The 2026 Filippi Lido Trophy Preview: A Celebration of Elite Coastal Rowing

After an electrifying 2025 season that saw athletes from across the world compete with speed and flair on Beach Sprint venues crisscrossing Italy’s iconic shoreline, the Filippi Lido Trophy returns in 2026 with a big splash. Now in its fifth edition for the National Club Circuit and only its second for the International Circuit, this epic coastal rowing series has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on the Beach Sprint calendar.

Promoted by the Italian Rowing Federation (FIC) in partnership with global elite boat maker Filippi Boats, the Trophy honours the legacy of Lido Filippi, the renowned founder of the Filippi shipyard whose impact on both coastal and flatwater rowing culture continues to be felt across the sport. The series acts as a vibrant platform to showcase coastal rowing, helped by its slick production value, and enabling rising stars, hardy veterans and ambitious clubs to test themselves across four distinct venues and racing conditions.

Beach Sprint rowing is in the ascendency, particularly following its debut inclusion as an official discipline for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. This milestone has raised the stakes for coastal rowers worldwide and pushed events such as the Filippi Lido Trophy firmly into the spotlight as an important staging post for elite preparation, including mastering the tactics, adaptability and teamwork unique to the Beach Sprint racing.

Two Circuits, Four Stages

The 2026 season unfolds over four stages, each hosting both the National and International circuits. The journey begins from 27 to 29 March in Mondello, a lively Sicilian venue ideally suited to coastal rowing. Racing then moves north to Lido di Fano from 17 to 19 April, followed by the classic seaside charm of Napoli from 8 to 10 May.

All roads then lead to the culminating weekend in Marina di Castagneto from 5 to 7 June, where both circuits conclude in a dramatic final. Marina di Castagneto is synonymous with coastal rowing history, having hosted numerous major events and national team selections. To further add spice to proceedings, the top 9 finisher scores earned on the final leg in Marina di Castagneto will also count double compared to the previous intermediate stages.

For the International Circuit, crews and solo competitors will accumulate points across all four stages, earning their place in the overall standings which culminate in a total prize fund of €20,000 to be awarded at the final in Marina di Castagneto. In addition to the headline prize, dedicated awards and rewards will be presented for Junior and Para Rowing categories, providing plenty of incentives for all competition categories.

In parallel is the prestigious National Club Circuit, where Italy’s coastal clubs compete to lift the Filippi Trophy and earn the title of National Champion. Points are similarly collected throughout the season, with consistency a key factor for success. In 2025, Rowing Club Peloro emerged as the overall winner, topping the national circuit and setting a high benchmark for the year ahead.

Reflecting on the last season, the quality of competitors was particularly striking, with a host of national and world medallists adding an edge of intensity to what was still a friendly and open atmosphere, helped by a growing crowd of lively spectators, demonstrating how far the sport has evolved in only a few short seasons. As national federations and clubs continue to invest in Beach Sprint programmes, expectations are high for an exceptional 2026 season.

David Filippi, CEO of Filippi Boats, says, “For us, it is an honour and a privilege to provide guaranteed support to the organisers of the four stages of the Trofeo Lido Filippi, helping to further promote this discipline in the lead up to the LA 2028 Games. This is nothing new. For over 10 years, Filippi has invested significant resources in the development of beach sprint rowing and coastal rowing, in terms of innovation, logistics and the promotion of events on the international calendar.”

How to Sign Up

Athletes and clubs can register their interest via the official Filippi Lido Trophy website from the 1st of March here. Registration for each stage will open one month before each event.

They are anticipating a lot of interest with a host of elite European athletes waiting in the wings to register! The organisers are also thrilled that athletes as far away as the Australian national team have already expressed interest, and plan to under preparations at Marina di Castagneto ahead of the event.

Filippi Boats will have race ready Beach Sprint boats and oars for hire at every stage, with the use of private oars is permitted.

For full details, entry requirements and the latest race notices, visit the official Filippi Lido Trophy website. With elite racing, iconic venues and growing Olympic significance, the 2026 edition promises another unforgettable season of Beach Sprint Rowing in Italy.