The weekend gathering of volunteers from the “ Centro Velico Caprera ” in Riccione proved to be a pivotal moment not only for operational updates but, above all, for shared reflection on the present and future of the school. It was an occasion where training, vision, and community intertwined naturally, bringing to life the deepest meaning of the Caprera experience.
Friday began with a session dedicated to the on-duty assistants, bringing together new hires and more experienced staff for a practical discussion on their roles and daily responsibilities. The value of the training program was reaffirmed; it includes targeted, on-the-job experiences and direct interaction with senior assistants, within a learning model based on knowledge transfer and mentorship.
In the afternoon, the presentation by Raniero Regni and Roberto Ferrarese shifted the focus to a deeper dimension: that of relationships. Well-being in nature, mindful breathing, and the ability to visualize and listen were described as fundamental tools not only in sports but also in building authentic relationships. Caprera emerged as a place that educates precisely because it invites silence, listening, and self-discovery—a place where even one’s limits cease to be an obstacle and become an opportunity for growth.
The highlight of the gathering took place on Saturday morning, with an introductory address by President Paolo Bordogna, who charted a clear course for the future of the Centro Velico Caprera, beginning with a profound reflection on its identity. This was not merely an update, but a moment of collective awareness regarding what the CVC is today and what it aims to continue being: a school of sailing and life, a community of volunteers, and an educational institution founded on shared values. The need to maintain consistency between identity and development was strongly reaffirmed, avoiding overly commercial tendencies and preserving what makes Caprera a unique experience.
This is the context for our work on the Charter of Values, intended as a strategic guide for the future and founded on integrity, respect for people and the environment, solidarity, and passion. Alongside this focus on values, a picture has also emerged of a school that is currently strong in many respects—in terms of assets, organization, and reputation—but one that is aware of its structural vulnerabilities, which require attention, prudence, and consistency in decision-making.
Ample attention was devoted to the main areas of development. On the educational front, efforts regarding manuals and continuing education aim to ensure greater consistency without losing the richness of individual experiences. On the topic of safety—defined as an ongoing effort—a more structured system for collecting and analyzing data on incidents and near-misses has been introduced, with the active involvement of the entire community. The CVC brand has been recognized as a strategic asset to be protected, not only in terms of market positioning but, above all, as a concrete expression of ethical values and social and environmental responsibility.
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to social and scientific projects, which represent one of the most significant developments at the Sailing Center. The VITA project demonstrated how sailing can serve as a tool for well-being and support for cancer patients, while the M.A.R.E. project reaffirmed the CVC’s role as an active platform for research and the protection of the Mediterranean, involving universities, researchers, and volunteers in an open and participatory model.
The work then continued in the Instructors’ Council working groups, where volunteers contributed directly to key issues such as safety, organizational roles, and skills development, reaffirming the central role of participation in the Caprera model.
Finally, Sunday offered a concrete look ahead to 2026, covering fleet evolution, new partnerships, and increasingly structured tools for management, training, and evaluation. These innovations are part of a consistent growth path, without losing touch with our roots.
The meeting concluded with a thank-you to the volunteers, recognized as the true driving force behind the school. An invitation was extended to continue participating, contributing, and making themselves available, because it is precisely from this shared energy that, year after year, the course of the “ Centro Velico Caprera ” is charted.
