14 Questions to … Alberto Perdisa

Alberto Perdisa, inventor, promoter, sponsor and organizer of the Piada Trophy, owner of a publishing house and a vineyard on the hills near Bologna and … Snipe sailor

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

In 1972, my father gave me a Flying Junior for my promotion to high school.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

November 1998 at the Winter Championship in Talamone.

– 3) The most bizarre thing that happened in a regatta?

With my son Filippo at the helm and me as crew on our Snipe, near the finish line the tiller slipped out of its seat. We managed to finish the race in second place with Filippo steering by holding the rudder directly with his hands, kneeling on the stern.

– 4) What is the thing that most angers you in a race/regatta?

The misconduct of those who ignore the racing rules.

– 5) Which is the race/regatta that you remember with the most pleasure?

Channel Race 1979 – Cowes / Isle of Whight aboard the IOR maxi yacht Moro di Venezia I. A breathtaking spectacle of hundreds of spinnakers from a variety of colors that followed us toward Cherbourg.

Two days later we sailed the famous Fastnet, the the most difficult and tragic edition of this race, which made the history of sailing. It was a success to emerge unscathed. I remember the huge waves and the wind over 90 knots.

– 6) And the race/regatta you would like to forget?

The long offshore race of the Quarter Ton Cup in 1990 in Bayona-Spain. With 25 knots at night we did not see the finish line and missed it, losing ten positions and a possible victory.

– 7) Your “dream in the peak”? (Your sailing dream?)

A whole year off, sailing far and wide in the Mediterranean Sea on a 10-meter cruising boat with my wife Antonella.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2013, and beyond?

Getting good results crewing for my son Filippo.

– 9) The most important people for you in sailing and in the Snipe?

Angelo Vianello, the legendary commander of the Moro di Venezia. For the Snipe, I should mention at least a dozen very special people. I will mention three, my friend Giovanni Stella, with whom I share projects and strange ideas about sailing; Pietro Fantoni for his peerless passion; and Augie Diaz for his exquisite kindness and hospitality.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

Inexpensive boat, technical and tactical, but most of all a special atmosphere with people from diverse backgrounds but generally of great depth and sympathy.

– 11) Your perfect sailing venue and your perfect sailing conditions?

Two matchless venues: Bay of Talamone and Biscayne Bay in Miami with wind 10 to 15 knots.

– 12) Besides sailing which other sport do you practice?

Basketball

– 13) Are you superstitious?

No

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

Greece, Ionian Sea, or Croatia on a cruising boat with my family and my friends.