One of the best yachtsmen of the USSR, Valentin Mankin, passed away at the age of 76. The Russian sailing community mourns the loss and condolences to the family and friends of the great champion.
Valentin Grigorievich Mankin was three times Olympic champion (in classes «Finn», «Tempest» and «Star»), silver medalist of the Olympic Games, many times winner of the World and European Championships, Honoured Master of Sports of the USSR, Honoured coach of the USSR, many times champion of the USSR in various classes of yachts.
He was awarded the Order of the Badge of Honor, the Order of Friendship of Peoples and included in the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
The last years of his life he lived and worked in Italy. He trained world class yachtsmen. Among his pupils are Alessandra Sensini (Olympic and world champion), brothers Sibello ( European champions in 49er class) and Luca Devoti (silver medallist of Olympic Games in Sydney).
