The first Giro d’Italia by Seaplane (GiDro 2025), a touring event which intended to celebrate the history and innovation of flight and which touched significant milestones with the support and participation of the Air Force. The event, promoted by the’Italian Maritime Aviation, The aim was to promote historic seaplane bases and aeronautical culture, while also raising awareness of the potential of intermodal and sustainable tourism. Various initiatives were organised to mark the different stages, including conferences and exhibitions on aeronautics, film screenings, meetings with local authorities and schools, and promotional flights.
The event kicked off on 5 September at the historic Lido di Venezia's “Giovanni Nicelli” Airport, with an inaugural ceremony attended by numerous civil and military authorities, the Commander of the 51st STormo of Istrana, Colonel Fabio De Luca, who emphasised the importance of initiatives like GiDro in keeping the passion for flying alive, recalling the aeronautical feats that have shaped history. The Italian Air Force Association – Aviators of Italy, the Italian Maritime Aviation Association, and the Transatlantic Flyers Association were actively involved in the event, which included the blessing of the seaplanes and a thematic workshop.
Another important stage of GiDro 2025, that of Vineyard of the Valley, seat of MUSAM – Historical Museum of the Italian Air Force, on 13 and 14 September. The event also took place on the occasion. “From paper to space”, a model aircraft exhibition that attracted over 800 visitors. Commander of the Aeronautical Historical and Sports Centre (CSSAM), Colonel Dario Bovino, accompanied by Director of Regimental Sergeant Major Paolo De Vita, reiterated the importance of the Museum as a reference point for the dissemination of aeronautical culture, hoping that initiatives like the model-making exhibition can be repeated and consolidated to continue to stimulate visitors' enthusiasm. The exhibition of over 150 model aircraft, a competition dedicated stands and information points – including those of Rivista Aeronautica and the MUSAM Maintenance and Restoration Section – were joined by a space managed by the Arma Aeronautica Association – Aviators of Italy for fundraising in favour of the charitable initiative “A Gift from the Sky”, which is for the Bambino Gesù Paediatric Hospital in Rome. Finally, an interesting conference led by Gen. S.A. Giulio Mainini, President of the AAA, saw the participation of Ms. Paola Bellini Balbo, President of the Transatlantic Flyers Association, and the Director of CESMA, Gen. S.A. (Ret'd) Giovanni Fantuzzi.
On 19 September, the tour stopped at the’“Luigi Bologna” Seaplane Base, Taranto, a site of great historical value and where the Air Force Volunteer School. The day, also rich in events on this occasion, saw the participation of local authorities, the Air Force Association of Puglia and Basilicata, attendees of the 29th course of Volunteers in Initial Service (VFI) – Minosse II, and some schoolchildren. After the flag-raising ceremony, presided over by the new Commander of the School, Colonel Pierluigi Loprete, A conference was held on the history of the Idroscalo and demonstration flights were carried out. Participants also had the opportunity to admire the static display of seaplanes and visit an information stand from the School, offering visitors a further opportunity to get closer to the world of aviation.
The three stages involving Air Force personnel tell a story that, with the contribution of various entities, strengthens the bond between the past and present of seaplane flight and promotes an ever-evolving aeronautical culture.
As the final stop, the Gidro reached the city of Gallipoli (LE), for a total of eight stages and approximately 2,000 kilometers flown across the country. The group of seaplanes was led by flight leader Graziano Mazzolari, an experienced pilot from Cremona and president of the Italian Flying School.
