Whilst Mathieu was delivering an XP20 to Berlin and the Liteboat team was putting the finishing touches to the new boats in Pontcharra in preparation for the summer season, two other XP20s were out on Lake Garda for some intense sailing from 10 to 17 June 2026.
Elena and Thomas, who know this stretch of water well, kicked off their holiday with a trip to the southern part of the lake – an opportunity to sail through the moats of the fortifications in the sheltered towns of Peschiera and Sirmione.
They eventually launched and moored their boat halfway along the lake’s eastern shore, at the marina of the Malcesine Sailing Club (Fraglia Vela Malcesine). Lake Garda is around fifty kilometres long, with a width varying from 3 to 18 kilometres.
For sailing, the wind generally blows from the north in the morning, then dies down in the early afternoon before shifting and blowing mainly from the south or south-west. Winds can be strong in the northern areas, or very light in the south, making it an interesting body of water that requires careful interpretation – just what is needed to make the most of the XP20’s full potential.
Sunday was spent getting settled in: launching Métis, Jean-Marc’s XP20, and settling into the Camelia apartment with its magnificent view of the lake. On Monday, Métis took to the water for the first time, setting off amongst the WaspZPs taking part in the university challenge and taking in the scenery of northern Italy from this lake, situated at an altitude of 65 metres. From Tuesday onwards, the two boats joined forces for joint sailing sessions. These allowed the two XP20s to either tack skilfully towards other ports on the lake or the islets off Malcesine, including Isola dell’Olivo, or to tackle vigorous downwind runs, requiring the sails to be reduced. This enabled them to visit the ports of Malcesine, Limone, Riva del Garda and Torbole… with stops for ice cream or refreshments.
Unsurprisingly, the Venturi and wind-swept effects put a strain on the equipment and crews, who, though not without some effort at times, managed to withstand the wind’s onslaught. After some wonderful days of sailing, the three sailors therefore deserved to continue enjoying the view from the clubhouse terrace with a Sprite, whilst discussing future explorations of the region’s other lakes.
Jean-Marc, Thomas & Elena from the XP Owners Community
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