Sognando Itaca sailing therapy launches in Venice for blood cancer patients

On June 21, during the National Day against leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, the Italian Association against Leukaemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma (Ail) presented the "Sognando Itaca" sailing‑therapy project in Venice. The initiative, started in 2006 on Lake Garda, uses a sailing boat—King Arawak—to give rehabilitative outings to patients with haematological cancers. The vessel, supported by professional skippers, doctors, nurses, psychologists and volunteers, sails the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian seas, stopping at ports where Ail has haematology divisions.

The program aims to improve patients' psychological well‑being and overall quality of life. For the 2024 season more than 20 provincial Ail sections will organise "Itaca Day" events on lakes and seas, allowing adult and child patients to experience a day at sea together with their multidisciplinary care team. The project is endorsed by the Italian National Olympic Committee, the Italian Sailing Federation and the Italian Naval League, and forms part of the national campaign under the patronage of the President of the Republic.