Sometimes it only takes a moment to change the course of a life. For Davide Longo, that moment came at age 13, as he watched the dinghies of the “ Centro Velico Caprera ” sail through the waters of Porto Palma. Today, after completing the CVC’s entire dinghy training program, he has embarked on the Amerigo Vespucci training ship for a training campaign in North America and Canada. “Part of that dream was born right there amid the wind, the sea, and the dinghies of the ‘ Centro Velico Caprera,’” Davide tells us.

Today you’re aboard the Amerigo Vespucci training ship, one of the most iconic ships in the world. If someone had told you, back when you were a kid watching the keels of the CVC, that one day you’
would end up here, would you have believed it?
Probably not. It was a dream that seemed so far awayback then. Yet, looking back, I realize that it all began right there, in front of those keels. That day, the desire was born to experience the sea not just as a passion, but as part of my life.
Let’s take a step back. Where does your relationship with the sea come from?
The sea has always been a part of my life. Ever since I was little, my father would take me to the pool and the beach, instilling in me a love for water in all its forms. As a child, I also started scuba diving, reaching depths of about 15 meters. These experiences helped strengthen that bond.
And then came my encounter with the Centro Velico Caprera.
Yes. I was 13 years old and on vacation in Sardinia. During a sailing trip, I saw the CVC’s dinghies out on the water. I was fascinated by those boats and the atmosphere surrounding them. From that moment on, I promised myself that one day I would attend the Centro Velico Caprera.
Promise kept.
The following year, at age 14, I started my first course. Since then, every summer has been dedicated to Caprera, until I completed the entire dinghy program, from D1 to D5. Those were five intense years that I remember with great fondness.
What did the CVC give you, besides technical training?
Above all, it gave me a way of approaching things. In Caprera, I learned discipline, team spirit, independence, respect for the sea, and the ability to face difficulties with determination. These are lessons I apply every day in my military life and that guide me through every new experience.
When did you realize that the sea would also become your career?
At age 17, when I was selected to participate in the summer sailing courses organized by the Italian Navy at the Naval Academy in Livorno. That experience definitively reinforced my desire to become an officer in the Italian Navy.
Getting into the Academy couldn’t have been easy.
Absolutely not. The entrance exam requires significant preparation, both academically and physically. It was a challenging journey, but passing it and getting into the Academy was one of the greatest achievements of my life.
Today you’re having another unique experience: the training cruise on the Vespucci. Tell us about it.
I’ve just completed my first year at the Academy, passing all my required exams, and now I have the privilege of being aboard the Amerigo Vespucci training ship for the training cruise in North America and Canada. Afterward, we’ll cross the Atlantic Ocean, stopping in Portugal and Spain before finally returning to Italy. It’s an intense, demanding, and exciting experience. Every day we learn something new about navigation, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility—but also about ourselves.
Looking back on the journey so far, how important has the Centro Velico Caprera
Extremely important. I’m convinced that a fundamental part of this journey began righthere in Caprera. The CVC gave me much more than just sailing training: it instilled in me a method, solid values, and confidence in my abilities. That’s why I’ll always be grateful to the instructors and everyone I met during those five years.
Is there a message you’d like to share with the young people who are just starting their journey at the CVC today?
I’d say to live every moment to the fullest. Sometimes you might think you’re “just” taking a sailing course, but Caprera is so much more than that. It’s a place that puts you to the test, teaches you to collaborate, to be independent, and to respect the sea and those who sail with you. These are experiences that stay with you and that often open doors you never even imagined. If today I’m fulfilling my dream of becoming an officer in the Navy, part of that dream was born right there amid the wind, the sea, and the dinghies at Centro Velico Caprera.

For the Centro Velico Caprera, seeing one of its own former students achieve such a feat is a source of great pride. Because the CVC doesn’t just train sailors—it trains people capable of facing the sea and life with skill, team spirit, and passion.

Good luck, Davide!