Biography

Paolo Rizzi and Matteo Di Pasquale were raised in the sailing community of Trieste, Italy on the Adriatic Coast.  They first met in  1985, Paolo was docking at the famous Piazza Unità on board his family’s 38 foot boat “Vento Fresco” with his mother, at the end of that year’s Portofino to New York City  Race. Matteo was part of the greeting committee on board his boat, The Optimist.

Paolo Rizzi holds the record for sailing miles in Trieste, including 19 ocean crossings in racing and luxury cruises. He has sailed the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, the South China Sea, the Tasman Sea, through the Panama Canal and  many other corners of the planet. Paolo is especially known as a chef, cooking on board specialities such as hand made Gnocchi or Temaki sushi, Clams risotto or Sea Bass baked in salt. Choosing locally grown food, freshly caught seafood and highlights of regional cuisines, Paolo is sure to delight all passengers with an exceptional menu for each meal on board. Back in 1988, crossing from British Virgin Island to Trieste, with one sailing mate, no stops, sailing  a 38′ boat, Paolo created 52 different menus, one for each day of navigation.

Matteo Di Pasquale has raced on Olympic class boats and in offshore races. He’s qualified sailing instructor and events organizer. Matteo has worked for different Yacht Clubs, taking care of the agonistic teams and also as private sailing instructor for families and children. Back in 1996 he was the helmsman of the sailing boat that took Paolo  to the altar in the fishing village of Muggia, Italy.

When not sailing, both have travelled on land through out the world, developing their talents as filmakers and storytellers. Although Paolo and Matteo belonged to different and competitive Yacht Clubs, they met each other again and began their professional relationship in 1991. Originally, their services offered short range dock to dock boat delivery. The business quickly grew to include luxury charters of all lenghts, including Trieste, Italy to the Caribbean and back voyages across the Atlantic Ocean.

Paolo is now married to racing champion Elena and is father to the three fabulous Rizzi brothers.  Matteo is married to Luciana and is the proud father of a baby girl.

They keep working together.