The desire for solo sailing also infects Italian politics. Just a few days before the start of the Rome for One, the new solo-race open to all (and not just monotypes made for the course au large) that Circolo Nautico Riva di Traiano is organizing in conjunction with the classic Rome for Two and For All, an illustrious name is added to the 17 soloists entered in the regatta. It is none other than Massimo D’Alema.: The former prime minister (as well as PDS and DS) has never hidden his passion for sailing, and now he has decided to challenge himself as a solo sailor. Already in 2009 D’Alema had participated in Rome for All on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
SAILING? “IT’S NOT JUST APERITIFS AND VERNISSAGE”
“Iwill be participating aboard “Swordfish,” a Class 950 Akilaria, born from the pencil of Marc Lombard,” D’Alema said, “I believe there are the conditions to do well. I have always been a staunch cruiser, and my sailing vacations have always earned me criticism from the opposition. Now I’ve decided to put my face to it, to make everyone understand that sailing is not just aperitifs in Porto Cervo and vernissages on the French Riviera.”
ONLY AT SEA, BUT NOT ON LAND
Quite a challenge awaits Massimo D’Alema: the 535-mile route, from Riva di Traiano, through the Ventotene gate to Lipari, in the Aeolian Islands, and then back to Riva, is very challenging. D’Alema will be supported on the ground by a large shore team and can count on weather help from the Spanish guys at Pezmeteo.com.
THE OTHER LONERS
For the record, the other 17 entries in the Rome for One are Valerio Brinati, Matteo Miceli, Riccardo Capociuchi, Hugues Le Cardinal, Isidoro Santececca, Carlo Potestà, Alessandro Fiordiponti, Mario Girelli, Enzino Donadio, Giacomo Sabbatini, Pierpaolo Ballerini, Sergio Frattaruolo, Tullio Picciolin, Giancarlo Simeoli, Oscar Campagnola, Marzio Dotti, and Angelo Ciciriello.
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