Brescia Centomiglia Celebrates Legacy, Promises New Opportunities
On one side Alberto Cavalli, president of the Brescia Provincial Administration; on the other Eolo Attilio Pratella, editor of «Nautica Magazine», which with its 65,000 copies sold is the largest sector magazine in Italy. The politician and the technical expert, representing two different perspectives on the 51st Centomiglia that concluded successfully once again.
“Brescia has showcased extraordinary figures in sailing, such as Giorgio Zuccoli, whose record in the Cento remains unbeaten to date — Cavalli begins — and the Province intends to dedicate a prize to him, still to be defined. We have promised this and will involve all Brescia yacht clubs in this project.” The President of the Province refers to the phenomenal record set by Zuccoli during the 1993 edition of the Centomiglia, the 43rd, on «Dimore», covering the route in just over six hours.
The participation and importance of the Centomiglia
Specifically regarding the Centomiglia, “I have never participated in regattas, but I usually follow them as a spectator. I consider the Centomiglia something extraordinary, and the last edition offered a spectacle of colors, as well as sport. It is a promotional vehicle for the territory and requires greater support from Public Authorities to capitalize on the benefits of this sailing event, which offers an excellent image of Garda Lake.”
“We can go beyond, aiming for an association between the Hundred and Mille Miglia, to bring Brescia’s name to the world. We must appreciate the work of the organizers, shown through active participation. Sailing is loved by Italians, and this Cento is not inferior to the America’s Cup in originality. Moreover, it creates jobs: shipyards, moorings,” he adds.
Technical analysis and expert insights
Following the politician, here is the Centomiglia seen through the eyes of Eolo Attilio Pratella, who brings the discussion to a technical level. “The event needs to be more widely promoted; it seems there is a contraction compared to the best editions of the past. It should be noted that if Italy has a scene that could recall or allow the reproduction of the America’s Cup, this is Garda Lake, where free sailing was born, with heroes like Daniele Buizza on Ander, and continuing with the legendary Cassiopea of the passionate Nocivelli, reaching the heights with Bruce Farr, who, together with Luciano Lievi and Ettore Santarelli, launched Farrneticante.”
The analysis deepens further: “Luna Rossa and Paul Cayard distract attention, and the unique meaning and significance of the Centomiglia have been lost; this race can never die because, after all, it represents the pioneering spirit.” For the expert, there is an unbreakable bond between sailing and the people of Garda: “This sport is in their DNA. There is a fertile ground here that could foster a phenomenon comparable to Luna Rossa. This same soil cannot be found elsewhere: neither in Tigullio, Sardinia, nor at Punta Ala.”
