Beatrice, an historic wooden sailboat of note, has been donated to the city of Imperia. The official ceremony was held on July 15th in the Ligurian town’s naval museum and was followed by a flag raising ceremony on the Lungomare Marinai d’Italia-Molo San Lazzaro attended by local authorities and Diana Bracco, president of the Bracco Group and last owner of the vessel. With LOA of 15.56m, and a beam of 3.78m, Beatrice was launched in 1963 at the Cantiere Sangermani in Lavagna. Sangermani is an internationally acclaimed shipyard specialized in wooden vessels and was also responsible for the design of Beatrice.
During the ceremony the volume “Beatrice – Just follow the sea” was also presented. Written by Fabio Pozzo with photography by Carlo Borlenghi, the volume includes copies of her original drawings, her 50 years of history and the stories of those who were part of it and those who brought her back to life.
Claudio Scajola, the Mayor of Imperia, thanked Diana Bracco for such an important donation, a gesture of sincere affection for the town and expressed the administration’s enthusiasm for this laudable initiative. “I welcome with great pleasure and sincere emotion this initiative related to the sea and to maritime history, two elements that have always had a special place in Imperia’s heart. I am proud that our harbour will greet this splendid vessel, restored by the loving work of the young and talented students of Imperia’s Nautical Institute.
Diana Bracco: “When I was asked one evening what should we do with this boat, whose lines and seakeeping qualities were highly appreciated by Roberto, I enthusiastically embraced captain Gaudino’s idea of donating Beatrice to the City of Imperia, to use her for the student’s sail-training after her restoration. I liked the idea of giving to a second life to Beatrice, and I hope that she will be able to participate in some of the classic yacht events, teaching and furthering the work-study programs that are so important to me and that I firmly believe in.”
Every other year Imperia hosts one of the largest and most respected classic yacht regattas in the Mediterranean.
Main image: Beatrice © Studio Borlenghi
Classic sailor feature on Beatrice: HERE
INFORMATION
www.polotecnologicoimperiese.edu.it