A graduate in Nautical Engineering from the University of Genoa, Raffaele specialized in running rigging, gaining extensive experience in the designing, manufacturing and processing of ropes. After competing in several regattas on Olympic classes and offshore boats, he soon became a well-known figure in the industry and worked as an engineer and rigger for several companies, expanding his range of knowledge. In 2021 he races his first America's Cup with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli. In his spare time, he plays the guitar and kite surfs.