On the side of the angels

摘要

The specifications for the CP420 Natale De Grazia demanded the biggest self-righting and unsinkable fast patrol boat ever built in Italy: one that could give the Italian Coast Guard confidence in its ability to carry out search and rescue (SAR) operations even in the most challenging weather conditions. Meeting these specifications required a tour de force of shipbuilder Intermarine's innovation capability.Named after Commander Natale De Grazia, this 33.6m × 8.15m vessel is the first of a new class collectively named 'Angeli del Mare', or 'Angels of the Sea'. The first requirement was a patrol boat that could live up to its name as a 'rescuing angel', being able to respond when no other patrol boat could.