Vincenzo Fondacaro

Vincenzo Fondacaro (March 3, 1844—1893) was a Bagnaran captain who crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Montevideo, Uruguay to Las Palmas, Spain on a handmade boat, nine meters in length.

Early life

He was born in Bagnara, to a humble family.

Although he was successful on his dream of becoming a sailor, joining the Merchant navy. On 24 May 1876, after fifteen's years training, he became a Navy Officer Captain in the Royal Navy.

Voyages

After the Battle of Lissa (1866) Fondacaro saved Italy with an heroic brave endeavour. He dreamed of crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Montevideo to Las Palmas with his-self created boat, which was almost 9 x 2.30 x 1.60 (meters), weighing 3 tons, called Leone di Caprera (held in the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci) to honour Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Fondacaro's crew was composed of Pietro Zoccoli (from Marina di Camerota) and Orlando Grassoni (from Ancona). On 19 September 1880 the "Leone di Caprera" raised anchor from Montevideo.

On 10 February 1881, the crew reached Castello di Farro. On 26 May, the boat was lifted by an English vessels to Livorno. At that time it was considered to be a Guinness record.

On 30 May 1893, with a different boat called "Cesare Cantù", Vincenzo Fondacaro raised anchor to again cross the Atlantic, from Buenos Aires to Chicago.

The crew was composed of Vincenzo Galasso, Vincenzo Sciplini,Vincenzo Carrisi.

They arrived in Chicago where they were received with a standing ovation by many people. Attempting to return in Buenos Aires, Fondacaro and his crew disappeared in the Ocean.

References


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