Lake Garda Navigation Advances Peace and Passenger Services
A definitely peaceful summer, at least so far, between the surfers and Navigarda. Until a few years ago, as many will remember, collisions between sailboard sailors and motorboats were common, especially in the waters in front of Malcesine, Torbole, and Limone. Unfortunately, some of these incidents were fatal, such as the one off the coast between Riva and Capo Reamol in Limone, where an unfortunate surfer was horrifically decapitated by the propeller of the hydrofoil. A “war” that no one declared, but which, unfortunately, had broken out due to the massive congestion of surfers and the lack of precise navigation regulations (the interregional law of Garda dates back to September 1983). Accusations targeted Navigarda’s skippers, whose boats navigated through race fields or too close to the shore. Nothing could be further from the truth, however. Navigation on inland waters has always followed specific routes, designed and approved by ministerial authorities. Furthermore, docking maneuvers require particular caution. Unfortunately, with the boom of nautical sports, especially windsurfing, Lake Garda, particularly in the northern part, has become increasingly crowded. Has peace finally broken out after years of clashes and controversy? “Let’s say a good climate of coexistence and collaboration has been established between sailing clubs and the company,” states Engineer Marcello Coppola, General Director of Navigarda. “Thanks to ongoing informational campaigns and a heightened awareness among sailors.” Indeed, the nautical clubs and sailing schools are actively informing boaters about dangers and basic navigation rules (priority, maneuvers, nautical signals, etc.). Passenger ships have long since resumed regular docking in Torbole, although hydrofoils still do not stop there. This is because, in certain dangerous conditions, hydrofoils, being very fast vessels, could risk hitting someone. The vigorous preventive action, as Coppola emphasizes, is certainly paying off. Meanwhile, the navigation company is preparing for another record-breaking season. Last year, they surpassed 2 million passengers, and this year a further increase is expected. Competition will also be fierce among the localities leading the passenger movement rankings. In 2000, Limone led with 540,000 passengers, followed by Sirmione (495,000), Riva del Garda (490,000), and Malcesine (488,000). The town of Garda will try to surpass Limone—only time will tell. But Navigarda doesn’t only carry tourists; it is primarily a public transportation company. Following the Limone landslide, for example, two ferries shuttled between the town and Riva for 19 hours a day, reaching up to 48 trips daily. From January 1 to July 8, during the period of Gardesana’s closure, the ferries transported 98,000 cars, 1,400 buses, 16,000 campers and trucks, as well as over 25,000 bicycles and motorcycles. Gian Battista Martinelli, Mayor of Limone, expressed his thanks to Navigarda for its significant effort with vessels and personnel. “Limone had become an island accessible only by lake,” Martinelli pointed out. Now, Navigarda has even bigger plans. In about a month, a new catamaran capable of transporting over 200 people will be assembled at the Peschiera shipyard. It is scheduled to enter service in 2002.
