Ravenna, Ghirardi (Marinando): «The association has many activities. A sail for everyone, from the disabled to the sick”

Elena Nencini
An association created to promote sport within everyone’s reach, Marinando 2.0 was born in 2021 with the aim of integrating and developing the sporting paths started by Marinando Ravenna. Alongside the amateur-competitive sports part, there is also that aimed at the sick and those with various types of difficulties. Sailing thus becomes a vehicle for educational and rehabilitation objectives. Through innovative projects, the association provides each person with the appropriate tools to practice the sport of amateur and competitive sailing, promoting the acquisition of social and sporting skills.
“A sail to start again” starts again, the second edition of the project involving cancer patients in the area in sailing sports – in collaboration with Csi Ravenna – Lugo and the oncology department of the Ravenna hospital – and the new boat that will allow the association to have more athletes.
Sante Ghirardi, president of the Marinando.2 association, explains: «We are a constantly evolving association, we try to satisfy all the needs that the territory asks of us in the fields of sailing, social activities and competitiveness».
Does the oncology project continue, what goals do you have?
«Last year 5 people took part, this year the activity doubles, one course aimed at newbies and the other at those who have already participated in the first edition. We want sailing to be accessible to everyone: sick, disabled and able-bodied people must be able to have the same experiences on a boat. Sailing lessons will resume, to lend a hand towards recovery to those who struggle with oncological diseases every day. We went out once a week, but thanks to the support of the Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna we could double this experience.”
Thanks to the support of Unicredit, do you also have a new boat?
«Yes, Bora is now part of the Hansa 303 Sailing School, of Marinando, it expands our fleet, particularly as regards the competitive structure, it is in fact a federal class boat. Last summer we achieved important results in the Italian and interzonal championships, having the boats gives us the opportunity to put more and more athletes in the water and to be able to improve.”
In addition to these activities, do you also take care of schools?
«”Marinando disembarks at school” is a project dedicated to respect for the marine territory, to the understanding of diversity and inclusion, with workshops linked to maritime activities and sailing. This year, 850 children, 42 classes, between primary and secondary schools, were involved. The program includes three two-hour interventions for each class. The final event will be held in the fishing dock on May 2 with 710 children. All the naval entities in the area will be present.”