Above: ‘As a child, my father would take me boating when I started to feel strong emotions on the water. Then thanks to meeting Vittorio Malingri I had a chance to start work in a boatyard, building the prototype of Moana when I was still 15.’ Left: Soldini dominated the Class40 for two years with his Verdier design, solo or racing two-handed with Karine Fauconnier. Opposite: designed by Finot, the Around Alone winner Fila was the first Open 60 to feature both canting keel and a wingmast
to fruition, we opted to keep the boat… Working again with Verdier we planned
a series of modifications: lightening her by 3-4 tons, extending the keel and making her less of a submarine downwind. So, having one of the world’s fastest mono- hulls at that time, we began establishing ocean sailing records! We had an initial budget much smaller
than needed for a Volvo Race, but we employed a more personal approach, run- ning the boat ourselves and it worked! We set records and soon we secured sponsor- ships from new companies such as Maserati and Generali, alongside Banca BSI and UnipolSai. It is our usual practice to have one title sponsor, with other part- ners contributing towards the budget for whom we guarantee good visibility… not just a few badges and drink or two at a party. As is often the way, unfortunately. Following a very good Sydney-Hobart
Race in 2015, we then sold this boat and acquired a MOD 70 trimaran. Once again a substantial development project was undertaken, this time to enable foiling capability. On the trimaran, in addition to title sponsor Maserati, we clinched the support of other significant sponsors including Unipol and Aon. However, two years ago, Maserati’s
budget was reduced, prompting us to rekindle ties with Fila. This reunion was facilitated by the fact that during the initial Fila sponsorship my races had been very closely followed within both the company and its international subsidiaries. And the current owner of Fila happens to be the individual who, back then, served as the brand’s importer for Asia. So we were very familiar faces to him! SH: In addition to the triumphs, there have been challenging moments too, including the loss of your dear friend Andrea Romanelli at sea in April 1998 (when the Open 60 was struck by a rogue wave during an attempt to break the Atlantic record). Is there a subtle connection between that tragedy and your subsequent record-setting voyage from New
York to San Francisco in 2013? GS: The record established on the New York to San Francisco route aboard the Maserati VO70 in 2013 should have been set many years earlier with Andrea Romanelli on our 60ft Fila. Andrea, who was working at the Finot-Conq studio, had been the primary designer of that boat, which differed significantly from other yachts produced by the team at that time. For instance, Fila was among the first Finot boats to feature a rounded deck, as opposed to the flat ones on the others. This design choice greatly helped the righting of the boat after a capsize. Andrea had invested signifi- cant effort into Fila and the racing pro- gramme, but then tragedy struck. For that reason it became crucial for all
of us that the boat performed exception- ally in the round-the-world race for which it was designed. In the inaugural race with Fila, a qualifying race from Plymouth to Charleston in preparation for the Around Alone, we scored a substantial victory, boosting the morale of the entire team. Subsequently, we won the Around Alone Race, including the well-known narrative of Isabelle’s recovery. Returning to set a new record on the Golden Route (NY-SF) with VO70 Maserati served as a further poignant tribute to Andrea. SH: Is there one race that holds a special place in your heart? GS:There are several, fortunately. Undoubt- edly the 1996 Ostar had great significance for various reasons. First, it was noteworthy that with a 50ft boat we outpaced 12 Open 60s, plus my Stupefacente held a special place for me. The 1998 solo round-the- world race was another pivotal moment. Such an event is rare in a sailor’s career,
and I became the first non-Frenchman after Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to win a solo round-the-world race. The Sydney-Hobart with the Maserati VO70 was memorable, despite an initial big mistake that cost us an hour at the start. But we bounced back by taking a better course further east, skilfully navigating through a highly turbulent cold
front to do so. The move led to an impres- sive outcome, putting us in close contention with the much bigger 100ft maxis. Ultimately challenging records also
encompasses some very memorable voyages where you encounter a myriad conditions. Commencing from New York amid snow- fall, then crossing the Equator within four days, later confronting Cape Horn with 50-60kt headwinds! SH: And recently you have got more involved in fully crewed sailing… GS: Sailing alongside individuals from vastly different places and backgrounds than my own enables me to gain new per- spectives. Nevertheless, the primary consid- erations in crew selection always revolve around the character of each individual! Each person possesses their unique qualities, and weaknesses, and it is essential to adeptly navigate your way through them… SH: Has the famous seafaring appearance contributed to your success! GS: If you observe my photos from my youth, I certainly didn’t resemble a sea- soned sailor; it was the sea that has shaped my appearance. I believe that in my case physical appearance did not play a role; the most significant qualities are persever- ance and an understanding of the pivotal role that communication plays in present- ing yourself and your sponsors. SH: Italian ocean sailing is currently expe- riencing a notable period of success. Many of these young sailors refer to you as their mentor or source of inspiration… GS: Fortunately, there is a new generation of highly skilled Italian sailors, particularly evident in the Class40 and Mini 650 Class. Personally, I have consistently endeav- oured to collaborate with young talents, having had nearly all our top young sailors on the two Maserati boats for one race or another. But we also work collectively with them ashore in the boatyard, sharing tips and ideas. Now it is not enough to be a great
sailor, today’s incredible boats are much too complex for that.
SEAHORSE 57 q
OLIVIER BLANCHET/DPPI
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