In 1958, the Freccia del Garda hydrofoil made its debut on Lake Garda, revolutionising the world of navigation. Built by the Rodriquez Shipyards, it was an innovative “flying boat” that immediately became a symbol of modernity. Thanks to its hydrofoil wings, the hull lifted completely out of the water, delivering both remarkable speed and an unforgettable sight. In the 1950s, when the area was flourishing once again as a tourist destination, the Lake Garda Community supported the introduction of this new vessel, operated by Navigarda. The hydrofoil captivated the public so much that a miniature toy version was even produced.
Piemonte: the story of a steamship
The Piemonte traces its origins to the early 1900s, when INLM commissioned Escher Wyss & C. in Zurich to build two iron, paddle-wheel “saloon” steamers, each capable of carrying 500 passengers. The...
