It was 2004 when my business partner at the time, Roberto, said to me: “Go down to the harbor, a guy is arriving for a trial weekend. We need to talk to him to sort out this season.”
I grabbed our van — a bottle-green Ford Tourneo with plenty of mechanical issues — but we were just getting started, expenses were high, so we had to make do.
I called this guy to explain where we would meet, and he replied on the phone: “Don’t worry, you’ll recognize me right away. I’m a big, big guy wearing a leather jacket.”
That was my very first contact with Fabione.
We met and I noticed he was limping. He explained that he had fallen off his motorbike and had just had his cast removed… Now, after all these years, I’m pretty sure he took it off himself at home with a hammer and chisel! 😂
The very next day Fabione was already on the boat, fully operational, and on our way back he asked if he could take the helm. I didn’t see any problem and let him do it. I knew he owned a boat for clam fishing, but ours — called Giulia Andrea — was a small gozzo with an underpowered engine and rudder, which made it very tricky to handle during maneuvers. As we approached the dock, I stepped forward to take back control, but Fabione said, “Why? Can’t I do it?!” 😱
I hesitated… but then agreed, with a bit of anxiety.
Result: perfect maneuver!
Obviously hired immediately — and that’s where the story of Diving in Elba with Riccardo and Fabio truly began. 😁
We were young and carefree, enthusiastic about our work but also eager to have fun — both on and off the job. We were a great group: Alessandro “il Corcella” and Claudia, Lisa (who would later become Fabione’s wife), Sandro before he emigrated to Switzerland, Manuel who showed up on weekends and whenever there was a party, Mariolone who left his stuff scattered everywhere, Ale “Tigna,” my inseparable friend who spent his holidays on Elba just to help us at the diving center, and then there was Giacomo Baldi — Fabio’s “compare” — with whom he shared a relationship made of affection mixed with “I could strangle him,” earning them the nicknames Shrek and Donkey (from the Disney movie Shrek). Even today, almost twenty years later, Giacomo — now owner of Enfola Diving — is still known by everyone as “Donkey.”
Fede “Makako” wasn’t with us yet, but I was already pestering him to come work with us — and shortly after, he arrived… never to leave again! The other partner was Valeria, who had just arrived fresh from Milan with very little sea experience. So everything was new, and above all, we were sharing an incredible adventure with the goal of bringing Diving in Elba back to being a successful dive center, after having purchased it in poor condition from the previous owner.
In the years that followed, many things changed — we could say everything changed. The partners from back then went on to different lives, the staff changed, the old boats are no longer there, replaced by the ultra-modern RIBs King, Bruto, and Rocco. A new center was opened in Biodola, and instead of the old Ford, we now have two super vans and the “little Porter,” which no one can quite explain how Fabione ever managed to fit into!
That’s why today I have a lump in my throat as I say goodbye to Fabio, who, together with me, has sweated and fought to bring Diving in Elba to where it is today.
Thank you, Fabio — it has been a wonderful journey together. You have been like a brother to me, and you always will be. Now you can enjoy diving in a more relaxed way… let’s say, as a client! I’m sure I’ll often see you at Diving in Elba for a great staff dive or simply to stop by and say hello.
Now it’s time to look to the future, to invest in young energy to further strengthen and develop our business. For this reason, I am proud to welcome Juri and Sergio. They have been part of the diving center’s life for years, and now they officially join the company with great enthusiasm and the desire to make diving their profession in every sense.
We are coming from difficult years — COVID, war, and more — which have changed the world and increased the operating costs of running a business. I can only praise my two new partners for the leap of faith they have taken, and I am certain it will be a winning one!
In just a few weeks, we will begin a new and wonderful season, full of exciting new developments and, above all, renewed enthusiasm.
I thank all our clients who, over the years, have remained loyal to us and continue to choose us as their reference dive center. I thank our staff — it would be impossible to name everyone who has helped make Diving in Elba great over these 20 years!
Once again, a heartfelt farewell and best wishes to Fabione for his new life. As for me, I’ll be right here, waiting for you.
Your devoted Ricky
