Eight Bells: Carlo Rolandi

Carlo Rolandi, a very important Italian personality in the international sailing world, passed away on August 7th at the age of 94.

He started racing very young in his hometown, Naples, and participated in nine Olympic Games, from 1948 to 1992, the first six as a competitor, the other three as a Jury member.

He entered the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) Council in 1965, became Vice-Chairman in 1977, and in 1981 succeeded Beppe Croce as Chairman for eight years. After that he remained in the organization as Honorary President, and through this role he moved into World Sailing and was an IYRU Permanent Committee (now Council) Group D-South Europe Representative from 1983 to 1994.

In addition, he was a member of the World Sailing Review Board from 1991-2010, sat on the Constitution Committee from 2005-2012 and was part of the Class Policy and Organization Committee from 1983-1994.

After competing in several Olympic Classes, he also raced on offshore boats, and owned a Nicholson 33 for many years. As an International Judge, many sailors will remember him at major offshore events. He followed the Italian Team at the Admiral’s Cup, and had been in the International Jury many times.

His vision for offshore sailing when he was FIV chairman was very important in the establishment of the ORC rating rules in Italy, starting with the IOR and later evolving to the IMS and current ORC rules, and this has allowed Italy to become a leading country for use of ORC.

His elegant presence, smiling face and friendly attitude will be remembered by all sailors who had the chance to meet him.

Carlo is survived by his son Giggi, daughter Adele, and the several grandchildren, who were very close to him especially after his beloved wife Laura passed away a few years earlier.