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Federico Pilloni takes silver in the iQFOiL class, while Cesare Barabino claims bronze in the ILCA 7

Porto Cervo, 2 September 2026. The sailing competitions concluded today at the 20th edition of the Mediterranean Games currently underway in Taranto. The two athletes from the YCCS Young Azzurra programme selected by the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) to represent Italy, Federico Pilloni and Cesare Barabino, won the silver medal in the iQFOiL class and the bronze medal in the ILCA 7 class, respectively. With his third place overall, Cesare also secured Italy’s 200th medal at the 2026 Mediterranean Games.

The Mediterranean Games, running from 21 August to 3 September 2026, are a multi-sport event reserved for nations in the Mediterranean basin and recognised by the International Olympic Committee since 1952. The competition is modelled on the Olympic Games, with the aim of promoting sport and cooperation among Mediterranean nations. The event represented a significant milestone in the sporting careers of both of the athletes from the Young Azzurra programme, and the YCCS is proud of the excellent results achieved.

Racing for both classes got underway on 27 August in the Gulf of Taranto, and brought a week of competition characterised by light breezes. Federico placed consistently towards the top of the standings to claim silver, while Cesare staged a brilliant comeback on the final day to take the third step on the podium. For full details of the results, click here.

Federico Pilloni: “Wearing the Italian jersey was a fantastic experience. I came here aiming for gold, but I’m still satisfied with the result. It was a tricky event, where the heat and long waits out on the water came into play. Leonardo Tomasini did very well and I’d like to congratulate him. I’ll now focus on recovery ahead of the iQFOiL World Championships, which begin on Monday 7 September in Weymouth, UK.”

Cesare Barabino: “I’m absolutely delighted with this result. It’s been a tough week in light wind conditions, which made for hard-fought racing. Up until yesterday, I was between sixth and eighth place in the standings, and today, on the final day of the event, we only had one race scheduled. I’m pleased with my performance – I did everything I needed to finish on the podium. I’m proud to have won Italy’s 200th medal and I’d like to thank the Italian Sailing Federation, the YCCS and Young Azzurra for their support.”

For further information please contact the YCCS Press Office.