Trofeo Carlo Negri Regate Pirelli

The Coppa Carlo Negri is a perpetual challenge trophy, devised by Beppe Croce, historic president of the Yacht Club Italiano and the only President of the ISAF from a non-English speaking country, having held the post for 17 years. It was created in memory of his friend, the aviator Carlo Negri, the son of Margherita Pirelli, holder of the gold medal for military valour, who was killed in Albania on 24th September 1943 during a voluntary action, while taking part in a mission to rescue a group of Italian soldiers surrounded by German troops. Established in 1945 as a perpetual challenge trophy, the Coppa Carlo Negri was donated by Margherita Puri Negri in memory of her brother. The trophy was first awarded to Giorgio Falck in 1964, who won the competition in 1959, 1963 and 1964. The second edition, run along the same lines as a tri-annual challenge, was awarded to Luigi Croce, who was victorious in 1962, 1968 and 1977.