Farewell to Renato Molinari, powerboating legend

Goodbye to Renato Molinari

Renato Molinari, powerboating legend and one of Italy’s most titled athletes, è passed away at the age of 78. During his career he won 18 world and 13 European titles.

Born in Nesso, in the province of Como, on Feb. 27, 1946, he was the son of Angelo, a famous boat designer and powerboat champion. Molinari began racing when he was only 18 years old, in 1964, and in 25 years of activity he won all the most prestigious competitions. Among his achievements are four victories in the 24 Hours of Rouen and the 6 Hours of Paris, three in the Pavia-Venice with a race record, two in the 9 Hours of Parker and one in the Duke of York Trophy in Bristol. He set eleven world records and received the "Chevron Sportsman of the Year" Award five times as best athlete.

Molinari also triumphed in the Formula 1 powerboat world championship, winning in 1981, 1983 and 1984. After a brilliant career, in 1985 è became general manager of the Nordica team, and then returned to sailing in the same year with the Falcon 46 catamaran, which he designed. In 1986 è he was appointed technical director of Formula 1, 2 and 3 competitions.

His extraordinary sports career è was also recognized by CONI, which awarded him the Collare d'Oro al Merito Sportivo, the highest Italian sports honor, on December 19, 2018. Three years earlier, in 2015, he was dedicated a tile among the greats of Sport in the Walk of Fame at the Foro Italico.