Can you tell us about your most significant achievements from the past year? How did you feel looking back on those results?

Maddalena: Last year I won several competitions, but the Marathon World Cup and the European Championships in Switzerland were the most challenging events, and winning them felt fantastic. I was very happy and proud of myself, because my determination got me that result. The moment I got off the water, I called my parents to share the joy with them. 

Federico: I was definitely incredibly happy when I won the Youth World Championship, but it was also very exciting to share the victory in the Nation Trophy with Team Italy, like a goal achieved as a family. 

Cesare: My win at the Italian Olympic Classes Championship was thrilling because it came after a complicated year, with tough training and difficult races. I managed to perform just as I had planned and, in the end, I got the result, which was far from guaranteed. That win brought me joy, a sense of serenity and motivation for the future.

The Olympics took place last year. How did you feel watching the games?

Maddalena: Watching the Olympics last year made me realise what path I want to take. Watching the competitions was exciting, understanding how the athletes behaved and seeing their victories got me really energised and got me thinking about my own possible Olympic journey. That’s why this year I’ve decided to take part in some Kite Foil events, without giving up on the Wing Foil. 

Federico: Watching the races in France was very exciting, and I tried to put myself in the athletes' shoes and  imagine what they were feeling during the competitions. It was also great to see my class make its debut at the Olympic Games: it certainly inspired me to picture myself at the Olympics in the future.

Cesare: I’m passionate about all sports and I was delighted to see Italy win two Olympic gold medals in the sailing. It was especially exciting because I personally know the athletes who achieved these incredible results.

Which race stands out to you most from last year, where you learned more than usual? The one you consider most significant.

Maddalena: The most significant race was definitely the Marathon in the Netherlands, especially the last day when the race time was around three hours with 80 km to cover. I was alone, aching all over, and I thought about giving up, but I didn't. That race taught me that, despite the difficulties, you mustn't get discouraged, and that victory is always possible. 

Federico: The most significant moment for me was the World Championships in Lanzarote, my first in the senior fleet, where I encountered several challenges. It was a crucial experience because the same difficulties would come up at different times later in the season and I learned how to deal with them. 

Cesare: The most significant regatta for me was undoubtedly the Italian Olympic Classes Championship. It helped me grow a lot and reconnect with some of the emotions of competition. I managed to stay focused throughout, which allowed me to analyse everything that happened from both a technical and tactical point of view. 
 

In 2024, you took part in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. What struck you about this experience? 

Maddalena: I had a lot of fun during the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. We circumnavigated some of the islands in the La Maddalena Archipelago, and I was able to see how a professional crew works. I also tried to help out, following the captain's instructions. 

Federico: In 2024, I had the privilege of participating in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo. It was my first time on a sailing yacht of that size. I was honoured to be able to race aboard Commodore Andrea Recordati's Bullitt. Meeting and having conversations with top-level sailors was really interesting.

Cesare: Participating in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup was a new experience for me. I really enjoyed it because it was a new environment, with boats that were completely different from what I’m used to. I was impressed by the level of precision of the crew, particularly the helmsman, the mainsail trimmer and the bowman. Another thing that struck me was the teamwork and cohesion among the crew members to get the boat to perform at its best. 
 

What is your goal for 2025?

Maddalena: My goal for 2025 is to reclaim the WingFoil World Champion title, which I unfortunately missed out on bringing home last year.

Federico: My goal is to integrate into the senior fleet as quickly as possible, trying to make a name for myself among the greats and secure a position in the top 20 or 30 in the world. Achieving this goal would be a fundamental springboard for me in view of the next Olympic campaign.

Cesare: I have some general goals and some more specific ones. The broader ones, as for all athletes, relate to preparation, training, appreciating the process of development, and being more methodical regarding the various technical aspects of ILCA sailing. For the more specific ones, I’d like to find a balance in terms of performance and a better ranking than in previous years across the many events I’ll be competing in, in different parts of the world.