The return of the Italian Ambassador’s Trophy.

The Embassy of Italy and the Royal Cape Yacht Club (RCYC) organized the fifth edition of the “Ambassador of Italy’s Trophy” Sailing Regatta, it was held in Cape Town on the 9^th October 2022.

The Regatta celebrated the twinning agreement between the RCYC and Fondazione Tender to Nave Italia (FTNI) a non-profit organization founded in 2007 by the Italian Navy and Yacht Club Italiano. For many years, FTNI has been fighting all forms of prejudice on disabilities and social hardship, alongside people who, because of that prejudice, risk ending up on the margins of our communities. The weapons of FTNI are educational and rehabilitation projects that carries out on board a sailing brig, called Nave Italia, following a method that has proven its effectiveness over time: ‘adventure therapy’. An adventure that, year after year, mission after mission, shows that at sea there are no walls, all are essential in life on board and that can be so on land also.  RCYC and FTNI joined forces to bring this awareness into the hearts and souls of those who do not yet know it.

Beside its high sporting profile, with many talented crews and boats competing, the Regatta also supported fundraising for RCYC Sailing Academy, established in 2012 to empower girls and boys from disadvantaged communities through sailing. Sport can indeed powerfully enable development and social inclusion of young people, as it enhances personal resolve, self-reliance and team spirit. The funds raised this year will allow the most deserving pupils of the RCYC Sailing Academy to take part in an adventure therapy on board Nave Italia during 2023. They will be the first South African crew on Nave Italia ever.

The following is the link to Nave Italia: https://www.naveitalia.org/en/nave-italia/