Lake Garda is a magnet for talent in sailing from all over the worlds, but local clubs have fostered many home-grown champions over the years, including the event's official ambassadors: Nicolò Renna, Giorgia Bertuzzi, Chiara Benini Floriani and Olympic Champions Ruggero Tita and Alessandra Sensini.
All of them have gone on from competing in youth events to being world-class athletes inspiring a new generation of sailors to follow in their footsteps.
Alessandra Sensini is Italy's most decorated sailor of all time. Amog her triumphs is the gold medal in the Mistral class at the Sidney 2000 Olympics. As the youth technical director for the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV), she now plays a key role in promoting youth sailing.
Ruggero Tita has discovered his passion for sailing at Lake Garda, which he still calls home. Together with Caterina Banti he has won gold in the Nacra 17 class at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and he hopes to repeat his success in Marseille this year. 2024 brings another challenge for him: winning Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli their first America's Cup.
Windsurfing runs in the Renna family and it no chance that they come from Torbole, Europe's windsurfing hotpost. After becoming World Champion in 2024, Nicolò Renna now has his eyes set on the Olympic gold in Marseille.
Giorgia Bertuzzi calls Malcesine home, but her sailing career has taken her all over the world. Together with Jana Germani, she is going to face her biggest challenge yet, as they are going to compete in the 49er FX class at the next Olympics.
Chiara Benini Floriani hails from Riva del Garda, where she has started her sailing career. In 2024 her biggest dream will come true as she heads for Marseille to take part in the Olympics.
