That the Filippi Trophy’s International Circuit has become the most important beach sprint regatta outside of the world championships and continental championships is now unquestionable. Rowers representing 30 different countries, and all six inhabited continents, will face off in the final round of this year’s series in Marina di Castagneto, Italy. And that number doesn’t take into account other countries that have raced in 2026 but that won’t be present this weekend. (Scheduling conflicts include the 2026 Asian Rowing Beach Sprint Championships.)
Making direct a comparison between the Filippi Trophy and the world championships is tricky because World Rowing’s regata limits participation to one boat per country per discipline, while Filippi’s race is more flexible and also includes club teams. But across under-19 and senior solos at the world championships last year there was a total of 139 participants. And in the same categories this weekend there will be a total of 164.
Among the new attendees will be three-time men’s solos world champion Chris Bak. The American star won’t be able to top the series’ points table from just a single appearance. Leader Gabriele Loconsole (32 points), and rivals Moritz Wolff (27) and Zygimantas Galisanskis (22) are just too far ahead. But what is clear is that even without competing in the entire series, the Filippi regattas have become a critical opportunity to for the world’s top rowers to test themselves against the competition.
You can watch the action live from the regatta via YouTube on Saturday and Sunday.