Italian Melges 24 President Franco Maria Rao Has Died

It is with great sadness that we must report that Italian Class President Franco Maria Rao died suddenly on Saturday afternoon, 10 November 2008. He was sailing in a local winter championship regatta in his Finn when he collapsed in his boat during a windward leg. The assistance and rescue was very quick, but there was nothing left to do.

Franco was a great friend, an enthusiastic sailor, an outstanding Italian Class President, a dedicated IMCA World Council Member and one of the great characters of the Melges 24 Class and his loss will be keenly felt by all of us.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends at this very difficult time.