29 April 2025
The Triton Cup sets sail from Marina Cala de' Medici: at sea for biodiversity
On May 25, 2025, the regatta that combines sailing, passion and sustainability returns. Sailors become ambassadors of the LIFE A-MAR NATURA2000 project to promote and protect the marine and coastal Natura 2000 sites.
On May 25, 2025, the highly anticipated second edition of the Triton Cup returns — the regatta dedicated to all sea, sailing, and sustainability enthusiasts, wrapping up the VELA Cup Toscana weekend at Marina Cala de’ Medici in Rosignano Marittimo (LI). Organized by Il Giornale della Vela, in collaboration with Marina Cala de’ Medici and Triton, the Triton Cup is more than just a regatta: it is an event that brings together sport, passion, and environmental commitment, set in one of the most scenic stretches of the Tuscan coast.
After the success of its first edition, this second chapter confirms the ambition to create an accessible, inclusive, and spectacular event. The regatta will take place along a coastal course between the buoys of Vada and Chioma, designed to be safe and enjoyable for all types of crews — from cruising boats to sportier ones, including vintage yachts (built before 1999). Even those without a boat or a crew can take part, thanks to the “Find/Offer Boarding” service, which helps match skippers with eager sailors.
Part of the vibrant VELA Cup Toscana weekend — which, on Saturday May 24, celebrates Il Giornale della Vela’s 50th anniversary with the traditional VELA Cup regatta — the Triton Cup also serves as a key environmental awareness initiative. The regatta is part of the European LIFE A-MAR NATURA2000 project, under the awareness and stakeholder engagement campaign aimed at promoting the marine sites of the Natura 2000 network. During the event, the project will be present with informative activities and educational materials, contributing directly to one of its core objectives: to engage stakeholders in the promotion and appreciation of coastal and marine Natura 2000 sites.
Experts from the project will be on hand to introduce and highlight the ecological value of the Natura 2000 marine sites near Marina Cala de’ Medici, including the Tursiops truncatus Protection Zone (for the Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin), the Secche della Meloria, and both the land and marine areas of the Islands of Gorgona and Capraia. These areas are true treasures of extraordinary biodiversity and are protected by conservation measures that safeguard unique habitats, marine species, and breathtaking landscapes. Through outreach moments and educational activities, participants will have the opportunity to better understand these natural heritage sites and realize how their protection also depends on everyday responsible actions.
The Triton Cup offers a unique chance to enjoy two full days of sailing, camaraderie, and increased awareness of the importance of marine protection. In this context, the presence of the LIFE A-MAR NATURA2000 project takes on a central role, fostering direct involvement with the sailing community.
In particular, sailors — as direct users of the sea — are key allies in the project’s mission: they can become ambassadors for marine biodiversity, helping to spread a new culture of the sea based on respect and awareness of the value of marine ecosystems. Through simple yet meaningful actions — such as responsible anchoring (avoiding sensitive seabeds like Posidonia meadows), proper waste management on board, reducing plastic use, minimizing acoustic pollution, and respecting marine wildlife — every sailor can make a difference. Moreover, sailors can become active observers, reporting harmful behavior or risky situations and promoting protection of marine areas among their peers.
In this way, sailing proves to be not only a sport and a passion, but also an educational and social tool. The Triton Cup, integrated into the VELA Cup Toscana, becomes an ideal platform to encourage virtuous behaviors and foster long-lasting cultural change, in line with the values promoted by the LIFE A-MAR NATURA2000 project.
The Marina Cala de’ Medici — a modern and welcoming harbor — will provide the perfect backdrop for an event full of emotion, with social gatherings ashore, prize-giving ceremonies, and a great spirit of shared adventure. Registrations are open and available on the official VELA Cup website. Whether you’re a seasoned skipper or a newcomer eager to experience your first regatta, the Triton Cup awaits you: join us in writing a new chapter of Italian sailing — sustainable, mindful, and shared.
