For four generations, the Rezzonico family, has been carrying out boatmen activities on the Lake of Lugano.
My great-grandfather, Pietro Rezzonico, after having worked on the Gotthard Railway and as a janitor in our court, has decided to undertake this activity. He became old and he left the job to my grandfather Isidoro, better known as "Doro". In turn, my father, Vilde Rezzonico, after working for 15 years at the Società di Navigazione, took over in 1962 two boats and a motor-boat and became part of "Motoscafi Riuniti, a company founded by Max Iten, that availed itself of the cooperation of several boatmen. My father was passionate about his work and in about fifteen years he become the owner of the "Motoscafi Riuniti”, helped by my brother Gustavo, who in addition to managing the boats also took care of the pedal boats, and of our Sister Sonja who collaborated actively being in charge of the accounting aspects. In October 2001, my father, unfortunately left his earthly life. At this point it was important to decide whether to continue the activity or just selling everything and stop this long family tradition. Having gathered the family, my wife Edith and my children Tanja, Alessandro and Paolo and having talked to them, we concluded that we could not easily drop what my father had created with such dedication. And so, at the age of 53 years, after a 30-year career at UBS, I took over the company and I, together with my sons Alessandro and Paolo, sit for the required examinations in order to obtain all the Canton Navigation licenses to be allowed for the transportation of passengers. I then restored the boats, "Albatros", with the hull in wood and seating capacity of 46 people, and "Rex", built in fine mahogany wood and capable of seating 28 people. I finally bought one third boat, christened "Airone", which unlike the two others, is made of iron, containing small tables for drinks and food support and with a capacity for 70 people. With the help of my son Alessandro and of my family, I face every day with serenity and responsibility the management of this wonderful company. I find it important to conduct a family business in the same way that we interact with loved ones, therefore with responsibility, happiness, optimism, respect, enthusiasm and love. And that is exactly what you get when you’ll come to visit us.

A warm greeting and see you soon!

Antonio Rezzonico