There is a way to experience the sea that goes beyond navigation. A way that transforms every mile traveled into a message of solidarity and every crossing into a concrete tool for charity. This is the spirit of Mediterraneo in Rosa, the all-female nautical raid organized by Nuova Jolly Marine to support the Associazione Lorenzo Perrone ETS.
The 2026 edition of Mediterraneo in Rosa set sail just a few days ago, and we are sharing it with Yacht Digest readers in the video below. The video features interviews with the minds and faces behind one of the most original endeavors on the Italian nautical scene: a true “Giro d’Italia” by inflatable boat, entrusted to 100% female crews. From Chioggia all the way to Genoa, they will travel over 1,300 nautical miles along the Adriatic, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian coasts to raise funds for the free services of the Associazione Lorenzo Perrone and to spread a culture of cancer prevention.
A Project Born to Give Visibility to Women in Boating
Antonio Aiello—who conceived the project alongside his daughter Sara and serves as the production director of Nuova Jolly Marine—explains the philosophy that guided the birth of Mediterraneo in Rosa. “In the boating world, there are many highly competent and passionate women who often receive little visibility. We wanted to make them the protagonists, putting them at the center of a raid designed exclusively for them, while simultaneously providing concrete support to the Associazione Lorenzo Perrone.“
The origins of Mediterraneo in Rosa date back to 2022, when Aiello and his daughter began imagining an all-female nautical adventure that could serve as a vehicle for social awareness. The connection with the Associazione Lorenzo Perrone developed naturally, thanks to a long-standing relationship of friendship and collaboration. This led to the decision to dedicate the fundraising to the association’s activities, specifically to the “Cuore Rosa” (Pink Heart) project, which offers free services to women facing a cancer diagnosis.
Previous editions of the initiative have already proven the strength of the format. In 2022, the raid connected Amantea to Genoa, raising €15,000, while the 2024 edition, which started in Catania, raised €46,500 for the association, helping fund numerous services and initiatives dedicated to cancer patients.
The 2026 Edition of Mediterraneo in Rosa: A Dream Come True
The Tour of Italy by inflatable boat represents the project’s most ambitious evolution yet. As Aiello mentions in the video, this goal was envisioned from the earliest stages of the initiative but required a proper organizational structure and adequate financial backing. The 2026 edition kicked off following a female crew’s participation in the historic Pavia-Venezia race, and officially continues from Chioggia.
From there, the boat follows an itinerary that crosses the entire peninsula, stopping in Rimini, Potenza Picena, Termoli, Margherita di Savoia, Brindisi, Tricase Porto, Crotone, Villa San Giovanni, Amantea, Naples, Latina, Ostia, Piombino, La Spezia, and Varazze, before concluding at the Genoa International Boat Show this coming September. In total, it will cover approximately 1,400 nautical miles in the name of solidarity.
Behind the voyage lies a complex organizational effort involving local administrations, port authorities, sponsors, and technical partners. Aiello emphasizes that “securing permits, space, and logistical support along the entire Italian coast was one of the most challenging aspects of the whole project.”
Prevention and Health: The Major New Feature for 2026
While fundraising remains the heart of the initiative, the 2026 edition introduces an additional element of social value: healthcare prevention. Along the route, dedicated awareness events and free medical screenings have been organized in collaboration with scientific organizations, institutions, and local partners. In Potenza Picena, Rome, and Latina, scheduled appointments focusing on breast and dermatological prevention will be open to the public. This is a concrete way to transform every stop of the raid into an opportunity for public health education and protection. This choice strengthens the social dimension of the project, which goes beyond raising funds to spread a culture of prevention through the universal language of the sea.
Honda Marine: The Partner Guaranteeing Reliability and Safety
Among the key players in Mediterraneo in Rosa is Honda Marine, a crucial technical partner for the 2026 edition. Nelly Filippelli, Press Relations & Marketing Specialist for Honda Motor Europe Italy, shares how the collaboration came about almost spontaneously during the Genoa Boat Show: “It took just a few minutes of conversation to understand the human and social value of this initiative. We immediately decided to support it with great enthusiasm.”
On the technical side, the raid relies on the Honda BF350 V8 outboard, the flagship model of the Honda Marine lineup. For a voyage spanning several months and thousands of kilometers of coastline, reliability is an absolute must. Filippelli highlights that the choice of the BF350 was driven by the need to guarantee power, performance, and, above all, operational continuity across every leg of the journey.
Nuova Jolly 850 XL: The Ideal Vessel for the Raid
Hosting the protagonists of the Tour of Italy is the flagship of the Nuova Jolly Marine lineup, the NJ 850 XL. The model was chosen based on the specific needs of the project. Throughout the various stages, the boat must accommodate numerous participants and their luggage while ensuring comfort and safety.
Among its most appreciated features are its 3.40-meter beam—which is exceptionally generous for its class—and a deep-V hull designed to ensure a dry ride and comfort even in the most challenging sea conditions. The Nuova Jolly 850 XL thus serves not just as the vehicle for the adventure, but as a true floating home accompanying the crew along the entire circumnavigation of the peninsula.
Women at the Helm
Roughly 60 women involved in the 2026 edition will take turns during the various stages of the raid, helping build a major collective experience rooted in shared skills and passion. One of the most interesting aspects highlighted in the video is the drivers’ preparation. Daniela and Laura describe the path they took to take on the responsibility of operating the boat and ensuring the safety of those on board: “We prepared extensively, both technically and mentally: studying meteorology, navigation, emergency procedures, and practical drills. But above all, we learned to accept that unexpected challenges are part of the journey, and that in high-pressure moments, mutual trust and clear-headedness are vital.“
The Value of Female Empowerment
Among the partners that chose to back the project is Nuncas Italia. Carlotta Manzoni, the company’s Marketing and Communications Director, explains that “empowering women is part of our identity. Many of our company’s key figures are women, and we have always worked to create opportunities that foster their professional and personal growth.“
Conclusions
Mediterraneo in Rosa is a traveling project that uses the sea as a communication tool, turning every port of call into an opportunity to talk about prevention, support for cancer patients, and female empowerment. The strength of the initiative lies in its ability to bring together institutions, companies, associations, and local communities around a common goal: transforming a passion for boating into concrete help for those facing illness.
Mediterraneo in Rosa – Useful Links
- Official initiative website: https://mediterraneoinrosa.it/
- To support the Associazione Lorenzo Perrone ETS and contribute to the project’s activities: https://www.associazionelorenzoperrone.org/
Mediterraneo in Rosa – FAQ
What is Mediterraneo in Rosa?
Mediterraneo in Rosa is an all-female charity nautical raid that combines navigation, healthcare prevention, and solidarity. The initiative raises funds for the Associazione Lorenzo Perrone ETS and promotes messages of strength, resilience, and empowerment for women, particularly those facing a cancer diagnosis.
What is the route for the 2026 edition?
The 2026 edition features a circumnavigation of Italy by inflatable boat, starting in Chioggia and arriving in Genoa after traveling approximately 1,400 nautical miles. The raid crosses the Adriatic, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian seas, stopping at numerous coastal cities along the peninsula.
What are the charity goals of the project?
The primary goal is to raise funds to support the free services offered by the Associazione Lorenzo Perrone ETS to cancer patients and their families. Additionally, the project promotes prevention through informational meetings and initiatives dedicated to women’s health in the cities visited during the raid.
How can I support Mediterraneo in Rosa?
You can contribute by making a donation to the Associazione Lorenzo Perrone ETS, participating in events organized during the raid's stops, or sharing the initiative to help amplify its message of solidarity and prevention.
