Sailing into the Future: The Electric Waters of Lake Como
On the 17th of September 2023, the historic Villa d’Este, set on the scenic backdrop of Lake Como, is poised to become a beacon of innovation in the boating world. This grand event, christened "VILLA D’ESTE STYLE ELECTRIC YACHTING," is all set to mark a significant turning point in electrical technology, focusing solely on private boating. As the date draws near, enthusiasts and industry professionals eagerly anticipate what could be a revolutionary leap in sustainable yachting, all set against the timeless beauty of Lake Como.
Have you ever dreamed of floating around the picturesque Lake Como without the constant hum of a motor or the smell of diesel fumes tickling your nose? Welcome to the new era of boating, folks. This isn’t just any boat parade; it’s the future, zipping by silently. And by "future," I mean electric boats.
Electric Yachting has found its niche at the legendary Villa d’Este, a venue that, not so long ago, celebrated the grandeur of vintage automobiles, especially the Alfa Romeo’s 1949 ‘Villa d’Este’ model. Flashback to those times when the roar of engines was music to our ears. But things change, and sometimes, for the better. Flash forward, and today, we’re talking about a parade where the only sound might be the occasional champagne cork popping and someone exclaiming, “Wait, where’s the engine sound?”
The event has a history, of course. The Villa d’Este, an epitome of mid-sixteenth-century architectural charm, has been silently observing the changing times since its foundation between 1550 and 1572. While the Villa transformed into a luxury hotel in 1873, just down the lake, Ernesto Riva was bringing art to life by creating boats. Each vessel was a masterpiece. And now, Daniele Riva, the 6th generation legacy bearer, has reimagined these boats for the 21st century. With ER Innovation, electric propulsion isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about making waves, winning awards, and setting benchmarks, like the Gussies Electric Boat Awards.
Candela C-8
Last year's parade saw some electric champions gracing the Lake Como waters. ER Innovation’s sleek crafts, the Spanish Magonis e-Wave 550, the spine-tingling Candela C-8 hydrofoiling speedboat, and the glamorous Vita Seal RIB. Let’s not forget the young blood, the university student teams of MEBC, where Politecnico di Milano dazzled with the top spot, and the University of Bologna snagged third.
Now, I'm all for preserving history, but when you hear about an electric Vaporetto limousine from Cantiere Ernesto Riva taking guests on silent tours daily, you realize some modifications to classics don't ruin them. Instead, they make them better.
Physis Peb by Politecnico di Milano (Left) and Uniboat by University of Bologna
This electric rendezvous isn't just for show. It's a tribute to Alessandro Volta, the genius who gifted us the world’s first battery in 1800. Imagine being able to enjoy the majestic views of Lake Como in a boat powered by a battery that traces its lineage back to this remarkable invention. The Foundation in his name has big plans for this year’s Electric Yachting weekend, gathering the brightest minds in electric propulsion for a conference. The panel is bound to discuss some electrifying possibilities for the future.
While we're all biting our nails, waiting for the roster of boats this year, whispers suggest that ER Innovations craft and the Magonis boat will grace the waters. There’s even talk of a new Icon boat from TYDE boat builders and a sleek model from BMW’s Designworks that had its shining moment at the Cannes Film Festival.
Marco Makaus, the big boss behind all Villa d’Este Style initiatives, claims boats have been an integral part of Villa d’Este since the 1700s. To him, the 21st-century electric yachting event, promoting science, culture, and economic aspects, encapsulates the essence of this legacy.
So, whether you're a fan of the old-world charm or all for innovation, the “Villa d’Este Style – Electric Yachting” is the place to be. Dive into a blend of tradition and future, and witness the turn of the tide as boating gets a silent, electric revamp!
