COMUNICATO ORC (OFFSHORE RACING CONGRESS)----------------Sergio Gaibisso, the FIV President for 20 years, has passed away on Wednesday, January 15th in Alassio, his hometown in West Liguria. He has always been a big supporter of the ORC system, from his first election in 1988, replacing Carlo Rolandi, until being replaced by Carlo Croce (current ISAF President) in 2008. "When Sergio started to represent FIV internationally, he performed a wonderful job in introducing most of the best Italian Sailors as key representatives in both ISAF and ORC," said Bruno Finzi, Chairman of ORC. "His wide vision contributed to a rise in the level of respect that Italy has now reached worlwide in the sailing community." The ORC, along with all the sailing community, will miss his reassuring figure, who made no enemies, and for all his life tried to promote sailing. This was especially true at the non-Grand Prix levels of the sport, where he strove to make it accessible to all and not only a privileged few. "Sergio was a father more than a president. He brought us all by hand, and made the Federazione his family and his entire life, with a special attention to the youngest, and the early times in the sport. Grazie Presidente for the passion and the competence that you showed and has been an example for us." said Carlo Croce, ISAF president.