Roberto Lacorte was the winner of the Owner-Helmsman of the year award, assigned within the FIV Yachtsman of the year awards, Sailing Oscars 2019 organised by Acciari Consulting in collaboration with the Italian Sailing Federation and partners Confindustria Nautica and Mercedes-Benz Vans.
Also acknowledged with Lacorte were the young Optimist World champion, Marco Gradoni, absolute FIV Yachtsman of the year, and Marco Serafini’s TP52 Xio (Boat of the Year), whilst the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team received a special award for technological innovation.
The award ceremony took place in the afternoon, via virtual streaming, with the participation of the Chairman of the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV), Francesco Ettorre and the General Secretary of the Italian National Olympic Commission (CONI) Carlo Mornati, both members of the Jury, also with Alberto Acciari, creator and promoter of the award since 1991, and Fabio Planamente, CEO of the Pardo Boatyard and Sail Chairman of Confindustria Nautica.
“I have been in the running for this prestigious award a number of times and finally victory has come. In some ways it represents the end of a cycle that began five years ago with the launch of SuperNikka and with the first, magnificent victory at the 151 Miglia 2015”, stated Lacorte, whose sailing successes are also reflected in his motor racing career, where in three consecutive years he participated in the last three editions of the famous Le Mans 24 Hours (finishing in the top 10 in 2017) and his current involvement in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the Cetilar Racing team. “In five seasons, we have seen four victories at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo, success at the Capri regattas, with other significant results obtained thanks to a super fast boat but mainly to a close-knit crew that over time has grown into a group, in the true sense of the word. A team of true professionals and real men, with whom I have the honour of sharing this award, because at the root of every success there is always a team, whether it be sailing, motorsports or business. The greatest acknowledgment though goes to my wife Luisa, co-owner of SuperNikka and a beacon for everything I do: without her, I would not be here enjoying this prize”.
