Musto Skiff Class Training in Dongo, Lake Como, Italy over 25th April to 2nd May 2026.
Training report by Züllig Stephan
Original report published: 05.05.2026
[View original report in German on the SUI class website here]
This year’s training week at Lake Como was a complete success and seamlessly continued the positive development of recent years. Sailors from Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland once again gathered in Dongo to improve their skiff sailing skills.
Participants & Fleet
The Musto Skiff community once again grew in numbers: around 24 Mustos gathered along the shore of Camping Magic Lake. The grassy strip in front of the lake was almost completely occupied. The fleet was complemented by the two Light Skiffs of Vivian and Sabrina, as well as by the energetic crew from JSS Steckborn, who additionally brought along three 49er FXs, one 29er and a Moth.
Wind, Weather & Conditions
We were rewarded with almost perfect wind and weather conditions. The wind usually arrived reliably in the morning and provided ideal — and at times demanding — training conditions.
“Hanging low” was not only possible, but practically mandatory.
The wind and waves occasionally pushed us to our limits — and sometimes beyond. The numerous capsizes, including those of our professionals, are proof of this.
The two calm-weather days were put to good sporting use: foiling behind the inflatable boat or pump foiling from the harbour provided variety and fun.
Training & Coaching
For the first time, a professional coach, Livia Naef, was engaged (which also meant that Alex occasionally got the chance to sail himself and was tired in the evenings).
With extensive experience, expertise and commitment, she guided us through the training sessions and analyses.
The training sessions included:
- Photo and video analysis during the morning briefings
- Sailing circles and figure-eights around the motorboat
- Manoeuvre training
- Starting exercises
- Upwind and downwind courses with coaching from the motorboat
- Short races
- Although not an official training point, righting the boats after capsizes was also practised diligently
Equipment, Technical Work & Repairs
The time before and after the water sessions was used intensively to optimise and repair our boats.
Alex’s tuning and repair service was, as every year, in high demand. Many ropes, elastic lines and mast tracks were replaced and repaired.
Social Activities & Supporting Programme
The group also showed its camaraderie ashore. For many, the day began with a relaxed breakfast at the “Camping Bar”, which became the daily meeting point.
The evenings were mostly spent together as a large group at the Pizzeria La Luna, where there was plenty of laughter, discussion and, incidentally, language learning as well.
The gelateria “Orchidee del Lario” was also frequently and enthusiastically visited.
The communal cooking evening on Wednesday was the culinary highlight of the week and perfectly rounded off the sense of community.
Note: Splügen Pass
The Splügen Pass is definitely too steep for older vans towing a triple trailer and is not recommended.
Conclusion
Training Week 2026 was a success in every respect: perfect conditions, a motivated and warm-hearted group, significant learning progress and countless wonderful moments on and off the water.
The anticipation for next year can already be felt — Dongo 2027, here we come!
Links to Swisscom myCloud Album
A heartfelt thank you to
- Alex and Vivian for the organisation and everything surrounding it
- Jörg for sponsoring the pizzas — we hope you’ll be with us again next year
- Livia for the training sessions (and your laughter from the motorboat at our stunt performances)
- Lina for driving the motorboat as well as the photo and video service
- Oliver for the fantastic drone footage
- Camping Magic Lake for the hospitality and perfect infrastructure
- And everyone who simply took part and contributed to such a successful week
Image Credit: Training Week Dongo 2026 (Image by © Swisscom)
