
The Italian Sailing Federation at the Quirinale with the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella
A day destined to remain engraved in the memory of the Italian Sailing Federation and the entire national sailing movement. For the first time in almost a hundred years of history, Italian sailing was welcomed to the Quirinale by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, a testament to the importance and value that this sport represents for the country.
The meeting opened with the speech of the President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, who wanted to underline how sailing is one of the excellences of Italian sport, capable of combining extraordinary results with values of inclusiveness, respect and sustainability. Malagò praised the work done by the Italian Sailing Federation, calling it a model for organizational capacity, strategic vision and care in the development of the youth sector.
The President of the Italian Sailing Federation, Francesco Ettorre, then took the floor, expressing deep gratitude for the welcome reserved and for the attention that President Mattarella dedicates to the world of sport. “Being here today represents an extraordinary honor for us, but also a responsibility. This meeting symbolizes the recognition of a movement that has been able to grow, not only in competitive results, but also in the diffusion of fundamental values such as respect, collaboration, excellence and sustainability,” said Ettorre.
Ettorre wanted to recall the exceptional results achieved by Italian sailing in 2024, with 108 international podiums, the two Olympic gold medals won in Paris by Marta Maggetti and the crew formed by Ruggero Tita-Caterina Banti, in addition to the numerous important placings that testify to the technical level and talent of the movement. The President also highlighted the successes of the youth sector, such as the six victories at the Youth World Championships and the triumph in the Nations Trophy, defining these results as “a sign of hope and optimism for the future”.
In his speech, Ettorre wanted to pay homage to the tireless work of the affiliated Clubs, the beating heart of the movement, to the crucial role of the technicians and to the fundamental contribution of the Technical Director Michele Marchesini and the Youth Technical Director Alessandra Sensini. He then addressed a special thought to the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, led by Max Sirena, protagonist of extraordinary successes such as the victories in the Women's and Youth America's Cups. "Sailing is much more than a sport: it is a school of life. It is on the sea that we learn to measure ourselves, with the strength of the elements and with the sense of responsibility that guides our every decision", concluded Ettorre, reiterating the Federation's commitment to inclusiveness, with initiatives such as the Para Sailing Academy.
Caterina Banti then brought the voice of the athletes, recalling how sport represents a tool to overcome one's limits and create unity. "We have built a young, strong and collaborative movement, demonstrating that great dreams can only be achieved together," said the Olympian.
Max Sirena, representing the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, emphasized the importance of inspiring new generations through teamwork, dedication and technological excellence. “Our goal is to bring the oldest trophy in the history of sport, the America's Cup, to Italy, to give the country another reason to be proud,” Sirena said.
The meeting ended with a speech by the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, who expressed his appreciation for the central role of sailing in the Italian sports scene, highlighting its positive impact in spreading the universal values of sport. Mattarella underlined the indissoluble bond between sailing and our territory, reiterating how this sport represents not only a competitive challenge, but also a vehicle for personal and collective growth.
“The great success of the Federation is to involve many young people around this sport, which is practiced at an amateur level with an authentic sporting spirit, in strong harmony with nature and its elements”, declared the President.
With a warm wish, the President greeted the protagonists of the day, leaving a message of trust and encouraging the Federation to continue its path of excellence and inclusiveness for the future of Italian sport.