Overview
Circolo della Vela Sicilia was founded in 1933 and since 1934 has had its clubhouse on the point at Mondello, a few kilometres from central Palermo. It has hosted Star and J/24 European championships and Italian Olympic-class championships, and runs the Palermo-Montecarlo offshore race with the Yacht Club de Monaco. Since 2011 it has been Luna Rossa's challenging club in the America's Cup, winning the Prada Cup as Challenger of Record in 2021. The sailing school and racing teams sail Optimist and ILCA, and a classic Dinghy 12' fleet still races in the bay.
- Founded
- 1933
- Clubhouse
- Punta Celesi, Mondello, opened 21 July 1934
- Federation
- Federazione Italiana Vela
- Phone
- +39 091 347731
On the water with VesselSOS
- Family see you from shoreA live link in any browser – they don’t need the app.
- One tap to the right rescue centreHere IMRCC Roma – the app switches centre as you move, with your position and call script even without signal.
- Return-time checkIf you’re not back in time, your people know.
- Shared hazard mapRocks, nets and other hazards reported by other boaters.
Regattas and series
Run or hosted by the club, per the club website. Dates and notices are on the club site.
- Palermo-Montecarlooffshore race from Mondello to Monaco with the Yacht Club de Monaco, first sailed in 2005; 21st edition in 2026
- 1001 VelaCupregatta for boats designed, built and sailed by university students, at Mondello since 2012
- Campionati zonali Optimist e ILCA (VII Zona FIV)rounds of the regional youth championship
- Regata Nazionale Dinghy 12' Classiconational regatta for classic Dinghy 12'
Live map, a start clock on every phone and results — when the club runs a race on VesselSOS Racing, it shows up here. Racing is a pilot with clubs for the 2027 season.
No race running right nowSee VesselSOS RacingSailing school and courses
Boat classes
History and achievements
- 1933The club is founded in Palermo on 14 May by twelve sailing enthusiasts
- 1934On 21 July the clubhouse at Punta Celesi, Mondello, is opened
- 1935First international regattas; a club Star wins the Italian championship in Naples
- 1987Mondello hosts the Italian Star championship
- 1990European Star championship at Mondello
- 199918th J/24 European championship
- 2005The Palermo-Montecarlo race is born with the Yacht Club de Monaco
- 2011The club challenges for the 34th America's Cup with Luna Rossa
- 2017Challenger of Record for the 36th America's Cup
- 2021With Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli the club wins the Prada Cup in Auckland and three races of the America's Cup match
- 2024Fourth America's Cup challenge (37th edition, Barcelona)
Location
- Position
- 38°11.99′ N 13°19.61′ E
38.19979, 13.32679 - Address
- Punta Celesi, Mondello
Frequently asked
Can I learn to sail here?
Yes. The club lists these courses: Optimist beginner course and Sailing school.
Who do I call in an emergency at sea here?
Sea rescue: IMRCC Roma +39 06 5908 4409. Or call 112. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16.
When was Circolo della Vela Sicilia founded?
In 1933.
Which regattas does the club run?
According to the club website, among others: Palermo-Montecarlo, 1001 VelaCup, Campionati zonali Optimist e ILCA (VII Zona FIV) and Regata Nazionale Dinghy 12' Classico.