Beppy Bruzzone

Beppe Bruzzone was AICO National Secretary (Italian Association of Optimist Class) since 1978 until 1996, when he was forced by health problems to resigned and was nominated Honorary President.

Beppe loved Sailing since he was a child and he was active with "Lupa" and "Argus" (old sailboats) since 1938.

In 1974 Beppe introduced in Varazze Club Nautico first Optimist and first 420 for his son.

He was bank director and after his retirement he concentrates just on supporting boys and girls sailing with Optimist.

The curriculum of Beppy is full of events and activities that provide to him opportunities to travel the seven seas; everywhere, every time, he was proud to represent Italy that was always present in his heart; he was always leading the Italian Optmist Boys in worldwide seas bringing the Italian Flag all over the world: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Greece, Japan, Ireland, Spain, France, Portugal, Finland, Turkey, etc.

In effect he was not only the organiser, but also the inventor of major classical international events; for instance, he brought to Italy the World Championship for the first time early in 1982 and he established the European Championship (first edition held in El Masnau 1983) and then the Mediterranean Championship (first edition in Bari 1987).

In 1994 during the World Championship in Porto Rotondo, He has been nominated Honour member of IODA (International Optimist Dinghy Association) where he served as World Vice President; for his activities Varazze City awarded him as Benemeritus in 1994, while AICO nomininated him Honorary President of Optmist Class in 1996; "A.I.C.O. Cup Beppy Bruzzone", a regatta established by Italian Optimist Class and "Beppy Bruzzone Cup", organized by Varazze Club Nautico, are entitled to him.