The tenth edition of the "Between Wood and Water" Conference, hosted at the charming Ville Ponti Congress Center in Varese, has concluded. The event, organized by the Officine dell’Acqua Foundation and the AVEV (Verbano Classic Sails Association) under the guidance of Paolo Sivelli, reaffirmed the importance of preserving historical naval heritage, attracting experts and enthusiasts from all over Italy.

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A Rich and Inclusive Program

Featuring ten high-profile presentations moderated by Pierre Ley and historian Giovanni Panella, the conference highlighted the increasing role of women in professions related to nautical restoration. Among the speakers was Gaia Brojanigo, a shipwright and influencer, who shared the successes of the Women in Boatbuilding association, including the rise in female enrollments in shipwright courses in Lyme Regis, England.

Another notable presentation was by naval architect Leonardo Bortolami, who introduced the "The Big Repair" project for the restoration of the HMS Victory, a symbol of British maritime history.

There was also great emotion in the narrative of Sublieutenant Aurora Esposito, who shared her experiences during the global voyage aboard the Amerigo Vespucci, Italy's floating embassy.

Projects and Collaborations for the Future

The conference also emphasized local projects, such as the restoration of the Velarca, a historic houseboat restored by the Ernesto Riva Shipyard, and the initiatives of the Italian Federation of Historic Boats (FIBaS), which will coordinate over 60 events throughout Italy in 2025.

Among the sponsors and supporters of the event were the Lombardy Region, FAI, University of Genoa, and numerous associations linked to historical boating. The contributions of companies like Ernesto Riva Shipyard, Zaoli Sails, and Agricole Gussalli Beretta underscored the value of synergy between public and private entities.

A Connection with the Community

The conference concluded with a visit to the Officine dell’Acqua in Laveno Mombello, now a center for naval tradition and museum of historic boats, recently recognized as a "Museum Collection" by the Lombardy Region.