A portrait of Italian sailing champion Giulia Conti by Scottish artist Mark Sib will be exhibited at the Genoa International Boat Show from 1 – 6 October, ahead of a charity auction supporting young sailors in foiling.
The portrait was commissioned through Glasgow-based GRM Marketing and painted by Sib during Foiling Week on Lake Garda in July. The finished work will be displayed at The Foiling Organization / We Are Foiling stand, with all proceeds from its subsequent auction funding coaching and development opportunities for young foilers.
The announcement comes as Conti, Head of Performance at We Are Foiling, a World and European champion, four-time Olympian and winning helm of the inaugural Women’s America’s Cup, joins the Ferrari Hypersail Sailing Team.
Giulia Conti said: “I’m truly honoured to be the subject of this portrait, and it means a great deal to know that Mark’s work will help support the next generation of foilers. As Head of Performance at We Are Foiling, I see every day how much talent is waiting for an opportunity. This project will help give young sailors the chance to get on the water and pursue their ambitions. Foiling Week has always been about pushing boundaries, on and off the water, and this collaboration between art and sport captures that spirit perfectly. A huge thank you to Mark for his generosity and vision.”
Luca Rizzotti, founder of We Are Foiling, added: “Giulia is one of Italian foiling’s outstanding ambassadors. Seeing her through Mark Sib’s eyes felt like a natural way to bring our sport to a wider audience. The Genoa International Boat Show is the ideal setting, bringing together the Italian marine community. All proceeds from the auction will fund coaching and support programmes for young foilers starting out in the sport. Foiling can only grow if we give young sailors the opportunity to get on the water with the right people beside them. I thank Giulia and Mark for their generosity and hope that everyone who loves the sea will support this initiative.”
Sib’s previous sporting subjects include Scotland international Andy Robertson, whose portrait helped raise funds for his Scottish football charity, AR26.
Visitors and prospective bidders can view the Giulia Conti portrait throughout the show at The Foiling Organization / We Are Foiling stand, PS01, Boating Discovery, Pavilion S.
