Avalanche kills prominent Italian sailors

An avalanche in the Piedmont region of northern Italy killed three skiers, two of which were prominent members of the nation’s sailing community. The three deceased were Gaudenzio Bonini, 65, Matteo Auguadro, 48, and Matteo Lomazzi, 34.

Bonini was active in the Melges 24 Class as a member of Andrea Racchelli’s ALTEA team for about 20 years who helped claim the 2018 Melges 24 World Champion title and the 2021 European Championship.

Auguadro was an internationally known sailing professional, having been bowman of Mascalzone Latino in the 2007 America’s Cup, active in the TP52, RC44, ClubSwan classes, and had celebrated victory at the 2022 Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. His wife Rachele Vitello is a journalist and communications professional in the sport.