The first stage of “Calabria in barca a vela 2026” begins in Corigliano-Rossano, opening a regional educational and sports project that brings together students from 14 Sports High Schools across Calabria. The initiative combines sailing, environmental education, and the promotion of local heritage through a shared experience along the coast.
The opening day is hosted by the IIS L. Palma Green Falcone Borsellino, under the direction of headmistress Cinzia D’Amico, with support from the municipality of Corigliano-Rossano and the collaboration of the IC “Leonetti–Guidi”. The event is designed as a bridge between schools in the area and as a practical example of continuity in education.
Launch day in Schiavonea and the first departure
The participants will gather on Thursday 14 May at 9:30 a.m. at the Palmeto of Schiavonea. After greetings from local authorities, the program will continue with sports activities and tournaments that officially mark the start of the project.
At noon, the group will board at the Port of Corigliano for the first sailing leg toward Cariati. This opening route sets the tone for a wider itinerary built around learning by doing, with the sea becoming both a classroom and a training ground.
An educational model built around the sea
“Calabria in barca a vela 2026” is presented as an innovative path that combines sport in a natural setting with sustainability education and the discovery of Calabria’s landscape and cultural identity. Life on board gives students the chance to practice sailing while also developing responsibility, teamwork, and active citizenship.
The project aims to turn navigation into a structured learning experience rather than a simple sporting excursion. By moving along the regional coastline, students are expected to strengthen technical skills and gain a broader understanding of the environment and the territory they cross.
A coastal route shared by 14 Sports High Schools
After the Corigliano-Cariati opening leg, the journey will continue along both the Ionian and Tyrrhenian sides of Calabria. The route will progressively reach major coastal locations and will be managed in rotation by the participating schools.
Each stop will be entrusted to one of the Sports High Schools or partner institutes in the network, which will organize the welcome day and the connected educational and sporting activities. The participating schools are IIS L. Palma Green Falcone Borsellino in Corigliano-Rossano, LS “Julia” in Acri, LS “Filolao” in Crotone, LS “E. Fermi” in Catanzaro, IIS “Z. Bianco” in Gioiosa Ionica, IIS “M. La Cava” in Bovalino, LS “M. Guerrisi” in Cittanova, LS “A. Volta” in Reggio Calabria, LS “Nostro Repaci” in Villa San Giovanni, IIS “N. Pizi” in Palmi, IIS “Piria” in Rosarno, LS “Berto” in Vibo Valentia, IIS “Valentini Majorana” in Castrolibero, and IIS Cetraro.
Planned stops and final presentation
The itinerary includes Corigliano Rossano, Cariati, Le Castella, Catanzaro Lido, Roccella Ionica, Reggio Calabria, Tropea, Cetraro, Vibo Marina, Reggio C., Roccella I., Catanzaro L., Crotone, and Cirò Marina. The route is structured as a collective regional experience that links sailing with school-based participation at each port.
The project will end with a final synthesis and presentation stage on 4 June, when students will share the results of their experiences on board and in the different landing points. It is promoted and coordinated by the Regional Education Office for Calabria, the Regional Government, the Sports High Schools Network, and the Health-Promoting Schools Network.