What does being part of the Young Azzurra programme mean to you?

Maddalena: “Since joining the programme, I’ve grown a lot. I’ve had the chance to take part in the club’s regattas such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and the Rolex Swan Cup. Meeting lots of top-level sailors and seeing up close how a team works during a regatta has been really educational.”

Federico: “One of the great privileges of being part of the Young Azzurra programme is having the chance each year to enjoy incredible experiences, sailing aboard beautiful yachts and competing in environments that are different to the ones we usually experience. For me, Young Azzurra has meant striving for excellence, trying to improve every day and continuing to pursue my dream. The transition from youth categories to competing against professionals is a delicate moment, and Young Azzurra has given me the chance to face it with great confidence.”

Cesare: “The Young Azzurra programme has given me the opportunity to continue my development in the world of sailing, both in the Olympic class and by gaining experience in offshore regattas, such as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, the Rolex Swan Cup and the 52 Super Series. These experiences have helped me grow a great deal and allowed me to discover a world very different from the one I was used to.”

What drives you to devote so much of your time to sailing?

Maddalena: “The feeling of freedom as I fly across the water makes me happy. Sailing allows me to have so many experiences, and devoting most of my daily life to this sport just comes naturally.”

Federico: “My greatest motivation is a memory from my childhood. Ever since I discovered windsurfing, my biggest dream has always been to compete in the Olympics one day. That’s what drives me to believe in myself and to keep raising my game.”

Cesare: “Sailing takes up a lot of my time, but it’s time I’m very happy to give. It’s a question of dedication, consistency and determination. I’m passionate about training and competing in the world of sailing, and I’ll continue to do so with great enthusiasm.”

How do you deal with stress and pressure?

Maddalena: “My relationship with stress is a bit of a rollercoaster. To keep on top of it, I try to spend time with my team and my family, without dwelling too much on the race.”

Federico: “My relationship with stress and pressure is a love/hate one. In the past, stress used to get me down and I saw it as a negative. With time and experience, I’m managing to see it more as a source of motivation and to control my emotions with more maturity.”

Cesare: “For me, it’s important to manage the pressure, especially before a race. Pressure is a feeling that needs to be embraced: it can make you doubt yourself, but it’s important to turn those emotions into energy. In practice, I find it very helpful to stick to the same pre-race routine, taking care of my diet, my rest and preparing my equipment. This approach gives me security and a sense of stability before the competition.”

What advice would you give to young sailors considering applying for the Young Azzurra programme?

Maddalena: “I’d say it’s a formative journey on both a professional and personal level. It’s an extraordinary experience that offers numerous opportunities in the world of sailing and beyond.”

Federico: “My advice is to work hard, because being part of a top-level club means professionalism, dedication and consistency. These are values that should be cultivated from a young age. I’d advise them to take what they do seriously, to put their heart and soul into sailing, and to approach every training session as an opportunity to improve.”

Cesare: “I’d absolutely advise them to apply. It’s a programme with lots of positive aspects, offering the chance to gain top-level experience in the world of sailing.”