Mar 2024
Where did you grow up and what were your early ambitions?
I was born in Olbia, which at the time offered little in the way of schools. I studied accountancy and wanted to continue my studies at university, so I attended ISEF (Istituto Superiore per Educazione Fisica) but I had to leave Sardinia.
You were very sporty from a young age and had a successful career representing Italy as part of the national athletics team – tell us more about that?
I was regional champion in the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay for three years. I placed fourth at the Italian championships in the 400m hurdles and first in team cross-country. I thank sport for all the lessons it has given me: reaching goals, loyalty, sharing, and the importance of the team. If you always want to win you have to compete alone, but I have always preferred to compete for my team. I loved hurdles with all my heart because they taught me that in life you fall and get back up stronger than before. I have fallen many times and continue to fall, that’s the beauty of life. 
How and when did you come to work at Marina di Portisco and what was your job initially?
My adventure in Portisco began in April 1988. I spent the first four months travelling every two weeks to Florence, where the company’s headquarters were located, to learn the business of running the marina. The experience was wonderful; the approach to the offices had breathtaking views which gave me the impression it was a magical place.
I started by taking care of customer management, boats and sales. At that time Marina di Portisco had only 349 berths and the first big boat we welcomed was a 36-metre Baglietto owned by the Swarovski family, which we berthed on the side for lack of space.
How has your role evolved over the years, and since IGY Marinas took over the management of the marina in 2021?
I consider myself a lucky person because, for a woman I have come a long way, representing the company as Deputy Marina Manager, and for this I thank the people who have believed in me. As for the arrival of IGY, I had been waiting for a change for years; my intention had been to leave the nautical world.
What does your current position involve day to day – what are some of the challenges and what do you most enjoy?
Every day is a new challenge for me, to reach the goals set by IGY. I find this motivating because it allows me to participate in the realisation, contributing new ideas and opinions, sharing how important the group is. From the highest to the lowest level, everyone is able to add value to the company.
Your colleagues tell me you are a kind and generous mentor – is there someone who offered you that same support along the way?
Marina di Portisco is like a big family. We work as a team and discuss and we all love Marina di Portisco. After so many years, I try to share my experience in the hope that the positive and not the negative will be picked up.
I will soon reach my work milestone: one of my goals has been to make sure that my experience is passed on. I will always have fond memories of the previous management and I must say that the experience with IGY is more than positive.
What types of vessel come to Portisco and when does the season begin and end?
We welcome a wide range of vessels from dinghies up to 90m superyachts, and the larger the size, the greater the needs of the owner and crew. We start planning for the season from the start of the year and from mid-May to mid-October, we are mainly focused on customer management.
How would you describe the ambiance at Portisco Marina and what are some of the local highlights in the surrounding area?
Marina di Portisco has very high potential. The marina is very sheltered, and we stand out for our excellent mooring assistance both by dinghy and from land and our fuel station is open from 8am to 8pm, unlike neighbouring harbours where they close in the afternoon. We also offer excellent customer service, providing divers, use of our courtesy car, rubbish collection for boats at anchor, and a recirculation system that allows us to always have a clean stretch of water.
What is the relationship between Marina di Portisco and Marina di Porto Cervo in high season or during the annual regattas at Yacht Club Costa Smeralda?
We have a very good relationship, we try to assist customers in Portisco who want to go to Porto Cervo, and vice versa, and we collaborate in shared activities.
How has yachting in Sardinia evolved or changed over the past 10 years?
I think this is the critical point for many marinas. For several years now, boats have been getting considerably larger, going beyond the standards laid down when they were built. Another point to consider is the current supply of dockage. In the case of sailing boats, the greatest difficulties relate to deeper drafts, but more often than not we can accommodate this at Marina di Portisco.
On a personal level, what are you most proud of?
I do not regret the choices I have made. I’ve had the thoughts of a career change, but I value the environment and this type of work very highly.
If you had access to any yacht in the world for two weeks, where would you go and what would you do?
I would say, it doesn’t matter how big the boat is or where you go, it’s the people with whom you are going to share this experience. Many years ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the transfer of a prestigious 20m sailboat from Portisco to Tuscany. During the night, I saw dolphins following the boat’s wake under a sky covered with stars. An unforgettable experience.
What is a lesser-known fact about Loredana Cieno that would surprise your colleagues?
I think they would be surprised if I was unable to find a solution to a situation.