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Ruggero Tita, Caterina Banti, Ganga Bruni “Velista dell’Anno 2022”

On May 12, the final act of the TAG Heuer “Velista dell’Anno 2022”, the most prestigious prize in Italian sailing, awarded by Giornale della Vela since 1991, was staged.

The Evening of Champions was held in the settings of the Signature Kitchen Suite showroom and the Hotel Manin. Hosting the evening, in front of a parterre of guests including the President of the Italian Sailing Federation, Francesco Ettorre, was sports journalist Mino Taveri. 

Ruggero Tita, Caterina Banti, Ganga Bruni “Velista dell’Anno 2022”.

The Quality Jury of the Giornale della Vela has issued its verdicts, they are Ruggero Tita and Caterina Banti, together with their coach Gabriele “Ganga” Bruni, the winners of the TAG Heuer Sailor of the Year, in light of winning Olympic gold (aboard the mixed catamaran Nacra 17). A gold that Italian sailing had been missing since Sydney 2000. 

"Velista dell'anno 2022"
From left: Caterina Banti – Francesco Ettorre – Ganga Bruni – Ruggero Tita – Federica Taccari

The other “Velista dell’Anno 2022” awardees.

Yacht Club by Seably

In the Yacht Club by Seably category, the award went to Circolo Della Vela Sicilia, in recognition of its work in supporting Luna Rossa in its challenge for the 36th America’s Cup and in promoting sailing among young people.

“Velista dell'Anno 2022”
From left: John Gatti, Giuseppe Spadafora, Ettore Parlato 2

Young category

In the Young category, the Jury awarded Alex De Murtas, for his victory at the Garda Optimist Meeting, one of the most crowded regattas in the world, and for his bronze at the World Championship.

“Velista dell'Anno 2022”
Simone Gesi (sx) e Alex Demurtas

Designer by SKS category

In the Designer by SKS category (here our article about), the award went to the young designers of the innovative startup Northern Light Composites, for distinguishing themselves in the design and construction of a high-performance, recyclable racing boat such as the Eco Racer.

“Velista dell'Anno 2022”
From Left: Andrea Paduano, Fabio Bignolini, Manuela Ricci e Mino Taveri

Owner category

In the Owner category, on the other hand, the choice fell on Gennaro Coretti, a historic name in Italian yachting with his Adria Ship, the family-owned company that is now 25 years old and has brought the Bali, Nautitech and Elan brands to Italy, among others. He has sold more than 1,000 boats and helped grow sailing in Italy.

“Velista dell'Anno 2022”
From left: luigi_gennaro_ eleonora coretti

The Most Voted 

During the Evening of Champions, the Most Voted was also awarded, i.e., the candidate among the initial 100 who gathered the most votes on the web, Youtuber Francesco Sena, who scored an impressive 3094 preferences. A lover of “extreme” sailing and fishing, on the web he always pierces the screen with his ability to narrate the adventures he experiences at sea. That is why he is so widely followed and is a great testimonial for sailing.

francesco sena with Luca Oriani

The Epic Sailor of the Year

A special moment, however, was the presentation of the Epic Sailor of the Year, a career tribute that the Giornale della Vela wanted to award to Azzurra, the first Italian challenge to the America’s Cup, which in 2022 will be 40 years since its first launch. Representing Azzurra, Riccardo Bonadeo, Mauro Pelaschier, Nico Reggio, Niky Mosca, and Chicco Isenburg were present at the evening.

From left: Niky mosca, Nico Reggio, Caterina banti, Chicco Isenburg, Ruggero Tita, Mauro Pelaschier.

On stage for the awards presentation were, in addition to the aforementioned Francesco Ettorre, the director of Giornale della Vela Luca Oriani, TAG Heuer Italia marketing director Federica Taccari, Signature Kitchen Suite marketing director Manuela Ricci, Seably marketplace manager John Gatti, Wally founder Luca Bassani, and sailor Simone Gesixa

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