Silvio Arrivabene - Mascalzone Latino, Italy

	Navigator Silvio Arrivabene, racing for Italy's Mascalzone Latino syndicate.

Not only is it his first time in the event, but he’s also new to match racing and has a job onboard that he’s never done before – as navigator.

As Silvio says, he has been thrown in at the deep end for Mascalzone Latino’s Cup campaign.

He has competed in various big boat classes since taking up yachting as his chosen sport 10 years ago.

Q: What activities do you enjoy while you’re in New Zealand?

A: We don’t have much time off, but when we do I like to play golf, go walking or see a movie. We were in Auckland for a few months earlier in the year and returned only in July, so there has been little time – but I have seen a lot of movies in Auckland!

Golf is new to me, but when we play with some of the Prada people we go to a course close to the city like Chamberlain Park or Remuera. For walks, I like it around Parnell and Devonport. I enjoy the nature and there are some beautiful areas, both around the city and outside it. It’s so much nicer than home.

Q: What do you enjoy about living here?

A: As I say, I really like the countryside. I also like hanging out in the city in Auckland. It’s so friendly for us and so open. People are very open with us.

I like the nightlife as well and I enjoy going to some of the clubs around town.

The weather is so different here. It’s very interesting and fantastic for sailing because there always seems to be enough breeze on the harbour. I love your blue skies and the colours. The country is so green.

Q: What tourist attractions and activities have you taken in here?

A: I haven’t really had the time to see tourist attractions yet, but I do want to go skiing at Mount Ruapehu. I would love to do that because I used to do a lot of freestyle skiing in Italy.

Q: You live near Venice in Italy. What are the big differences you notice about life here?

A: The people most of all. It doesn’t matter to them if they haven’t seen you before. They still welcome you and talk to you.

Everyone is also very serious about working here and they are very reliable.

I like all the different types of restaurants, which we don’t have at home. I often go to Japanese or Thai restaurants and I really appreciate the seafood here, especially snapper and your squid. We have squid of course, but it’s so much fresher here.

Q: What would you rate as your favourite holiday destinations in New Zealand?

A: I would like to go to Queenstown and I also want to go skiing.