The event, which celebrates high-level hospitality and nautical tradition, reaffirmed its international significance, drawing enthusiasts and international owners of vintage wooden motorboats.
The day began with a spectacular navigation of the participating boats, departing from various points around Lake Como and converging in Cernobbio. The arrival of the ships at Villa d’Este around 11:30 am marked the event’s official launch. After docking, guests enjoyed an exclusive lunch at Villa d’Este’s Grill restaurant, immersed in genuine elegance and refinement.
Historic boats on display
Among the featured boats, “Postalino” captured attention due to its historical significance as the oldest boat on display, built before World War I. Despite having participated in previous editions, its presence always fascinates, telling the story of ancient navigation.
Another historic gem displayed was “Alfetta,” embedded by a fascinating and adventurous past. Built originally by the Baglietto shipyard around 1940 as an ’explosive boat’ for the Royal Navy, “Alfetta” was later transformed into a pleasure boat, likely by Riva. Equipped with an Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS engine and an innovative dual counter-rotating propeller drive system by CABI Cattaneo, it showcased its technical ingenuity by promoting itself as a relevant piece of Italian nautical history.
A meeting of excellence
The event also featured numerous Riva runabouts, including the famous Aquarama and Super Florida models and the classic Larian boats from Abbate and Colombo. The Vintage Yachting 2024 edition took place thanks to the collaboration with ASDEC (Association of Vintage and Classic Boats - Historical Nautical Register) and the Lariana Boat Museum, both organizations that play a crucial role in preserving and promoting nautical tradition.
Villa d’Este: a symbol of timeless elegance
Villa d’Este, the iconic 5-star luxury hotel in Cernobbio on Lake Como, is a benchmark in international luxury hospitality and was the setting for such an elegant boat meeting. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, it is part of the Villa d’Este Hotels group, which includes Villa La Massa in Florence, the famous Harry’s Bar in Cernobbio, and the Hotel Miralago. Considered one of the finest examples of mid-sixteenth-century architecture, Villa d’Este has been offering unparalleled hospitality for over 150 years, nestled in a 10-hectare park.
Executive Chef Michele Zambanini leads Villa d’Este’s culinary proposal by offering different restaurant options: the elegant Veranda, the Grill -for more informal dinners- and the Platano Restaurant that blends Mediterranean and Japanese flavors. The Canova Bar is the perfect spot for enjoying top cocktails, while the Sundeck, adjacent to the floating pool, is ideal for a light meal during the summer months.
Services and activities
The hotel also features a Beauty Center and a Sporting Club with an indoor heated pool, gym, sauna, Turkish bath, squash court, putting green, fitness trail, and eight tennis courts. The famous floating pool on the lake and a dedicated children’s pool complete the offering. Villa d’Este once again confirms itself as one of the top destinations for vintage boating enthusiasts, offering an exclusive blend of history, culture, and timeless beauty.
For more information about the event and Villa d’Este, visit the official website and discover more about this captivating destination.
Simona Gazzaniga