Euthalia Impact Shield, the shield that prevents lightning strikes

Antimpatto is the name of the lightning protection technology developed by Ingelva, a Varese-based company founded 70 years ago by engineer Mario De Bernardi based on his research into electrical discharges, now marketed under the Euthalia brand. The technology was developed in 1947 and has continued to develop and improve, especially in the telecommunications, cultural heritage, and infrastructure sectors. The marine division was established in 2021 and has rapidly expanded due to the increasing frequency of severe weather events. SUPER YACHT 24 spoke with Beatrice Manzalini, the company's marketing and communications manager.

The invention of the lightning shield was invented by our founder, Mario De Bernardi. In the late 40s, after years of research on the Campo dei Fiori massif in Varese, De Bernardi identified a preventative approach as the key to definitive lightning protection. His insight was rooted in the need to maintain the balance of the electromagnetic field during thunderstorms to prevent the formation of electrical discharges. This insight culminated in the creation and patenting of Antimpatto, a technology that is still integrated into Euthalia's modern lightning protection systems today.

What elements distinguish your technology from traditional lightning protection systems?

The Euthalia system works by rebalancing the electromagnetic field variation that occurs when lightning strikes, thus preventing discharges. The secret lies in the material inside our aerial heads, a piezoelectric material capable of responding to both traditional sky-to-ground discharges and ascending earth-to-sky discharges. With our system, we create a virtual bubble around the structure on which the system is installed, preventing discharges. The structure is never struck, eliminating the risk.

The strengths?

Conventional systems work by attracting and intercepting lightning, then discharging it to the ground. We prevent it and therefore never 'manage' the electrical discharge, which is dangerous due to the enormous amount of energy released and can still cause damage. Even the name of our technology, Antimpatto, explains the technology's dynamics well. We are the only ones, both on land and at sea, to address all types of lightning strikes, and we have unique, patented products to do so. We provide a 10-year warranty and are insured with Allianz for each device: in 40 years, no customer who has installed our products has ever filed a claim for damage caused by lightning. This further demonstrates the effectiveness of our system.

What types of boats do you work on?

"We started with sailboats and then expanded to catamarans and large yachts. We welcome all requests and strive to customize the product for any type of vessel."

Does the system consume or produce energy?

"No, our systems do not consume energy to operate and do not produce any. Furthermore, they integrate harmoniously with the structure of the boat, preserving its aesthetics."

Do you have a distributor network?

"Yes, and we're expanding it beyond Italy. We have a network of qualified installers and certified partners around the world, from the Caribbean to the Philippines."

Where do you build your products?

"The headquarters are in the province of Varese, where the company was founded and continues to grow. Everything is made in Varese, from research and development, laboratory testing, production, assembly, and offices. All our component suppliers are within a few kilometers."

SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SUPER YACHT 24 NEWSLETTER

SUPER YACHT 24 IS ALSO ON WHATSAPP: JUST CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL AND ALWAYS BE UPDATED