From champion to advocate: Caterina Banti reveals “equality” in sailing
by Alexia Lahoud, 49er and Nacra 17 Sailing 1 Nov 07:41 PDT
2023 Allianz Sailing World Championships © Sander van der Borch / World Sailing
After securing her second consecutive Olympic gold medal in Paris, 37-year-old Caterina Banti has opted to step back from competitive sailing. This decision was intentional; she feels drawn to new life experiences beyond the ocean and its challenges.
This summer thrilled sailing fans: Team New Zealand claimed the America’s Cup for the third time consecutively, while Italy won two Olympic gold medals in the Mixed Nacra 17 and Women’s Windsurfing categories. Italy’s Luna Rossa had a tumultuous season, experiencing a tough defeat against the British after a strong start. Yet, for sailors like Banti, the sport transcends victories and defeats; it’s a lifestyle rooted in passion, commitment, and sacrifice. Her choice to retire, especially at her peak, garnered admiration in the sailing community—particularly as she candidly addresses the unique challenges women face in the sport.
More than just an athlete
Banti stands out—not only for her immense talent but also for her journey to reach that level. Unlike most professional sailors, she didn’t begin competing until she was 23. Before discovering sailing, she dedicated her time to her education, earning degrees in Eastern and Mediterranean History while mastering several languages, including Arabic and Turkish. This educational background has provided her with a broader perspective, which she believes has enabled her to think critically and challenge some of the entrenched norms in competitive sailing.
The physical journey
In her youth, Banti experienced ridicule regarding her weight, enduring teasing as a teenager that led to a short battle with bulimia.
Looking back on her past, Banti recognizes the adversities she faced growing up. “As a child, I was overweight, and they called me ‘bantenottera.’ I struggled with bulimia, forcing me to confront my body as a teenager. Learning to accept myself and push my boundaries became my first real competition. Medals cannot be earned without addressing personal hurdles. Perfection is unattainable; success is about growth and embracing diversity, rather than mere individual achievements. There’s always more to learn from others, and we should never shy away from asking, ‘How did you achieve this?’ The world is changing, and we must move past stereotypes.
When she entered competitive sailing, she went through a significant transformation physically to meet the demands of the Nacra 17 class, where strength and stamina are essential. To excel as a bowwoman, she gained over 10 kilograms of muscle within just two years, pushing her physical limits. “Sport has given me so much,” she expressed, “but I have also sacrificed a lot—my knees, back, hands, wrists, and ankles.” Coming to terms with her body and pushing beyond her limits became as important to her as winning medals.
Gender bias in the sailing world
Banti has also expressed frustration and disappointment with the gender dynamics present in sailing. She feels that the sport primarily serves men, and “initiatives” for women often appear to be more symbolic than substantial. While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) declares the 2024 Paris Olympics as the first-ever gender-balanced games, featuring equal male and female competitors, Banti was surprised to find her name missing from the Women’s World Sailor of the Year category. In contrast, her male teammate, Ruggero Tita, received a nomination for Male World Sailor of the Year, despite their collective achievements, including world championships and two Olympic gold medals. Both were acknowledged as a team in the “Team of the Year” category, yet Banti was overlooked for individual acknowledgment, despite sharing identical accomplishments with Tita.
Although genuinely thrilled for Tita’s nomination, she couldn’t help but question the reasoning — especially considering that even the young mixed team of Vittorio Bonifacio and helmswoman Lisa Vucetti faced similar exclusion in the youth category, despite their joint competition.
The Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) promptly sought clarification, posing the question: why are women often made invisible at pivotal moments? “This is happening while the Olympic community, federations, and national Olympic Committees like CONI (the Italian Olympic Committee), as well as the America’s Cup, are progressing towards gender parity,” she emphasized.
Old-school stereotypes
Banti has been vocal about some of the outdated attitudes she observes within the sailing community, including from figures like the owner of Luna Rossa, who reportedly still prefers all-male crews for the America’s Cup. “He represents a bygone era, when women were considered bad luck. These stereotypes are outdated,” she contends. “If we’re not afforded the opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities, how can we be deemed unworthy? The media often fixates on whether Rugger and I are a couple rather than our success as teammates.” She argues that these stereotypes hinder the sport, particularly when women aren’t given a chance to compete on equal terms.
Looking ahead
As she steps away from competitive sailing, Banti is keen to explore new paths in her life. She aims to concentrate on her family, possibly start her own, and return to her academics. Currently enrolled in leadership courses, she aspires to contribute positively to changes in sports. “I believe athletes should expand their horizons,” she stresses. “Sports can serve as a vehicle for personal, social, cultural, and political redemption.”
Banti’s experiences have transformed her into an advocate for change, motivating others to challenge enduring stereotypes in sailing and beyond. She wishes to inspire women to pursue education and personal development, asserting that the road to success is about more than medals—it’s fundamentally about growth, empathy, and understanding. “Men and women can collaborate and triumph together, both on the water and in life. We have demonstrated that. The question remains: does anyone care?”
