For the year of 2004 Genova is the European Capital of Culture. In addition, the Italian Yacht Club commemorates its 125th anniversary. As a result the 2004 edition of MILLEVELE (A Thousand Sails) is a particularly special event.
The open regatta brings together sailing enthusiast from Liguria and from the high and middle Tyrrhenian Sea, and France. Hundreds of yachts take part in the regatta together in one class, held in the Porto Antico bay; the first yacht that crosses the finishing line is the winner.