Francesco Stenghel e Silvia Scaramuzza

Known worldwide for its gondolas—each considered a masterpiece of nautical art—the Tramontin boatyard has experienced a revival thanks to master shipwrights Silvia Scaramuzza and Francesco Stenghel. Taking over in 2021, they worked tirelessly to restore the facility and reorganizing the yard to prepare it for production under a new name: Lo Squero.

As favored apprentices of the renowned Gianfranco “Crea” Vianello at the Crea boatyard on the Giudecca, Silvia and Francesco spent many years training under his guidance, absorbing the secrets of the trade before striking out on their own.

They began their independent work with restoration and maintenance, gradually earning the trust of the notoriously demanding gondoliers. At the same time, they immersed themselves in historical drawings and books by experts such as Nedis Tramontin, the last heir of the Tramontin family In late 2023, they launched their first gondola, employing all the traditional techniques including using different types of wood for specific components, starting with oak templates for the frame to guide the cuts of essential parts, and meticulously accounting for the gondola’s asymmetry, the curving of the sides, and the upward curve designed to accommodate the rower. Painting—a critical phase involving primer, sanding, and multiple coats of black paint to achieve a gleaming finish—closes the process.  Each gondola is custom-built to match the rower’s height, arm length, build, and weight—much like a tailored suit. Turnaround times average around two and a half months.

In addition to gondolas, Silvia and Francesco also craft and restore other traditional lagoon rowing boats, including sandoli and mascarete, catering to both private clients and rowing clubs. With growing demand and new commissions arriving regularly, many new gondolas are already in production. Silvia and Francesco are supported by two collaborators, ensuring the continuity of this centuries-old craft.