Ischia visit report - October 2025. By Andy Denison
The Island of Ischia is situated off the coast of Naples, famous for its healing hot spring thermal waters and a location used by Hollywood in the 1950s and 1960s. The island is around 10 km long by 7 km wide and takes around 1.5 hours to drive around using the coast road.
Limited cars (No cars allowed from people living in Naples; only tourist and local.)
Venue:
The town of Forio will host the event. Forio has a large marina, with an estimated capacity for 350 Finns, both off a very short firm sandy beach adjacent to a 150-200 space car park. Launching is into the sheltered marina with the race area intended to be a few hundred metres offshore, depending on wind conditions. One crane and one forklift will be provided free of charge for unloading trailers and launching ribs.
Club:
Cicolo Nautico Punta Imperatore, in Forio, and RYCC Savoia, in Naples, are jointly hosting the event. The RYCC Savoia in Naples will provide all the extra ribs, personal, equipment, GPS marks, race boats etc. They have the capacity for two separate course areas if needed.
The RYCC Savoia has been officially declared as the host club of Team New Zealand, defenders of the America’s Cup, and we expect there will be good reciprocal links established between the club and the Masters event. The incentive to be so closely involved with the AC with the extra promotion and exposure that would bring make it a unique opportunity for the class, and for many of you to link in some of the America’s Cup experience.
Dinghy park:
In the marina on the firm sandy beach. This is just across the road from the many bars and restaurants and a short walk to the local supermarkets and shops. Hose water will be supplied.
Trailers:
Once unloaded the trailers will be moved to an area close by. There are two FREE cranes to use for the trailer unloading.
Travel:
The port of Pozzuoli is 5 mins from the main highway from the north, (avoiding the centre of Naples). Ferries run every hour in summer and is the Car and trailer Ferry. It takes about an hour to Ischia town, and then a 20-minute drive on the coast road to Forio on the north-west coast of Ischia.
Other ferries run from Naples, including a fast passenger cat direct to Forio (40 mins).
Airport:
Naples and Rome are the international airports.
Accommodation: (Book early, June is popular)
Ample hotel accommodation within walking distance and overlooking the dinghy area, plus houses, apartments etc. The island has 30,000 beds. All parking will be free for the duration of the event. There are (as we counted) 20+ restaurants and bars within 50 metres of the beach, and many more within a short walk. The food and wine is AMAZING (we tested as much as we were able!).
Prices: in June approximate per day rate.
Holiday home - €40
BnB - €50
Hotels 2-Star - € 60
Hotel 3 Star - €70
Hotel 4 Star - €80
Hotel 5 Star - €350
Campers:
The hardstanding camper area is a short stroll around the marina and has toilets, water and electric and a small swimming beach. Beautifull full coastal views of the marina entrance. I estimated 30-50 campers depending on who turns up with which sizes.
An expression of interest entry form will be published early in 2026 which will include pre-registration for camper spaces so the OA is aware of how much space to allocate.
Food/ Drink
Many fine restaurants to suit all tastes around the marina and in the streets behind Around €30-50 per head dinner in a mid-range restaurant.
Pizza and Pasta dishes €7 to €15
Good wine €8 to 15 per litre
On the whole prices are comparable to other European countries
Tourism: It would be an exceptional ladies programme, both on and off the island: hot springs, Pompei, wineries, green natural island. Pretty much everything you desire.
Things to do:
Thermal spa villages
Bike and scooter rental
Beach clubs
Arrive early, explore the Island
Full gallery of the visit is here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/finnclassphotos/albums/72177720329838237
A further presentation can be seen here (265 mb download): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6xhqupq78b8pgshf1s3kq/presentazione_mondiale.pdf?rlkey=28hktey6bvmya1j3428g1f77p&e=1&dl=0
Andy Dension formally offering the 2027 Finn World Masters to Pasquale Orofino, Commodore of Cicolo Nautico Punta Imperatore
