Europe's Most Advanced Sailing Academy Launches with Spectacular Opening in Monfalcone, Italy
by Fabian Ress 7 Jul 00:53 NZST
5 July 2025
Marina Monfalcone, North Italy, made waves yesterday, as sports superstars gathered to open the Red Bull Sailing Academy, marking the beginning of a new era in the sport. Designed to nurture the next generation of elite sailors, foil- and kitesurfers, the Academy aims to inspire future champions and create a pathway to the world's most prestigious competitions.
Marina Monfalcone welcomed an impressive crowd of sailing fans and visitors who came to witness the launch of one of the most advanced training centers in Europe. Over the weekend, the waterfront and the shore became a playground for action-packed displays, celebrating this milestone moment for sailing and water sports.
The Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, which now calls Marina Monfalcone its home base, joined Italian Olympic gold medalist Ruggero Tita, sailing legend Jimmy Spithill, and Marina Monfalcone CEO Hans-Peter Steinacher to introduce the new facility and share their perspectives on how it will help the sport grow in Italy and beyond.
"What makes the Red Bull Sailing Academy so special is that we scout for talent globally, and together we follow the pathway to the top of the sport. The sport has evolved tremendously since 2013, when foiling changed everything, and here in the Bay of Trieste we have the ideal conditions to train at the highest level. Today we all enjoyed the opening event, and from tomorrow onwards it's just hard work," said Hans-Peter Steinacher, CEO of Marina Monfalcone.
Ruggero Tita, Olympic Gold Medalist, added, "It's amazing to finally have this facility. The Red Bull Sailing Academy is something we've been waiting for a long time. You can see that it's a place built by sailors, for sailors, and it will become a top-level performance centre. With names like Thomas Zajac, Santiago Lange, Roman Hagara, and Hans-Peter Steinacher sharing their experience here, it's a unique opportunity for the next generation to learn from the best."
"Something the sport has never had in my career is a true home base to come back to and train as a team. Usually, you're always on the road competing but never have a place to return and reset. That's what makes the Red Bull Sailing Academy here such a game changer - not just for SailGP athletes, but for the next generation of Olympic contenders and world champions. The facility in Marina Monfalcone really completes the entire picture, from foiling and kite surfing to health, wellness, and preparation," said Jimmy Spithill, 2x America's Cup Winner.
A couple of thousand guests explored the Academy and enjoyed a full day of activities, including a cliff diving show, slackline performances, waterski and wakeboard demonstrations, and more. Visitors had the chance to experience the facility up close, meet the athletes, and learn about the programs that will run throughout the year. A Wall of Fame inside the Academy drew particular interest, showcasing some of Red Bull Sailing's biggest achievements to date - and leaving space for future superstars to add their own trophies and milestones. Past successes serving as a powerful motivation for the next generation.
About the Academy
The Red Bull Sailing Academy represents a long-term commitment to the sport, offering world-class facilities and tailored programs to help aspiring sailors progress to the highest levels of competition, including SailGP and the America's Cup. Unlike traditional sailing schools, the Academy operates as an international talent identification and performance development center, with a particular focus on Olympic disciplines.
Athletes who join the Academy receive comprehensive support ranging from high-level coaching by former Olympic medalists - including Hans Peter Steinacher (AUT), Santiago Lange (ARG), Roman Hagara (AUT/high performance coach of the Austrian Sailing Federation), and Thomas Zajac (AUT/Olympic bronze medalist) - to equipment testing, logistics, and performance planning. The program also integrates physical and mental performance support in partnership with the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center.
In addition to sailing, the Academy also provides dedicated development pathways for disciplines such as kite- and windfoiling, supporting the full spectrum of sailing and wind sports.
For aspiring young sailors and beginners, Marina Monfalcone continues to offer the Scuola Vela Tito Nordio sailing school, which remains open to the wider public.