Patrizio Bertelli at 77 returns to his early days with long races

Patrizio Bertelli, patron of Luna Rossa, was lined up at the start of the 14th edition of the 151 Miglia-Trofeo Cetilar aboard a cult boat: “Vanessa,” a 15-meter Ior first class built in 1975 by the Gallinari shipyard in Anzio to a design by Giulio Cesare Carcano. One of his favorite hullsin his boat collection.in his boat collection.

For a true boat and sea enthusiast, the thrill of lining up at the start of a fine offshore race in the Mediterranean must be just irresistible. Even when you are in your later years. And so it is surprising only up to a point that at the last edition of the 151 Miglia among the participants lined up at the start was him, Patrizio Bertelli, with a very special boat: Vanessa, a 15-meter Ior first class made in 1975 by the Gallinari shipyard in Anzio.

A mythical hull built of mahogany laminated wood bearing the signature of Giulio Cesare Carcano, one of Italy’s most ingenious designers, whose boats are rare gems sought after by enthusiasts.

For Bertelli and “Vanessa” also a second place

The 14th edition of the 151 Miglia-Trofeo Cetilar started Thursday, June 1, from Livorno with 180 boats and more than 2,000 sailors on the start line. A long offshore competition that was characterized by very light wind conditions, so much so that the Race Committee, before the start, had already decided to shorten the course from 151 to 124 miles, skipping the passage to the Ants of Grosseto. Conditions, however, that Bertelli himself interpreted as best he could, thanks in part to the presence aboard Vanessa of Torben Grael in the role of tactician. Thus the first Ior class finished the regatta second in the Orc Ior Legend class behind Poli’s Impala 36 Clan.

Carcano, brilliant designer of legendary hulls

A fine technical test for Bertelli and Grael, but above all for “Mr. Luna Rossa,” a testament to a truly stainless spirit and passion. Vanessa then is a special piece in the Prada patron’s boat collection. Having fallen in love with Carcano’s design philosophy of lightweight hulls with wide sterns and sail plans that mimic those of Olympic classes, Bertelli purchased Vanessa in the 2000s Vanessa when she was in sorry condition.

So he restored it to its former glory, and every now and then, as in the case of the recent 151 Miglia, he indulges in the joy of letting it run in the wind again. Hats off to this sailor who doesn’t give a damn about the passing of time….