Olympic Games 1996

IYRU Olympic Update

UPDATE.... 22 JULY 1996

THREE SETS OF BROTHERS ON ITALIAN TEAM

Three sets of brothers are representing Italy in the Olympic Regatta - Mario and Claudio Celon in the Soling, Walter and Marco Pirinoli in the Tornado and Matteo and Michele Ivaldi in the 470. Except for the Pirinoli brothers, the other "brother pairings" have always sailed and competed together, since they first started sailing.

Mario and Claudio Celon are the top ranked Soling crew in Italy, sailing with their inseparable Gianni Torboli. The same sailing history exists for Matteo and Michele Ivaldi who began sailing in the Optimist dinghy and progressed to the 420 and now compete in the 470. At the moment they (Ivaldi's) are inseparable: "They argue all the time," says their father, "but they are always very close."

Walter and Marco Pirinoli started sailing and racing in different classes, but eventually decided to team up together, first in the 470 and then the Tornado.

All three sets of brother are convinced that the best way to sail and get results is in sailing together. "It is absolutely natural for us training and racing together," says Marco Pirinoli, "we tried to sail separately, but we finally realised that we are the best combination."

IYRU Olympic Update