Sparviero Sup Challenge – Sara D’Apolito Memorial
Italian SUP Race and Paddleboard Championship - Leg 5
June 6-7, 2026
Punta Ala (GR) Italy
The FISSW Italian SUP Race and Paddleboard Class Championship comes to Punta Ala for the penultimate round of the circuit: the Sparviero SUP Challenge – Memorial Sara D’Apolito. Now in its fourth edition, the event returns with an updated format while remaining deeply connected to the memory of Sara D’Apolito, an athlete and instructor at Centro Velico Punta Ala who tragically passed away in 2021, celebrating her passion and energy.
Stand up paddle (SUP) is a discipline that combines balance, endurance and technique, in which the athlete moves while standing on a board using a paddle.
Alongside the SUP Race disciplines — Sprint, Relay and Distance — the event also features Paddleboard, a format in which athletes paddle lying down, using only their hands and no paddle.
What makes this event truly unique is the Distance course: when sea conditions allow, the race heads towards the Sparviero Islet along a route parallel to the coastline. This distinctive element connects the competition to one of the symbols of the Gulf of Follonica and to the very identity of the event itself, set against the spectacular backdrop of the private beach of PuntAla Camp & Resort, facing Elba Island.
Tender Documents
UPDATING…
Race Program
Schedules are approximate and may change during the course of the event. All changes to the schedule will be communicated through the official event chat on whatsapp.
| Saturday, June 6 | ||
| 09:00 – 10:30 | Athletes reception and registration confirmation (checkin) | Race Office Centro Velico Punta Ala |
| 11:00 | Riders Meeting for Race Instructions | Event Tent |
| 11:30 | Sprint Race Start | Beach |
| 11:30 | Relay race start | Beach |
| Sunday, June 7 | ||
| 08:00 – 09:00 | Athletes reception and registration confirmation (checkin) | Race Office Centro Velico Punta Ala |
| 09:00 | Riders Meeting for Race Instructions | Event Tent |
| 10:00 | Technical Race Start | Beach |
| 13:00 | Awards ceremony | Event Tent |
Photo Gallery
Logistical Information
Boards should be left in the reserved spaces under the sailing school tent ( on racks) near the beach gate.
Dedicated parking for athletes is the north parking lot at the entrance to the campground on the right (unless otherwise announced)
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News
Italian SUP Race & Paddleboard Championship category titles awarded in Sara d’Apolito memorial
Record-breaking third edition for the Sparrowhawk SUP Challenge: 101 athletes competing and a big crowd for the FISSW titles. The curtain falls on the
All set for the Sparviero SUP Challenge – Memorial Sara D’Apolito
Next Oct. 4-5 Punta Ala will host the Final Stage Italian SUP Race and Paddleboard Championships FIWS More than 100 athletes expected for the final
International podium for Euro Tour Punta Ala Sparrowhawk SUP Challenge Sara D’Apolito memorial
The second edition of the Euro Tour Punta Ala Sparrowhawk SUP Challenge in memory of Sara D’Apolito concluded successfully. Despite the fact that the weather
Partners
Where we are
Centro Velico Punta Ala c/o Punta Ala Camp and Resort, Loc. Punta Ala snc, Castiglione della Pescaia GR Italy
Email: info@centrovelicopuntaala.it
Tel: +39 349 881 6427 – +39 349 881 6392
About Punta Ala, Italy
Beach in front of the Sailing Center.
All services at Punta Ala Camp & Resort are available to sailors. www.campingpuntala.it
During the summer months (April/October), there is a regular afternoon thermal breeze, which makes sailing pleasant and enjoyable.
The sea surface is never too rough and allows good sailing even in strong winds, protected from strong currents and big waves.
Ospitality
OFFER RESERVED FOR PARTICIPANTS
at PuntAla Camp & Resort.
There is a 10% discount on overnight stays for stays from May 31 to June 9, 2026. The promotion is valid for bungalows and pitches.
To take advantage of the discount, it is necessary to register on the website: campingpuntala.it;, enter the voucher SPARVIEROSUPCHALLENGE2026 in your personal area and proceed with the booking at the dedicated rates.
The voucher is valid until May 30, 2026.