Interview with Giacomo Gini of the Lega Navale. From Optimist sailor to Naval Engineer. LNI Sestri and Soverato
21 January 2026 · 4 min · 27 views · Fiumicino
Sailboat glides on calm Fiumicino waters under clear sky
What this video covers
Giacomo Gini, a naval engineer and sailing instructor with the Lega Navale Italiana section in Genova Sestri, describes his path from childhood Optimist sailing to his current profession. His parents enrolled him in sailing school at primary-school age; he progressed through the Laser and 420 classes, competing in regattas throughout his youth. In 2010 he joined a two-week cruising summer camp organised by Riccardo Mainardi of the LNI Soverato section, an experience he credits as formative. A classmate's decision to enrol in the Istituto Nautico drew him toward naval engineering, which he describes as a natural continuation of the passion the sea had already built in him. The interview takes place at Fiumicino during an LNI course on sailing instruction for people with physical and sensory disabilities — a course Gini joined after being asked to help and found immediately rewarding. Addressing parents of young children considering sailing, he urges consistent encouragement and involvement, arguing that the sailing community's social bonds and the sea's capacity to connect distant cultures make it uniquely valuable. The LNI's network of sailing centres across Italy is mentioned as the practical entry point.
More from riccardo mainardi istruttore Sailing the Gulf
From riccardo mainardi istruttore Sailing the Gulf — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.