In a suggestive setting, at the amphitheater of the Marina Piccola marina, the launching ceremony of an extraordinary sailing boat designed and built by the UniCa Sailing Team took place. This is an International Moth class vessel.
The ceremony was attended by the highest officials of the university, the Magnificent Rector Francesco Mola, who underlined the importance of projects like this for the future of boating and the environment, but also the great educational potential for students, who they can apply the studies carried out to a real case, approaching an environment similar to the working one.
The godmother of the boat was Dalia Kaddari, the internationally renowned Sardinian athlete, who had the honor of naming the boat with the traditional bottle of sparkling wine and the phrase “I christen you Mariposa, good wind and little wave. ” Referring to the fact that this type of boat has foils, appendages thanks to which they can actually fly on the water, they develop their performance best in conditions of strong wind and flat sea like the typical Cagliari Meestrale.
The boat, which will participate in the prestigious Foiling SuMoth Challenge, an international competition between universities to be held in Malcesine on Lake Garda from 23 June to 1 July, was built using eco-sustainable materials. The team of students managed by Flavio Stochino, Team Manager Gianmario Broccia and Team Captain Gabriele De Marco, is made up of 60 students from all courses of the university, used flax fibre, bio epoxy resin and recycled parts made of carbon, like old broken windsurf masts, demonstrating that sustainability can go hand in hand with the high performance required by this type of competition.
The Foiling SuMoth Challenge represents a unique challenge for universities around the world, pushing the limits of nautical engineering and design towards increasingly sustainable solutions. The competition not only tests participants’ technical skills but also promotes environmental awareness and green innovation.
Team Captain Gabriele De Marco, who will helm the boat as skipper after the launch, said: “The team members have worked hard for months, dedicating time and passion to this project. The result is a cutting-edge boat, ready to compete. I can’t wait to be able to race and proudly represent our university in this international challenge.”
The event a few days ago marked not only the launching of a boat, but also the success of a vision that combines academic training, innovation and sustainability. The applause and enthusiasm of those present were the tangible sign of a goal achieved and of a promising future for these young students and for the environment.
