The Fifth Edition of The Grand Tour Sailing: Unwrapping the Mystery of Time

Unveiling the intricacies of time’s ebb and flow, the fifth edition of The Grand Tour Sailing charts a riveting course full of exploration, research, and cultural enrichment. The athletes, Manuel Vlacich and Franco Deganutti, have tacked their thematic voyage to culturally pivotal locations such as Varanasi in India, Greenwich in England, and the Diomede Islands, where each bears a unique relationship with time. Not just showcasing their outstanding sailing skills, Vlacich and Deganutti are also acting as ambassadors for the ‘Io sono Friuli Venezia Giulia’ brand. Their boats display the region’s official branding, promoting awareness and appreciation of the region’s unique identity and values globally. The pilots launched the 2026 edition with an inaugural visit to Varanasi, one of the oldest inhabited centres globally. Facing challenging conditions, they completed a seven-kilometre voyage along the heavily polluted Ganges River, negotiating local river traffic, dealing with intense weather, and managing delicate local sensibilities. Undertaking the expedition required advanced logistical planning. They had to coordinate the transport of two sailing boats, navigational equipment, and personal luggage, totalling 140 kg across multiple flights and ground transfers independently. They chose the Tiwal 3 inflatable boats that are convenient to transport and handle, highlighting the importance of practicality and adaptability in such ventures. Apart from the exploration, this journey had a scientific agenda as well. Vlacich and Deganutti collected four water samples from the Ganges for the University of Udine. These samples will further the university’s ongoing project to study and protect inland waters. This one-of-a-kind voyage, connecting exploration, sustainability, sports, and science, highlights the multi-dimensional possibilities of sailing as a medium of learning and discovery.