GOODBYE LUCA
Luca Bontampelli, born in 1961 on the Island of Elba in Italy, was one of the world's most distinguished sailing journalists.
After graduating from the Technical Nautical Institute - Alfredo Cappellini, he served in the military on the "Amerigo Vespucci", the pride of the Italian Navy.
From there, his life in the sailing world began as a professional sailor participating in important regattas - among others, the Fastnet, the America's Cup, a Soling Olympic campaign - and then as a sports journalist on television and in major newspapers, first of all, the Gazzetta dello sport.
"How cool is sailing" was his motto, which became famous during the live TV coverage of the Cup in 2000.
A man of incredible passion, intellect and culture. His indistinguishable gab from Livorno, mixed with Milanese and English, will be missed, and he is undoubtedly leaving a void in the journalistic sailing panorama.
Fair winds Luca