The Sailing World Championship is quite special as an event, taking place every four years like the Olympics, but with many more crews involved: from a psychological standpoint, and from a technical one, how do you deal with such an event?
CB: Yes, the Sailing World Championship is an event that takes place every four years and is certainly an important event: it is our 'target regatta' of the year and we have prepared a great deal for it. But I don't approach it any differently from all the other important regattas: we have always said that medals are won during training and collected in the regattas, something the great Valentin Mankin taught us. So, we’ll see how many medals we won in training and what we are going to collect at the Worlds! We have certainly trained well and have done what we can: the most important thing is to have fun and do our best. Scheveningen is a difficult location and it's where I started sailing with Ruggero Tita in 2017 trying out the first Nacra 17 foil catamaran; the current there can be quite strong, as well as the wind and waves, but we like it when things are difficult! Psychologically, I approach the regatta by seeking out my routine, with adequate preparation and a calm mind: knowing I have done everything I can. An athlete is complete when all aspects of their personality are in balance when training: the physical, mental and tactical aspects.
Staying on the subject of the Sailing World Championship, this year you will be spending August taking part in regattas instead of Italy’s usual barbecues with friends... do you find it hard to miss out on all of that and give up all the small traditions/festivities with friends outside of the world of sailing and the sailing federation as so many athletes do?
CB: I don't mind it at all: I'm used to it. Of course, I like coming home, being with my boyfriend, spending time with my friends and family, but I honestly don't mind giving these things up. I no longer see them as denials, but rather as opportunities, because I realise that I am very lucky to be able to lead this kind of life and above all to be able to do what I enjoy. This is something I always have to remember and that all my 'colleagues' should always remember: we are truly privileged and we should be grateful to be able to do enjoy a life of outdoor sports, to be where we are today.