Description
The Cultural and Recreational Association “Sergio Spina” was established in Marciana Marina on February 17, 2024.
This new association, promoted by a group of friends of Sergio, who passed away in 2019, aims to remember their friend and to raise awareness, promote, and enhance, through multiple initiatives and events, the vast heritage of ideas and studies related to the maritime world, nautical arts, and Elban culture left by Sergio. His long career was multifaceted: historical research on past nautical practices, design projects for modern boats of all kinds—from sports boats to work vessels—as well as studies and documentation on the history of the Elban and Marciana territories.
The Associazione Sergio Spina therefore seeks to spread this knowledge through promotional, cultural, and sporting activities of all kinds. Membership is open to everyone interested. Those who wish to join can apply by sending a request via email or by contacting one of the board members at associazionesergiospina@gmail.com.
Sergio Spina was born in Marciana Marina on August 1, 1943. He began his studies on Elba Island and, at the age of 14, moved to Viareggio to attend the Technical Institute for Naval Constructors, where he graduated in 1963. Between 1964 and 1965, he served in the Italian Navy, working in Sardinia as a topographer, and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant. In 1965, he moved to Milan, working as a designer of technological equipment for anesthesia and resuscitation until 1982, when he decided to return to Marciana Marina. From that moment on, he worked as a designer of various types of boats, as a historian of ancient vessels, and as an expert in naval construction and rowing boats. In the 1980s, as a deep expert in fluid mechanics, he conceived, studied, and experimented with a system to make traditional gozzi boats plan faster. Since 1982, he was a member of the Technical Commission of the Italian Fixed-seat Rowing Federation and became its President in 1990. As an expert, he participated in the historic Regattas of the Maritime Republics and continuously conducted historical research on Elba and Marciana Marina. From 2005, he served as a Maritime Heritage Consultant for the Superintendence of Historical, Artistic, and Anthropological Heritage of Liguria. He passed away in Marciana Marina on November 7, 2019.