In Monte di Procida, everyone has a bond with the sea, maritime traditions and the countless activities related to the sea, from fishing to sailing. It is the background to the projects of one of the most important associations in the area: Vela Latina Monte di Procida. 

Why the association was born

 The association, committed to preserving this typical local boat, was set up precisely to promote and spread its knowledge everywhere. Among young people, it is so that they can remember the origins of a fishing village proud to be descended from fishermen and shipowners. More broadly, to attract visitors from the rest of Campania, Italy and the world, keep Monte di Procida's traditions alive. Among Vela Latina's many cultural activities, we must mention the marine activities, particularly those related to the fascinating field of underwater archaeology. The name, after all, leaves no room for imagination: to promote and protect the Vela Latina in the Campi Flegrei area. The project was brought to life thanks to the passion of the founding members, who are from the Montese people, welcomed and supported by the citizens and all those who love this territory.

 

Torpediniera delle Antille boat launch 

 
In Monte di Procida, in the beautiful setting of Acquamorta, the new gozzo (an ancient boat used particularly in fishing, recently recognised, together with its knowledge, as an intangible cultural asset of Campania) of the Vela Latina Monte di Procida' association was presented. The latter, after months of restoration, has been renamed "Torpediniera delle Antille" (Antilles torpedo boat) in honour of the ship in the famous novel L'isola di Arturo by Elsa Morante (a work that won her the Strega prize in 1957). In the association's intentions, the boat was restored as a tribute to the iconic Procida, where it will be displayed in the harbour for the whole of next year, thus kicking off the celebrations for the island's recognition as the Italian Capital of Culture for 2022. The launch included speeches by Giuseppe Pugliese, mayor of Monte di Procida; Giovanni Mensorio, chairman of the Regional Commission for Tourism, Trade and Labour Productive Activities; Luigi Raia, director general of the Regional Agency for Tourism; Carmine Sabia, councillor in charge of Procida's Sports and Maritime Labour. Plus: Alberto Baldi, director of the Multimedia Anthropological Museum of the Federico II University of Naples; writer Enrico Fragnano; Mara Chiocca, president of the Phlaegrean Guides Association; Milena Greco of the Federico II University of Naples; and Giacomo and Simone Morante, the famous writer's grandchildren. The initiative enjoyed the prompt response of the Phlegraean community, which attended the appointment and showed enthusiasm and participation. The 'Torpedpediniera delle Antille' and its launch turned out to be a real opportunity to discuss the culture of the sea and the Phlegrean territory.

The event

As part of the presentation of the typical fishing boat of the Vela Latina Monte di Procida Association, the event will take the chance to celebrate Procida, recognised as the Italian Capital of Culture for 2022. It will be a remarkable appointment for the entire community, a moment of debate, discussion and reflection on the maritime traditions and sea culture characterising the Phlegrean heritage.
The gozzo is an ancient wooden boat, generally less than 10 metres long, used for close fishing and small pleasure craft. Also known as vuzz or vuzzariello, it was widely used in Liguria, Sicily and Campania. Whether rowing or equipped with a lateen sail, it symbolises Italian seafaring traditions. Following its restoration and christening with the name 'Torpediniera delle Antille', the boat has become an authentic homage to the maritime culture of Monte di Procida. Its colour blends with the colours of the sea and sky to sail on infinite horizons and breathe in atmospheres with myth's flavour. A millennial history intertwined with the most famous epic poems, the Odyssey and the Aeneid, which often choose their settings along these very shores. An indissoluble bond sealed by the twinning between Monte di Procida and Ithaca, the homeland of the legendary Ulysses. Once again, Al Chiar di Luna will attend in the wake of a constant commitment carried forward with unparalleled passion. Its strong roots in the Phlegrean territory and its promotion are the objectives of a wide-ranging project supported by various local associations.