Can you remember when you first heard of the YCCS?
The first time was in 1983 with Azzurra, Italy's first challenge for the America's Cup. At the time, the America's Cup was an almost mythical regatta, something I had only read about in books. But thanks to the unexpected success of the YCCS boat, it suddenly became clear that it could be within the reach of an Italian team. 

Can you tell us about the proposal to join the YCCS? How did you feel?
I remember the phone call perfectly - from then Commodore Alberini on a rainy Sunday morning in the first week of February 2001. I had just been transferred from La Maddalena, where I had spent three years as Flag Lieutenant to the Admiral Commander of the Sardinia Region and Captain of the Nave Argo, a representative ship of the Italian Navy mainly used for the activities of the President of the Republic - President Ciampi, at that time. Having been based in La Maddalena, I’d had the chance to take part in some regattas organised by the YCCS aboard Navy vessels, and that’s how I came into contact with Gianfranco Alberini. In February 2001, he suggested that I move to Porto Cervo and assist him in managing the YCCS' sporting activities. He also came from a naval background and probably thought that my skills were suitable for the job. Today, 25 years on, I can confirm that he was right. 

What is your first memory of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda? 
I remember that a few days after my arrival, we moved into makeshift offices temporarily set up at the Sports Centre. It was the early 2000s, and a two-year renovation of the Club was beginning, which would still allow us to be operational from the beginning of May to the end of September for the regatta season. It was certainly an interesting and exciting period. In addition to activities related to the regattas, I also had the opportunity to experience the extensive renovation of the YCCS facilities. Attending winter meetings with H.H. the Aga Khan IV and architect Peter Marino was a completely new and inspiring experience. Decisions were made that would shape the current form of this entire area of the marina.  

What has it meant for you to hold the position of Sports Director and Secretary General of the YCCS over the last 25 years?
It has been a deeply meaningful professional and personal journey, but also a way of life. I have had the pleasure and honour of working with exceptional people who have always been legendary figures to me, whom I knew only from TV and newspapers. Owners and sailors who have written chapters of international yachting history.  I’ve had the opportunity to meet visionary entrepreneurs and established professionals among the YCCS membership. My role offered me a privileged vantage point from which to appreciate the evolution of the nautical and sailing world.
I felt the same enthusiasm in my relationships with the Club’s partners. One shining example is the collaboration with Rolex, which began in 1984, before my arrival, but for 25 years I was involved in the evolution of a bond that transcended sport to encompass shared vision and values.  

You gave up your career in the Navy to come to the YCCS. What lessons from that experience have been useful to you?
My naval training was undoubtedly fundamental: dealing with the various unforeseen events that arose over the years, trying to minimise them with careful planning, is one of the lessons I learned in the Navy and at sea. On board a boat, military or otherwise, each person has their own role and must perform it to the best of their ability to obtain the best possible result. 

Looking back on your time at the YCCS, what adjectives would you use to describe it?
Rewarding and deeply satisfying, challenging and immersive, with significant responsibilities but also considerable prestige. 

Can you share an episode or anecdote related to the world of regattas that has stayed with you?
Over the years, there have been countless episodes and anecdotes, and it would be difficult to rank them. However, I can say that what I remember most is the people I met and learned from, those I worked alongside and those with whom we managed to achieve what the YCCS is today.

What was the most thrilling moment that springs to mind?
There have been many exciting moments too. I could mention the first regatta I was tasked with organising in Porto Cervo, the inauguration of the new headquarters following the renovation, a dinner organised in 2004 aboard the Amerigo Vespucci off Porto Cervo to celebrate 20 years of regattas with Rolex. I recall the night-time watches for offshore regattas at the Regatta Observatory in the company of colleagues and friends, my first arrival by catamaran in Virgin Gorda, in the Caribbean, the campaign and victory with the Azzurra team at the Louis Vuitton Trophy in Nice and then in La Maddalena and Auckland. 
These last few weeks in Porto Cervo have also been very exciting, meeting and greeting so many people during the September regattas was an intense experience. It was moving, during the last Board of Directors meeting I attended, to be welcomed among the Honorary Members of the YCCS. I did not expect such recognition, I’m honoured and grateful.  

What has the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda meant to you? And what will it continue to mean in your memories?
I haven’t yet had the chance to fully reflect on what these 25 years have meant. It will certainly take some time to “decompress” and absorb so many memories gathered over years of intense activity. However, in the last few weeks spent at the YCCS, I think I’ve understood how much has been accomplished during my time at the Club. Over time, with vision, a capable team and the necessary financial resources, it is possible to achieve very significant results. 

After 25 years, what will you take away from this experience and what will you leave behind?
Without doubt, having participated in the evolution of the YCCS and its activities has been the most significant aspect of my experience. Naturally, I take with me the relationships forged over the years with various friends I have met during my time at the Club. Without the support and collaboration of many people, some of whom were fundamental, the goals that I now look back on with satisfaction could not have been achieved.

Would you like to add anything else?
I would like to thank those with whom I had the pleasure of sharing this experience and those who placed their trust in me, enabling me to carry out numerous projects over the years. It would be impossible to list names without missing someone, but having had the opportunity to work with the Club's Boards of Directors, Auditors and Arbitrators, as well as four Commodores over the years, has been a source of great satisfaction.  Above all, however, I would like to sincerely thank the Aga Khan family, in particular H.H. the Aga Khan IV, who sadly passed away this year, and Princess Zahra, without whose support I would not have had the opportunity to write this chapter and enjoy this unique experience.