Work continues on bringing work back to Italy, an initiative promoted by the Presidency of the States General of Italian Heritage(we told you about it here). Among the players surveyed, according to the organization’s report, are now Fincantieri and the Ministry of Culture, which let them see a glimmer.
Does the Destriero return to Italy?
How many times have we heard that in our country there is no nautical culture, no sea culture. Short memory or inability to transmit this passion to new generations? If we tried to ask a boy under the age of 30 what “Destrier” is, he would probably think of a Dreamworks cartoon. Yet the Destriero is a legend, an aluminum lightning bolt that, in the early 1990s, sped through the Atlantic at an average of 53 knots propelled by 60,000 horsepower. Such behemoths have never been seen again, so much so that the record of 58 hours, 43 minutes and 5 seconds to leave more than 3,100 miles aft is still unbeaten.
Today such a boat would be anachronistic, particularly because of the criticism it would attract from the point of sustainability. Other times, other spirit. What would be worth saving and preserving, however, is one of the most ambitious (and successful) projects that Italy has pursued in its recent nautical history. Of course, putting a boat in a museum is not enough to create “sea culture,” but myths and legends are also needed to enthuse new generations. And the Destriero, indisputably, is.
Destriero, the role of Fincantieri and the Ministry of Culture
The current owner of the vessel is Prince Karim Aga Khan who owns the Destriero through a network of foreign companies. It was to the Aga Khan in December that an appeal had come from Alberto Scuro, chairman of the historic motoring committee of the States General of Italian Heritage.
Hon. Alberto Tombolato and Hon. Riccardo Molinari (first signatory) involved about 30 parliamentarians to sign a question addressed to the Minister of Culture, Dario Franceschini. The first response came from the undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Lucia Borgonzoni who stated that “the possibility that the ministry may contribute to or participate in projects for the protection and enhancement of the ship Destriero is not ruled out.”
The conditio sine qua non of this contribution, however, seems to involve the Destriero returning to Italy. And moving a boat 68 meters long and 13 meters wide is no trivial task. Not least because, presumably, studies on the feasibility of moving it, bureaucratically and technically, would have to be done first, and then figure out where to go to place it and, most importantly, how to enhance it.
Speaking of the more practical aspects, the president of the States General of Italian Heritage, Ivan Drogo Inglese, spoke with General Carlo Magrassi, current president of the Fincantieri Foundation. It is the shipbuilding group, which built the Destriero in Muggiano shipyards, could play a decisive role in the recovery.
Drogo Inglese and Magrassi would both be inclined to organize a ceremony at the construction site on the occasion of the company’s 30th anniversary (next August 9). The proposal has also garnered the approval of the mayor of the municipality of La Spezia as well as president of the province Pierluigi Peracchini. Cesare Fiorio, the protagonist of the Destriero adventure of which he was a pilot, is also following developments.
Destriero, does saving it make sense?
Some might argue whether the game is actually worth the candle. After so many years, does it make sense to bring Destriero back to Italy? To do what with it? The operation is certainly not cost-free. To this must be added the maintenance of such a structure, if only to make it “visitable.” And then management over time, developing a plan. In short, the puzzle pieces that need to fit together are many. It is true, however, that businesses need their symbols to stay alive. What do you guys think? Write us your views at info@barcheamotore.com
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