The Red Bull Sailing Academy has opened in North Italy, one of the most advanced training centres in Europe designed to nurture the next generation of elite sailors, foil and kitesurfers.
Based at Marina Monfalcone, the home base of the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, the Academy aims to inspire future champions and create a pathway to the world’s most prestigious competitions.
The SailGP team, joined Italian Olympic gold medalist Ruggero Tita, America’s Cup winner Jimmy Spithill, and Marina Monfalcone CEO Hans-Peter Steinacher at the official opening.
“It’s amazing to finally have this facility. The Red Bull Sailing Academy is something we’ve been waiting for a long time,” said Ruggero.
“You can see that it’s a place built by sailors, for sailors, and it will become a top-level performance centre.
You can see that it’s a place built by sailors, for sailors, and it will become a top-level performance centre.
Ruggero Tita
“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.”
Athletes who join the Academy will receive support ranging from coaching by former Olympic medalists, equipment testing, logistics, and performance planning.
The programme also integrates physical and mental performance support.
The Red Bull Sailing Academy has been built as 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.
The Academy will operate as an international talent identification and performance development centre, with a particular focus on Olympic disciplines.
In addition to sailing, the Academy also provides dedicated development pathways for disciplines such as kite and windfoiling.
“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,” said Hans-Peter.
“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.”
