In December 2018, we happened to pass through Rapallo and couldn’t resist stopping by the harbor to see what was left after the storm. What we saw was haunting — yachts torn apart, seawalls breached, and the quiet elegance of the Ligurian coast shattered by nature’s fury.
Before the Storm
Rapallo, a picturesque coastal town on the Italian Riviera, has long been a serene harbor for yachts and luxury vessels. But its peaceful appearance belied a vulnerability to storm surges. In 2000, after a previous storm event, the breakwater was rebuilt and raised by 1.3 meters, reaching a height of 6.5 meters — a measure thought to protect the harbor from most expected weather conditions.
The Storm Strikes
On the night of October 29, 2018, Rapallo was hit by a massive storm system, part of a broader weather event that wreaked havoc across much of Italy. Waves exceeding 10 meters battered the Ligurian coast. The storm surge overwhelmed the harbor's defenses, toppling the breakwater and flooding the marina.
Dozens of boats were destroyed or sunk, and the waterfront infrastructure was devastated. Among the vessels was Suegno, a luxury superyacht owned by the Berlusconi family.
Rapallo December 2018
37-metre superyacht Suegno
Rapallo December 2018
Could This Have Been Prevented?
This question sparked intense debate. Some argued that more frequent maintenance or a more robust design might have saved the harbor. Others noted the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events due to climate change. Yet, blame is not the point — what matters is learning.
Experts have since analyzed the event and concluded that while the breakwater did provide increased protection after the 2000 improvements, the scale of the 2018 storm far exceeded design expectations. The storm was a natural disaster of rare magnitude, and many coastal areas in the region were similarly affected.
Lessons Learned
- Climate Adaptation Must Accelerate: Coastal defenses must evolve to cope with more frequent and powerful storms.
- Preparedness Over Complacency: Regular reviews and upgrades of port infrastructure are crucial.
- Nature’s Force is Unforgiving: No matter how advanced our technology, nature can still overwhelm us. Accepting this is essential to respecting and preparing for it.
What’s Happening Now?
Since the disaster, Rapallo has undergone extensive rebuilding. The marina and surrounding waterfront have been reconstructed, and discussions about further increasing storm protections continue. A new breakwater is being designed to higher standards, incorporating lessons from 2018.
Rapallo’s story is a reminder not just of destruction but of resilience. Walking its rebuilt promenade today, you might not guess the fury that once tore through. But the memory remains — and with it, a renewed respect for the sea.
All photos were taken during our visit in December 2018, shortly after the storm.
