On May 24, 2026, the city of Modena will host one of the most established events in the Italian finswimming calendar: the XXXIX Pinnuotata della Ghirlandina. Organized by A.S.D. Nuoto Sub Modena Bruno Loschi under the approval of F.I.P.S.A.S., the competition will serve as a key stage of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Championship 2026, while also including the regional Paralympic championship.
A Comprehensive Competition Format
The event will feature a wide and inclusive program, welcoming athletes across multiple categories:
- Senior (CMAS) categories
- Age-group categories (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- Master categories (A, B, C)
- Youth divisions (Esordienti A and B)
- Paralympic categories (physical, sensory, and intellectual-relational)
Athletes will compete in a full range of disciplines, including:
- Monofin and bifin races (50m to 800m)
- Apnea events
- Surface (VS) races
- Mixed relays (4×50 with combined monofin and bifin swimmers)
This structure ensures both high-level performance and broad participation, reinforcing the event’s reputation as a cornerstone of Italian finswimming.
Venue and Schedule
The competition will take place at the Piscina Comunale “Dogali”, a 50-meter outdoor pool equipped with 8 lanes. The event will be split into two sessions:
- Morning session: warm-up from 8:00 AM, races starting at 9:00 AM
- Afternoon session: warm-up from 2:00 PM, races starting at 3:00 PM
The day will conclude around 7:30 PM with awards and the closing ceremony.
Participation and Regulations
There is no limit on the number of individual entries per athlete, although each swimmer may participate in only one relay. Registrations must be completed through official federation forms by May 17, 2026, and all participants must hold valid federation membership and medical certification.
Timing will be managed by the Italian Timekeepers Federation, with electronic systems in place at the finish.
Awards and Recognition
Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event, while team rankings will determine the winners of the XXXIX Pinnuotata della Ghirlandina Trophy. Additional awards will recognize the best male and female athletes across:
- Under 18
- Senior
- Paralympic categories
These rankings will be based on the sum of the three best performances.
A Key Event for the Community
Beyond competition, the event emphasizes community and accessibility. Dedicated spaces will be available for teams, and communication throughout the event will be streamlined via a centralized chat system for participating clubs.
With nearly four decades of history, the Pinnuotata della Ghirlandina continues to play a vital role in promoting finswimming in Italy, combining competitive excellence with inclusivity and strong organizational standards.





