GOODBYE FRANCO

In memory of a seafaring man, Franco Madaro, a testimonial by Filippo Tassara

Dover, 30 luglio 2009

I dearly want to remember a close friend who left us this year, Franco Madaro.
I want to remember him through a brief account of the first stage of the “Swimming tour of Italy” of Salvatore Cimino, which we had the honour to organize together with the “Nuotatori Genovesi” club.
We answered Salvatore’s request, promising him organizational assistance for the first stage of his challenge and decided to organize it from Cogoleto (Associazione Mauro Cavallino) arriving at Voltri (S.S.N. Mameli) which is a 10 km stretch of water.
The date was fixed as 26th May 2007, and we only needed to find the boats to assist Salvatore (Judges, doctor and tecnical assistance), at least five to be on the safe side, and Salvatore would be accompanied in his challenge by our swimmers Silvia Bresolin, Mattia Alberico, Edoardo Stochino, Gianni Fontanesi and, listen to this, Luca Baldini and Marco Formentini.

Cogoleto, 26 maggio 2007

The first to reply to the invitation was Franco, with his 7 metre boat, promising to leave the Port of Genova in plenty of time, bringing with him Carlo Mura, a Swimming Judge, who would make the challenge official. Other boats were promised by naval organizations in Cogoleto and Arenzano who’s names I don’t recall.
The previous afternoon, I accompanied Salvatore to check out the final stretch of the swim, which is a large beach which accompanies who arrives from Ponente leaving the rocks of the “Mulino di Crevari” until the mouth of the river Leira, in front of the glorious swimming pool Nicola Mameli.
It was a real pleasure to see our heroes swim in a sea as calm as oil and savour the perfume of a typical Voltrese sunset with a series of colours worthy of one of the great impressionists.
After the press conference at the Hotel San Biagio, we said goodbye, promising to meet the following morning on Cogoleto beach, guests of Franco Cavallino, ready for departure.
What happened during the night, only “Giove Pluvio” knows – rain, wind and rough sea meant the annulment of the event was a real risk. No boats could be lowered into the sea from the bank, so no assistance. Only Franco, punctual with his “Roan Prima” came, crossing in front of the Cogoleto beach, ready to give us all the assistance he could and with him Carlo Mura, the Federal swimming judge.
Salvatore concluded his challenge, beginning the adventure of his Tour of Italy which was transformed this year into the Tour of Europe, to be followed by the Tour of the World. We are so proud to have been with him on that first day, but our fondest thoughts go to Franco Madaro, friend and solid reference point in thousands of situations. With his able hands, he could insert microscopic cogs of a watch (this was his passion), or build a container of swimming equipment useful to the swimming team. He was always available and capable of sharing and creating enthusiasm for the initiatives we came up with.

Thanks Franco, for having been a friend, you’ll always be in our hearts.


Filippo Tassara