A Fourth Edition of the "The Grand Tour" is Proposed
by Manuel Vlacich 14 Mar 09:10 GMT
The Grand Tour Sailing © The Grand Tour
Franco Deganutti and Manuel Vlacich invented the idea of "The Grand Tour", captured a Guinness World Record in 2022, sailed to the highest point in the world in 2023, sailed among the icebergs of Greenland, sailed on the largest underground lake in Europe, and won awards in their home country of Italy. Now they want to push themselves to a fourth edition of the adventure.
Each edition saw three events, often using the same class of boat; this year a different boat will be needed for each stage. Last time the goal was to raise awareness of climate change; this year the values of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy are being promoted.
The sailing feats of The Grand Tour are also underwritten by sustainability, so much so that One Ocean Foundation (a non-profit initiative that aims
to find solutions to ocean problems by promoting a sustainable economy, inspiring international leaders, companies and
individuals) was happy to give free patronage to the initiative.
Stage 1
The first scheduled stop will be held from 12 to 14 June on the island of Texel in the Netherlands. Here, aboard a very fast double-handed catamaran, Franco Deganutti and Manuel Vlacich will participate in the 45th edition of Round Texel, the largest international event for catamarans, windsurfers and wingfoils (over 600 participants every year). This is a long distance regatta which involves circumnavigating the entire island.
Stage 2
In July the team will be joined by Daniele Balzanelli to race in the Blue Ribbon Round the Lake Balaton Race. This is an international sporting event held in Hungary every year between more than 30 classes of boats. The race starts and ends in Balatonfüred, after circumnavigating the Lake for over 155 km. Today the race has become the
most prestigious and oldest European competition (the first was held in 1934) and often has over 600 boats competing.
Stage 3
19 September will see the participation of an Italian boat in the Silverrudder Challenge of the Sea for the first time. This is the largest Category 3 solo offshore race in the world in terms of number of participants. The race starts and finishes in the city of Svendborg, located on the southernmost part of the island of Funen in Denmark. Franco Deganutti sails alone in a Ufo28od.
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