How long have you been sailing? What classes do you compete in?
I have sailed many different boats from an Optimist to a Tall Ship. I have been sailing my entire life. Rumour has it I was born in February and out on my parent’s boat in April.
What boats/classes do you sail?
I started racing in an Opti, but learned the most in an old International Cadet that my grandfather rebuilt for me. After that I moved into Laser 2 for a couple of years with my good friend before moving to keelboats. Starting in 2004 I had the luxury of sailing a Shark with my brother and friend. We raced that boat hard for 10 years; where we went on to claim 4 world championships. I now own and race a Beneteau First Class 10 in Ottawa that I actually sailed on when I was younger.
What got you into the marine industry?
I have always had a love of boats. Growing up I always wanted to sail and be around boats in general. At one point in grade school I had the idea of getting into boat design, constantly drawing boats instead of doing school work.
How long have you been working in the industry?
I started working on boats 25 yrs ago. Sometimes this was as paid crew and sometimes fixing boats.
What’s your favourite thing about sailing?
There are 2 parts to this for me. I would say the best thing about sailing is the freedom. Being able to get away from it all and just enjoy the wind and water. I also enjoy the camaraderie between competitors and the constant learning that sailing and racing brings.
From sailmaking to performance apparel: an evolving partnership geared up for future challenges.
North Sails and the Yacht Club Italiano are proud to announce the formal expansion of their long-standing relationship into a comprehensive long-term partnership. This agreement officially designates North Sails as the Official Technical Partner for both sailmaking and performance apparel, marking a new chapter in a collaboration built on decades of mutual respect and shared maritime values.
The partnership, which extends through 2030, is not a beginning, but rather an evolution of the existing bond between the two organizations. By formalizing this alliance, North Sails and Yacht Club Italiano aim to align their goals ahead of the Club’s historic 150th Anniversary, creating a robust technical ecosystem that serves the Club’s members, elite athletes, and international racing calendar.
Alessio Razeto, North Sails Sales Director, emphasized the organic nature of this development: "Our relationship with the Yacht Club Italiano goes beyond a simple collaboration; it is built on years of friendship, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to promoting sailing among young sailors. Today, this partnership is further strengthened with the addition of North Sails Apparel, expanding opportunities forcollaboration and mutual growth. We look ahead with great enthusiasm to the upcoming season, which promises a calendar of high-profile events that will best showcase and enhance this shared journey."
This consolidated partnership reinforces North Sails' position at the heart of the Italian racing scene. By expanding its role to include technical apparel alongside its world-leading sail technology, North Sails will provide comprehensive support as the technical partner to the Yacht Club Italiano, organizer of iconic regattas such as the Loro Piana Giraglia, Genova Sailing Week, Bombola d’Oro, and Millevele IREN.
“North Sails has been a valued partner of Yacht Club Italiano for many years through its sailmaking division, supporting our sporting activities and sharing our commitment to excellence in sailing,” said Carlo Cameli, President of Yacht Club Italiano. “We are very pleased to welcome North Sails Apparel into this collaboration, further strengthening the relationship between our two organizations. This new agreement represents an important opportunity to enhance the experience of our members, athletes and events, while continuing to promote the values, tradition and innovation that define both North Sails and Yacht Club Italiano.”
The core of this extended union is the seamless integration of advanced sail aerodynamics with ergonomic apparel design. This "360-degree" approach ensures that the technical requirements of the modern sailor are met both on and off the water.
"Formalizing our partnership with the Yacht Club Italiano is a natural step forward in our shared history," stated Cedric Georges, CEO of North Sails Apparel. "Moving beyond our established rapport, this agreement allows us to work even more closely on innovation and performance. We are proud to support the Club as it navigates toward its 150th anniversary and beyond."
With a shared history as their foundation and innovation as their compass, North Sails and the Yacht Club Italiano are united by a unified vision. As preparations begin for the upcoming racing season and the milestone celebrations ahead, this partnership stands as a testament to their enduring dedication to the sport of sailing and the global yachting community.
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