R.I.P Alberto

A tribute to the late and great Alberto Menegatti

At the beginning of the week the windsurfing world was rocked by the news that Alberto Menegatti had tragically passed away. Menegatti, who was just 29 years old, was tipped by many as a future PWA Slalom World Champion.

Menegatti started windsurfing at the age of just 13 at Cicolo Surf Torbole, which would become his local club and it wasn’t long before everyone could see his potential. Menegatti soon progressed through the ranks from the Circle Surf Torbole Racing Team - to the Aloha Class - to the Mistral One Design - before advancing into the Olympic Class at the age of 15. 

In 2013 - 10 years on from making his PWA debut - Menegatti showed the world exactly just how talented he was by winning the Ulsan PWA World Cup, which would turn out to be his first and sadly last victory. The remainder of the year saw an enthralling battle for the world title between himself and Antoine Albeau (RRD / NeilPryde) - with Menegatti eventually finishing 2013 as the PWA Slalom Vice-World Champion, whilst firmly announcing himself on the world stage.

2014 proved to a difficult year with Menegatti suffering severe tendonitis, however this still didn’t stop him taking the opening bullet of the campaign in Costa Brava, such was Menegatti’s talent and sheer determination to succeed. Menegatti then had to make the tough decision to retire for the season, just before the third slalom event of the year in Fuerteventura.

Before his untimely passing, Menegatti, was training in Tenerife - with many of his Point-7 teammates - ahead of the upcoming new season and was sounding even more motivated than ever to become world champion. The Italian was renowned for his dedication and hard work, whilst always being a popular figure on the beach, has left a gaping hole in the entire windsurfing fraternity - you will be sorely missed Albi. 

Point-7 Owner and closer friend - Andrea Cucchi (Starboard / Point-7):

"Alberto has left us. He has left us and a big empty space to us his friends, to us his team, to us who windsurfed with you. Windsurfing has lost a world talent, an uprising champion. Italy has lost one of his hero’s," wrote Alberto Menegatti's sponsor Point-7.


"We had the same dream to be on the PWA podium, and together we had managed to reach that goal. He made us cry for his first victory, he made us dream, he gave us emotions that a real champion can give. He made us proud to be Point-7, he gave us reasons to dream further, he motivated us to do better.”

For an insight into the level of dedication Alberto gave to windsurfing have a look at his winter training preparation before his first victory in Korea here.

Our thoughts go out to Alberto’s family and friends at the difficult time. May you rest in peace Albert. Gone, but never forgotten.