How to End Up on the Cover of a Great Book
It’s always an honor to see a shared journey immortalized, but when I learned that my dear friend Stefano Malvestio chose a photo from one of our GOST (Global Offshore Sailing Team) expeditions as the cover of his latest book, Come l’Acqua, it was a moment of genuine surprise and pride. Stefano’s book, whose title translates to “Like Water,” is an incredible reflection on his life, shaped by water’s power and mystery. Through the book, Stefano shares some of the defining adventures and challenges that have influenced his life, each page resonating with his dedication to exploring both the world and his own limits.
Stefano is a remarkable personality with a natural curiosity and an inspiring resilience. Our shared time with GOST, an international sailing team dedicated to exploration, has been about more than just navigating seas; it’s been about embracing the adventure and unknowns, and Stefano has done just that—embracing each moment with courage and humility. It’s only fitting that his book, with a cover that captures this spirit, tells his story of transformation through water.
In the Heart of Nature: Reflections on Water and Self
One passage from Come l’Acqua captures the magic of these experiences:
“In the midst of steep mountains, like a fjord with sheer cliffs closing in every horizon, the water lies almost motionless, a deep green reflecting the dense forest. Above, a slice of sky is an intense, uniform blue. Here and there, small streams cascade into the lake, sending sprays of water that cool the August air, which has become as warm as the tropics. The feeling is one of deep peace, of slowness, of merging with the planet, of lightness.”
Stefano’s words embody the sense of connection and awe that he finds in nature. This scene of peace, with herons and jays drifting above and the sky reflecting in the lake, brings him a rare serenity. But as peaceful as this scene is, water has not always been a place of comfort for him. For Stefano, the water has always held a duality—both an attraction and a source of trepidation, stemming from a tragic childhood memory of losing a cousin to a lake.
A Life Defined by Challenges and Triumphs
Growing up in the Italian countryside, water was something Stefano respected but didn’t explore freely. Yet, as he matured, he faced his fear head-on, learning to swim, then diving deeper into aquatic activities. He became a certified instructor and rescue diver, ultimately finding solace in the same water that once caused him fear.
Joining GOST allowed Stefano to take on new challenges, from sailing Arctic waters near the Svalbard archipelago to navigating turbulent seas around Europe. He found the teamwork and camaraderie of sailing to be transformative, each mission reinforcing his courage and drive to push beyond boundaries.
A Little About Stefano Malvestio
Stefano Malvestio, born in 1964 in Noale, Italy, has led a life filled with purpose and exploration. He has lived in Bassano del Grappa, Quinto di Treviso, and Milan, and now resides in Treviso with his wife, Daniela, while his children, Anna and Leonardo, live in the United States. With a Master’s in International Relations, a Level I Master’s in Tourism Management, a degree in Political Science, and an honorary degree in Insurance Sciences, Stefano has been a Senior Executive Manager with Mediolanum Group since 1987.
He is an enthusiast for outdoor adventures, including mountain biking, Nordic walking, and rafting. Stefano’s dedication extends to his writing, where he has authored several publications with Inveneto Editore and Ediciclo Editore, each contributing to his mission to share knowledge and inspire others.
A Cover That Tells a Story
Having a GOST expedition photo on the cover of Come l’Acqua is a testament to the journeys we have shared and the respect Stefano has for the power of nature. This book is more than Stefano’s personal story; it’s an invitation for readers to embrace adventure, face their fears, and discover their own resilience.
For those interested, Come l’Acqua is available directly from Stefano or at this link. It’s a privilege to be part of Stefano’s story, and I look forward to where his journey will take him next.
Thank you, Stefano, from the skipper and the entire GOST team. Here’s to more horizons and shared adventures.
