Ref Number: 220
3000 people we witness to the arrival of 31 Italian seaplanes to Varna Lake on June the 7th 1929.
Ref Number: 220
On May 29, 1929, a distinguished Italian pilot, Colonel Mario de Bernardi, touched down in Sofia aboard a Caproni.
He was renowned globally for breaking records in seaplane speeds. The Bulgarian Aeroclub branch in Varna decided it was time to convene with the Italian Seaplane Squadron. Once the confirmation was in place, the plans started to take shape, and 25 Bulgarian pilots arrived from Sofia, primarily in Savoia-Marchetti S.55 seaplanes.
On the morning of June 7, 1929, a crowd of up to 8,000 eager spectators gathered along the coast in the Maksuda district.
A number of notable figures were present in the group, including Rashko Madjarov, the Minister of Railways, Posts, and Telegraphs; Mr. Stanchev, the Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Denominations; Colonel Solarov, who oversees the Varna Garrison; Nikola Popov, the former mayor of Varna; and Monsignor Angelo Roncali, who would later ascend to become Pope John XXIII, among others. Everyone is on the edge of their seats, anticipating the first glimpse of the seaplane’s arrival.
At 10:30 p.m., the initial quartet of glided in from the direction of Galata, making their way toward the lake.
In tandem with the Tsarska, several Bulgarian motorboats set out towards the seaplanes anchored at the landing buoys, poised for the arrival of the final 31 Italian planes, ready to soar over the city in unison.
At noon, the Italian fleet officials, under the command of General Italo Balbo, were already present at the port. They were accompanied by Vice Admiral Romeo Bernotti, General Francesco de Pinedo, the pilot, and General Teluzzi, the chief of staff of the Italian militia.
After the formal welcome concluded, the guests made their way to the Military Club for lunch, where they gathered with the Bulgarian pilots. An evening party for Italian guests took place at the Sea Casino of Varna, hosted by Minister Rashko Madjarov.
The schematic of the Savoia-Marchetti S.55 seaplane showcases a unique twin-hull, catamaran-style design, complete with two engines arranged in a tandem “pusher-puller” setup, elegantly positioned above a three-section, cantilevered wing. The cockpit of the aircraft is positioned right at the forefront of the wing, while twin booms elegantly link the tailplane to both the wing and the dual hulls.
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