MEET DANIELE CASSINARI

A Proven Leader Who’s Our Southern European Sales Manager and 2022 ClubSwan 50 World Champion

“It was 1990, my brother and I were a pair on the 470,” remembers Giovanni Cassinari, professional sailor, North Sails designer, and brother of Daniele. “We arrived at the European Championship in Marina Carrara very prepared but somewhat uncertain, considering the competitive nature of the class in those years. Although Daniele is five years younger than me, I recognized early on that sailing would be a part of his lifestyle. But the event was a turning point and perhaps an early glimpse into Daniele’s career path. With me on the helm and him at the bow, we arrived at the last race after a series of good runs, and we played for the title against a solid Spanish crew (Jordi Calafat ed) and a German one.”

“We managed to keep them behind us and to win the gold medal. And apart from the pride from achieving such an important result, our greatest satisfaction was that we designed and built the sails ourselves.”

Since then, Daniele’s career has been a classic sequence of success and honors. What began as a childhood hobby in the Optimist soon became a life lived between the sail loft floor and race courses worldwide.

Daniele put his talent to good use and continued to gain experience while sailing in various Olympic and one design classes, standing atop many regatta podiums along that way. His sailing CV includes numerous European and world titles; MUMM 30, Farr 40, Melges 20, and 24, to name a few. His most recent title comes with Leonardo Ferragamo’s ClubSwan 50 Cuordileone at Swan One Design Worlds, where Daniele serves as the team’s mainsail trimmer.

“The advantage of working with Daniele, comments Alessio Razeto, Sales Manager for North Sails Italy, “is that beyond his enormous amount of experience, he knows how to delegate and trust his team. His ability to analyze our market and his pragmatism encourage a close-knit and enthusiastic team who always knows precise tasks and objectives. Daniele sets the example and motivates his colleagues to give our best both in the ‘office’ and at sea.”

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But returning to the success in Valencia, Daniele gives us his perspective, “Next year marks 20 years for me with North Sails. With the ClubSwan 50, we have carried out a ‘project’ and a commitment with Leonardo Ferragamo, a longtime customer, and friend of our company. The class has reached its maturity and thus has become very competitive. Racing is closer than ever, and a win is often not decided until the last second. The level of competition (both among the teams and sailmakers alike) has increased significantly since the class’s inception in 2016. For Cuordileone, in addition to a well-established and close-knit crew, we consistently rely on our boat speed to make the difference”.

“Daniele is an invaluable member of the Cuordileone crew – remarks Leonardo Ferragamo, Nautor’s Swan Group Chairman and helmsman of Cuordileone. “He brings a wealth of experience, is always the utmost professional, and we share a deep passion for our sport. Our victory at Swan One Design Worlds was an important milestone for Cuordileone, achieved thanks to the contribution of a united, cohesive, determined, and ambitious team of Daniele is an important pillar.”

Daniele Cassinari, was born in 1966. He is married with two children, who share his great passion for sailing, the mountains, and sport. He has been a part of the North Sails team North since 2003.