Nautical Eco Sustainability

At 7:30 a.m. we set off from Miseno beach. In 10 hours of navigation (13 total with breaks) I paddle the entire Gulf of Naples, arriving around 8:30 p.m. at Punta Campanella. While paddling, I collected floating polluting material such as bottles, mussel nets, large quantities of polystyrene and many plastic fragments. The stops allowed me to meet associations and individual citizens, symbolically handing over what I had collected.

Arriving at Marina del Cantone I relived the physical and mental preparation that allowed me to complete the endeavour, stimulating me for new adventures.

In July 2022 I decided to plan the next stage, completing it by mid‑2023. I started a survey on which coastal areas to patrol and decided that the next ENDURANCE would be the entire GULF OF GAETA.

From August 2022 to the end of July 2023 I trained hard to paddle 130 km in 2 days. I got in touch with the ANMI of Terracina (thanks to fellow kayaker Marco Senesi), the Harbour Master’s Office of Gaeta and local fishermen of the Domizio coast.

I set sail from San Felice Circeo, paddling as far as Gianola. Upon arriving in Terracina, I made my 1st stop at the ANMI headquarters: welcomed by the President, members, many children and Marco. It was nice to see the enthusiasm of the little ones, who approached the kayak with curiosity and listened attentively to my explanations. I symbolically left a transparent bag with the waste collected so far and explained the project, hoping to plant a seed even in their young hearts.

After about an hour I set off again and arrived in the late afternoon at the port of Gaeta, welcomed by Gianluca di Fazio, members of the club and the Commander of the Harbour Master’s Office. Here too I left a symbolic bag and explained the reason for the crossing, stressing the importance of cooperation among those who live at sea every day. In the evening I arrived in Gianola, where I stayed overnight in a hotel, reflecting on the day and the people I met.

I set off from Gianola in the early morning. I paddled along the rocky stretch of Minturno and then the long sandy expanse up to Ischitella. After about 30 km of navigation, the wind picked up and the sea became choppy: paddling became increasingly tiring. Assessing the situation, I decided to stop at Ischitella to wait for better conditions.

During this almost 50‑km crossing, I made several short stops welcomed by local fishing groups. I stopped to talk with them and took the opportunity to explain how dangerous floating buoys and polystyrene boxes for fishing are. I showed them the fragments I collect and told them how these materials turn into microplastics harmful to the environment. Some seemed interested in changing their habits: small seeds that I hope will germinate.

I set off from Ischitella in the early morning, determined to tackle the last kilometres that separated me from the Cape Miseno Promontory. The air was fresh and the sea still calm, it seemed like a perfect day to end this crossing in style. But beyond the small port of Monte di Procida, the enchantment suddenly broke: I witnessed the outflow of all kinds of sewage pouring into the sea. A nauseating smell enveloped me and the water around became murky. It was a desolate sight, painful to the heart, making you realise how much still needs to be done to protect our environment.

Despite the bitterness, I completed my Gulf of Gaeta crossing by returning to the Asd Black Dolphin in Arco Felice after 132.29 km over 3 days of navigation. The satisfaction of the endeavour mixed with the anger for what I had seen. Unfortunately, a serious bike accident prevented me from completing the 2024 Endurance, but despite the lack of physical and mental preparation, I know I will come back stronger than before.

Despite the bike accident and less‑than‑optimal preparation, I managed to beat my one‑day distance record (70 km) and reached 72.14 km. It was a great satisfaction, a personal victory that rewarded me for many sacrifices. During the day I dedicated my attention to monitoring Posidonia meadows along a stretch of coast heavily used by recreational boating.

Heavy traffic and wild anchoring are literally eliminating large amounts of Posidonia, causing seabed desertification and hydrocarbon pollution. In some places I saw oily sheens shimmering on the surface, a desolate sight. Few controls and the rudeness of many boaters further aggravate the situation, making the efforts of those trying to protect the sea futile.

I exceeded all expectations: 90 km of coastline in 13 hours, from Santa Maria di Castellabate (Cilento) to Sapri. Here too, the stops were marked by meetings with Associations and Nautical Clubs.

At Marina di Camerota I was welcomed by friends from Cilento a Vela; on arrival in Sapri, the President of the Circolo Nautico Leonardo Pascarella and his members.

During these endless 90 km of coastline I found a very clean sea, certainly also due to the season, but above all because there is respect for nature by those who live in those areas. Many Posidonia meadows, a vast variety of flora and fauna. There was also a sighting of a turtle while I was paddling towards Punta Licosa, which enriched the day and gave me a positive boost.