If history had a scent, what would it be?
Aboard the San Nicolò, the answer is clear: the sun-warmed wood of the deck and the fresh breeze of Lake Garda, carried together like faithful companions on every journey. Guiding them are the sailors’ seasoned, calloused hands – hands that know these waters as well as they know the ropes. But the San Nicolò is more than just a boat. Launched in 1925, it is a living (and cruising) memory, still cutting through the waves with the quiet dignity of one who has watched a century drift by.
The origins
Launched in Bardolino on 8 December 1925, the San Nicolò is the living symbol of a community’s spirit. Commissioned by brothers Giuseppe and Giovanni Donà after a storm destroyed their boat, the vessel was brought to life through the spontaneous generosity of townsfolk eager to rebuild what had been lost.
The name derives from the patron saint of Bardolino, San Nicola, protector of sailors. Originally built for economic and manufacturing purposes, the San Nicolò was for years a tireless means of transporting goods on the lake, when there were still no roads connecting the lakeside villages. Its cargo ranged from stone and timber to food and the long poles used to tie up vines.
Echoes of Italian history
The San Nicolò’s story has often intertwined with the great names and moments of Italy’s past. On 6 July 1930, it joined the grand sailing procession organised by Gabriele d’Annunzio to honour the siege of Peschiera in 1848, one of the earliest battles of the First Italian War of Independence. Out of 30 boats, the San Nicolò claimed an impressive second place, earning admiration for both its elegance and speed.
From that day on, its sporting spirit never waned. The San Nicolò has continued to race against other historic vessels, proving time and again the agility of its design and the enduring craftsmanship that brought it to life.
The San Nicolò today: an experience to enjoy
A century on, the San Nicolò has lost none of its elegance. What has changed is its purpose: once a vessel transporting goods, it now sails to offer beauty, wonder, and delight to all who step aboard.
After the war, the sailboat remained with the Donà family until 1957, when the rise of road transport made its working days obsolete. Passing through several owners, it was finally restored in 1967 and, two decades later, in January 1987, found its true home with Europlan, which continues to care for it today.
Thanks to Europlan, the San Nicolò has been reborn as a floating lounge where history meets hospitality, an elegant bridge between past and present. Here, guests are invited to discover the magic and splendour of Lake Garda. Every boat trip is an all-round experience, whether drifting through the glow of a golden sunset or spending a tranquil afternoon suspended between sky and water.
Ready to set sail on the San Nicolò?
Discover Europlan’s unforgettable boat tours on Lake Garda.
