenge del Cavaliere Nero, a special prize dedicated to the last-placed boat, designed to celebrate the spirit of participation and provide a moment of glory even for the less competitive crews.

Programme Capraia Sail Rally 2026

Thursday, June 11th

  • Approach navigation to Capraia with multi-start formula and GPS tracking via app
  • From 5:30 PM โ€” Mooring at Marina di Capraia and creation of the floating museum of historic sails
  • 7:00 PM โ€” Welcome cocktail

Friday, June 12th

  • 10:00 AM (Casa dei Cavalieri) โ€” Crew briefing
  • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM โ€” Coastal regatta
  • 7:00 PM (Casa dei Cavalieri) โ€” Award ceremony for the Trofeo Challenge Ordine Marittimo Cavalieri di Capraia with aperitif

Saturday, June 13th

  • 10:00 AM (Casa dei Cavalieri) โ€” Crew briefing
  • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM โ€” Coastal regatta
  • 7:00 PM โ€” Award ceremony for the 6th Capraia Sail Rally
  • 7:30 PM โ€” Buffet dinner with live music at Spiaggia del Frate

Sunday, June 14th

  • Non-competitive sail: part of the fleet heads toward the Island of Elba, reaching Portoferraio

Highlights Capraia Sail Rally 2026

Coastal regattas reserved for vintage, classic, and historic sails; the floating museum at Marina di Capraia; the Trofeo Challenge Ordine Marittimo Cavalieri di Capraia award ceremony; the final dinner with live music at Spiaggia del Frate; the debut of the new Challenge del Cavaliere Nero.

Prices Capraia Sail Rally 2026

Participation in the regattas is reserved for crews registered through the Associazione Vele Storiche Viareggio. Viewing the fleet and land-based events at Marina di Capraia is free for the public.

Practical information — Capraia Sail Rally

Getting there

Capraia can be reached by ferry from the port of Livorno (seasonal connections, duration approximately 2.5 hours). Participating vessels reach the island by sea from various Tyrrhenian ports using the multiple-start format.

Location

Activities on land are centered at the Marina di Capraia Isola and the Casa dei Cavalieri; the final dinner is held at Spiaggia del Frate beach.

Tips

The island is part of a protected marine area: please respect the rules of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. During high season, it is advisable to book ferries and accommodation well in advance, as availability on the island is limited.

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Where does it take place โ€” Capraia Sail Rally

Marina di Capraia Isola

Marina di Capraia Isola, 57032 Capraia Isola

Contact Capraia Sail Rally

Tel
+39 348 5809440

Capraia Sail Rally in brief

Nature Sea Nautical Heritage History Folk traditions Sport Outdoor International Livorno

History of Capraia Sail Rally