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Giorgio was known as a man of action and a committed servant of sailing. He started his career in sailing as the main organizer for the Flying Junior World Championship in Italy in 1975. In 1994, he became an ISAF International Race Officer, and two years later an ISAF International Judge (IJ). As well as his work on the water, Giorgio also worked with ISAF in its aim to develop Race Officials excellence across the world in his role as an IJ Seminar instructor.

Giorgio was elected to the council of the Italian Sailing Federation in 1995 and was twice re-elected. In 1999 he became a member of the International Judges Sub-Committee, and was appointed chair of the Committee in November 2000. Four years later he was appointed as a member to the ISAF Race Management Sub-Committee.

He gave his services to the sport at some of its most prestigious events, acting as an International Technical Officer at the 2003 ISAF Sailing World Championships in Cadiz, Spain and at both the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games. He was also a leading official in Auckland during the 31st America's Cup cycle.

Giorgio was taken to hospital from a Race Committee boat in Qatar and passed away on 11 January. The funeral will be held at S. Giovanni e Paolo Church in Venice, on Tuesday 16 January.

Sergio GAIBISSO, the President of the Italian Sailing Federation, said, 'This is very sad and unexpected. Giorgio was first of all a big friend for me, and a generous friend of the whole sailing world. His competence, experience and his personality will be along us forever. The FIV offers its condolences to the family and the Veneto sailing community. Ciao Giorgio!'

ISAF extends our sincere sympathy and condolences to Giorgio's wife Lidia, son Federico, family and friends.