Sognando Itaca salpa da Venezia: la vela terapia per i pazienti ematologici

AIL has launched the “Sognando Itaca” sail therapy project in Venice to provide psychological rehabilitation for patients with blood cancers. Supported by Coni and the Italian Naval League, the initiative uses the vessel King Arawak to improve quality of life for those battling leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.

The project was presented at the Compagnia della Vela on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. According to AIL, the King Arawak vessel carried hematological patients through Venice, passing the Certosa, the Arsenale, and the San Marco basin.

Did You Know? Sognando Itaca began in 2006 on Lake Garda before expanding to the open sea in 2009.

How does sail therapy support psychological rehabilitation?

AIL describes the program as a method to improve the quality of life for patients facing the “unknown and treacherous” sea of oncohematological disease. The project’s name refers to Ulysses, symbolizing the patient’s journey to discover new resources, relationships, and solidarity.

The voyages are staffed by professional skippers, doctors, nurses, and psychologists. These teams accompany patients in the rehabilitation phase as they navigate the Italian coasts, alternating between the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by framing medical recovery through the metaphor of a voyage, the program shifts the patient’s role from a passive recipient of care to an active navigator. This psychological transition is critical for patients dealing with the isolation often associated with blood cancers.

What is the schedule for the Sognando Itaca tour?

The vessel is currently visiting cities with existing hematology divisions. According to the project itinerary, upcoming stops include Rimini on June 10, Pesaro on June 11, Ancona on June 12, and Giulianova on June 13.

The tour continues with stops in Bari on June 16 and Brindisi on June 18. At each port, AIL sections host an “Itaca Day,” allowing adult and child patients to board the ship with volunteers and medical staff.

What resources are available for National Day on June 21?

The sail therapy initiative is part of a broader series of activities organized by AIL and its 83 provincial sections. These events mark the National Day for the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma on June 21.

Established by the Council of Ministers and held under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic, this day focuses on scientific updates and quality-of-life projects. AIL will operate a toll-free number for hematological problems (800 22 65 24) on Sunday, June 21, from 8:00 to 20:00.

What may happen next for the project?

Given the project’s history of alternating between the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, it is likely that future iterations could expand to different coastal regions. The initiative may further integrate sail therapy into the standard rehabilitative offerings of the 83 provincial AIL sections.

Sognando Itaca, Giuseppe Navoni, Vice Presidente Nazionale AIL

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the Sognando Itaca project?
The project aims to provide psychological rehabilitation and improve the quality of life for patients with blood cancers through sail therapy.

Who sponsors and supports the initiative?
The project is promoted by AIL and is patronized by Coni, the Italian Sailing Federation, and the Italian Naval League.

When is the National Day for the fight against leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma?
The National Day takes place on June 21.

Do you believe integrating outdoor activities like sail therapy can significantly change the recovery process for long-term patients?