Against the backdrop of Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola’s iconic racing venue, the University of Bologna’s Argonauts and Motorsports teams prepared for one of the most exciting days of the season: the Unveiling.
The day began with both teams setting up the venue and mounting their prototypes ready to display for the first time to the public. After making the final finishing touches, we were ready to open the doors to our guests.
Upon arrival, attendees were welcomed into the main conference room, apart from the exhibition room, allowing opportunities to network and connect among the teams and one another. The evening was kicked off by a panel of experts discussing the opportunities on our doorstep being based in the Motor Valley, especially for student teams like us. The speakers included: Professor Simona Tondelli, Deputy Rector at the University of Bologna; Doctor Alberto Ferrarotto, Head of Learning Ecosystem & Skill Transformation at Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.; Doctor Francesco Possati, President of the Marposs group; Professor Nicolò Cavina, Faculty Advisor for University of Bologna’s Argonauts and Motorsports teams; Doctor Vincenzo Colla, Vice president of the Emilia-Romagna Region; and Simone Di Piazza, Head of Innovation and R&D Services at Ducati Motor Holding.
This round table was followed by a speech given by UniBoAT’s Team Leader, Matteo Testoni, informing our guests on our progress on the road to Monaco and our other events – including Sardinia Innovative Boat Week. He discussed the challenges the team had faced, as well as the amazing opportunity the university has provided us, and ultimately thanking all the team members, professors, sponsors, and other advisors, for their invaluable support throughout the season. After Francesco Di Giacomo, the Motorsport Team Leader, talked through the progress and exciting advancements among their divisions, we were all ready to unveil our prototypes in the main exhibition room.
Finally, the moment had come. After a few words from Matteo Testoni, Professor Nicolò Cavina, and Chiara Minervino, UniBoAT’s Mechanical CTO and Hydrodynamics Division Manager, our catamaran was showcased for the first time this season to an expectant public. The guests were encouraged to inspect the boat up close and to ask questions, with the team available to answer any queries.
All in all, it was a very special evening. We were honoured to have had so many join us to celebrate this huge milestone in our journey to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge: it has given us a huge boost in confidence ahead of the competition, and we can’t wait to show everyone what we can do.
