France wins double gold while hosts Italy claim five medals at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto

Throughout the week, challenging breezes ranging between 4 and 6 knots tested tactical patience, light-wind boat handling, and foiling efficiency across all fleets. 

France emerged as the top nation in the sailing events, claiming two gold medals and a bronze.  

In the ILCA 6 class, French sailor Marie Barrué successfully defended her Mediterranean Games gold medal from Oran 2022, maintaining consistent fleet positions in shifting light winds to stay ahead of silver medallist Alenka Valenčič of Slovenia and bronze medallist Hermione Ghicas of Greece.  

Teammate Lorenzo Mayer captured his first major Games title in the ILCA 7 division, leading Greece’s Marios Stathas and Italy’s Cesare Barabino in scorching heat and technical conditions. 

Host nation Italy asserted strong presence in the windsurfing disciplines, taking five total sailing medals.  

In the Men’s iQFOiL class, Leonardo Tomasini and Federico Allan Pilloni secured a 1-2 finish for Italy, with France’s Gaspard Carfantan taking bronze. Greece’s Danai Pontifix won gold in the Women’s iQFOiL event, followed by Italian windsurfers Medea Falcioni and Carola Colasanto on the podium.

Overall, France led the medal standings with two golds, while Italy finished with five total medals and Greece closed the regatta with three. 

Tomasz Chamera, World Sailing Vice President, said: “I would like to express my sincere congratulations to everyone who contributed to the success of the sailing competition at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto. Special thanks to the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, CONI, the Taranto 2026 Organising Committee, the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV), the City of Taranto, the race officials, volunteers, technical teams, coaches and all supporting partners and sponsors. 

“Most importantly, I offer my appreciation to all the sailors and teams who competed with such commitment and sporting spirit. Their performances once again demonstrated the strength, diversity and quality of sailing across the Mediterranean region. 

“Taranto provided an excellent platform to showcase sailing within a major multi-sport event and highlighted the important role our sport plays in connecting nations, developing athletes and inspiring the next generation.” 

Images copyright Luca Briganti