The Grand Tour 2026: An Adventure Through Time with Tiwal

Imagined by Italian sailors Franco Deganutti and Manuel Vlacich, the Grand Tour project returns in 2026. After sailing the inflatable Tiwal 3 dinghies in iconic locations such as Loch Ness and Lake Titicaca, the team is inviting us this year to reflect on the value of time, with three planned stops.

Varanasi, India, “Where Time Stands Still”

On the Ganges, among the ghats of Varanasi, a unique regatta with two of their Tiwal dinghies will highlight the sacred history of this ancient city.

Greenwich, United Kingdom, “Time That Flows”

In the heart of London, on the Thames, the sailors will cross the Greenwich meridian during a dynamic urban regatta.

Diomede Islands, Bering Strait, “Where Time Begins and Ends”

Between the American Little Diomede and Russian Big Diomede islands, separated by just 3 km but divided by the International Date Line, they will defy all logic: departing one day and arriving… the day before!

True to its commitment to the environment, The Grand Tour highlights sailing as a tool to raise awareness and respect for fragile ecosystems. As ambassadors of the One Ocean Foundation, Deganutti and Vlacich reaffirm the importance of protecting the world’s oceans and waterways.

To take on this challenge, they will transport two of their inflatable Tiwal dinghies across three continents, exploring locations with vastly different conditions and landscapes.