Bogliaco Celebrates Launch of Homerus Marina for Visually Impaired Sailors
Great celebration last weekend in Bogliaco. After «Gorla» and «Centomiglia», which attracted thousands of athletes and numerous enthusiasts, the small square in front of the old port experienced another day of sailing, this time with particular significance.
Halfway between the square itself and the eighteenth-century Palazzo Bettoni, the new «Homerus» marina was inaugurated, recovered by the eponymous association dedicated to sailing for the visually impaired, led by Alessandro Gaoso, a former world champion in sailing.
The event drew a large crowd on stage and many spectators, with ships from the carabinieri, Guardia di Finanza, and Coast Guard offshore, emphasizing the importance of the occasion.
Participants and testimonials of the event
Serving as godmother, Edi Bocelli was invited—mother of Andrea, the famous singer. On stage, Luciano Galloni (President of Circolo Vela Gargnano), Alessandro Sala and Ermes Buffoli (Provincial Assessori), Marcello Festa (Mayor of Gargnano), Senator Francesco Tirelli, Cesare Quaglioti (Provincial President of Coni), and representatives from the Italian Association of the Blind.
The captain of the Salò Carabinieri Company, Luca Volpi, was also present, along with Gargnano Marshal Franco Abruzzo and the visually impaired ski and sailing champion, Gigi Bertanza.
Testimonials and messages of faith and inclusion
«Walking on water is impossible for us — said Don Sergio Fappani, the parish priest, after Francesco Alborghetti, who is blind, read a passage from the Gospel in Braille — but faith encounters no obstacles: faith in God and faith in oneself.
Bogliaco is a reality for the blind, and the fact that they can sail confirms that the word of Jesus has become history in Bogliaco today.» Alessandro Gaoso, the driving force behind the initiative, thanked everyone, starting with the volunteers collaborating with Homerus: «Homarus’s white and brown sails have gone beyond the Pillars of Hercules in Gibraltar.
We have other ideals to pursue, after Sidney: to include sailing in the Paralympics. As for Bogliaco, where there is… the University of Sailing, this specialty was missing: now it’s here.» Then a thanks for the support in building the marina: to Regione Lombardia, Provincia di Brescia, Comune di Gargnano, the Camozzi group, Valtenesi Wine Cellars and Lugana di Moniga, which bottled the wine sold under the label «Bacco di Homerus».
Conclusions and future prospects
Edi Bocelli: «Having a blind son in the family has been a grace, not a misfortune, and not because Andrea has made a fortune, but because I have grown more internally than many other mothers. I am here because I care about you,» she concluded, addressing the numerous visually impaired attendees.
Marcello Festa, the mayor: «The Homerus project is growing and is a pride for Gargnano. Let’s not forget that next year we will host the World Championships of sailing for the visually impaired.» The conclusion by Councillor Sala: «It is a piece of history that goes beyond Garda and Brescia.»
