Italy

Mochi Craft

While Italy is widely recognised as a powerhouse in the yachting industry, the Marche region in particular is home to more than 200 companies, with over 3,000 direct employees, and an estimated 10,000 indirect employees within the ship building sector. Located in the east of the country between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic sea, this district flanked by beaches, mountains, and greenery offers unique frontiers and entrepreneurial opportunities for yachting.&nbsp;Between 24 and 26 July, journalists both national and international congregated in the Italian Marche Region for EYES, “Envisioning Yachting Excellence Summit. “ It aimed to showcase both the accomplishments and potential of the locality’s maritime industry. This two-day press tour included a visit to seven local shipyards including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1757" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Superyachts (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1199" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachts Italia (Company)">Italia Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2504" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wider s.r.l. (Company)">Wider</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5172" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere Rossini (Company)">Cantiere Rossini</a>), and was hosted by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marche Yachting & Cruising Association (Company)">Marche Yachting and Cruising Association (AMYC)</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345520/image/large-7d784ded1331bb0ffbcec625eca81be5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345520">The opening night of the event took place in Portonovo, and featured speeches from Municipal Councillor for Budget and Deputy Mayor Gianfranco Zinni, who emphasised the significance of luxury shipbuilding for the region's economy. ATIM President Marco Bruschini then went on to reaffirm the importance of tourism to the Marche region, which could be further improved with a stronger infrastructure and mobility.In addition, Councillor for Economic Development Andrea Maria Antonini chimed in about how innovation and development is required for economic growth of the Enterprises, which benefit greatly from the region, considering the nautical sector alone brings in a turnover of €1 billion euros.&nbsp;While Admiral Maritime Director and Commander of the Port Authority Vincenzo Vitale spoke of the advantages of strong inter-institutional cooperation, Vincenzo Garofalo, President of the Central Adriatic Sea Port System Authority, revealed the port's new strategic plan, which aims to homogenise areas available to strengthen businesses, allowing them to expand while also remaining in the region in order to produce hospitality for guests, crew, and vessels.&nbsp;Director of the Regional School Office Donatella D'Amico outlined the vital role schools play in the sector. In his view, optimised schooling allows trained, highly-skilled professionals to start work immediately, which Professor Donato Iacobucci of UnivPM and Massimo Rocchi Director of the Marche Region for Vocational Training also reiterated.&nbsp;On the morning of 25 July, the second day of the EYES event, a forum centred around fashion and design within yachting took place at Ancona's Teatro Ridotto delle Muse. Throughout the discussion, a recurring theme “beauty associated with the concept of made in Italy”, driving home the renowned craftsmanship that is found within the Marche region specifically. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345522/image/large-a7835265c2317108ceb7a4628e3937aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345522"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2090" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luxury Projects (Company)">Luxury Projects</a> Founder Laura Pomponi, who is native to Ancona, shared her personal definition of beauty within yacht design: “It means harmony, something comfortable that marries the functional with the aesthetic. The trend today is to build comfortable yachts with attention to technical aspects, where nothing can be visible and yet everything has to work.”For the studio <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1156" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Massari Design S.r.l. (Company)">Massari Design</a>, which are responsible for penning the interiors of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4152" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="I Dynasty100.8m (330'9&quot;)Peters Werft GmbH2015">I Dynasty</a>&nbsp;and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Project X87.6m (287'5&quot;)Golden Yachts Ltd.2022">Project X</a>, and more, beauty is something abstract that transforms depending on the view of the customer, and is as varied as different cultures. “We let ourselves be submerged in other peoples’ visions, and try to move away from opulence in favour of getting down to the essentials, in order to expose the soul of the design,” Senior Interior Designer Francesco Beccacece stated.&nbsp;On the subject of sustainability, all panellists seemed to reach a consensus about the distinction between “greenwashing”, which they defined as idealised or theoretical sustainability, versus what they deemed concrete and therefore authentic sustainability efforts.&nbsp;For <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2090" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luxury Projects (Company)">Luxury Projects</a>, practising authentic sustainability means consistently employing a protocol that analyses various aspects of a yacht’s design, ranging from hull paint to the use of technology onboard. As for the interior materials, Pomponi explained that they make a point of avoiding marbles, and take the life cycle of the textiles into account.&nbsp;“Post-COVID we have proven that everything needed to complete projects has been produced in the Marche region, meaning there is no transport from one area to the other, so that we have a reduced ecological impact,” Pomponi added. “There are also plenty of emerging technologies in yachting for engines rather than diesel.” &nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1156" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Massari Design S.r.l. (Company)">Massari Design</a>’s Beccacece stated that, “architects and designers are responsible for sustainability”, and provided a specific example of the studio’s sustainable decision-making for a recently launched 98-metre yacht. Seeking out eco-friendly materials to cover the walls of the vessel’s stair area, the team opted to use an alternative to leather made from the skin of a freshwater fish in the Amazon River.&nbsp;“The fish is caught by Brazilian tribes from a remote location that is difficult to reach, and serves as the main source of protein for these tribes,” Beccacece clarifies. This is an instance of full sustainability, or “360-sustainability”, as Beccacece puts it, as the fish feeds tribes, has all of its skin used for the leather material, and revenue is then retained in the local area.&nbsp;Toward the end of the forum, speakers and audience members alike contributed to a lively discussion about shortcomings of the local yachting industry with regards to sustainability., The general consensus was that not enough geographic areas contain marines and that few startups are able to drive recycling for yachting materials. Additionally, logistic chains to support a transition towards alternative fuels are apparently either scarce or non-existent. Lastly, the fact that over 90% of boats are motor boats as opposed to sailboats can also be regarded as a weakness.&nbsp;The topic of sustainability continued to surface throughout the rest of the day, when we paid a visit to the following seven shipyards: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">Cantiere delle Marche (CdM)</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1757" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Palumbo Superyachts (Company)">Palumbo Superyachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1199" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachts Italia (Company)">Italia Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2504" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wider s.r.l. (Company)">Wider</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5188" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Silent Yachts (Company)">Silent Yachts</a>, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5172" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere Rossini (Company)">Cantiere Rossini</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/345521/image/large-c503c4b1b56b0be396deea8d6d5952b8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/345521">Ancona-based shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> first arrived onto the scene in 2010, at a time when it was considered irresponsible to burn a lot of fuel and “show off” in certain places, according to Founder and CEO Vasco Buonpensiere.“Our location is an inherent part of our reputation. We started here because we wanted to stay as Italian as possible in terms of our workforce, attitude, and approach to the industry,” Buonpensiere said of the shipyard’s origin. Recognised for their explorer yachts, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2354" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere delle Marche (CdM) (Company)">CdM</a> sold 12 units in the span of six months, but chose not to increase the delivery rates as they refused to “compromise on quality”.&nbsp;“The reason our business remains resilient even when the yachting market goes down”, Buonpensiere explained, “is because we’ve remained loyal to our mission and our DNA by building proper quality boats and staying humble. This is reassuring to our clients, who need to know if the quality is good, whether the vessel is long-lasting, and whether they could sell it anytime they want.”&nbsp;Another stop along the way for the shipyards tour was the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> shipyard in Ancona, which is where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> superyachts ranging from 60 to 90-metres are constructed, along with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line (Company)">Custom Line</a> made-to-measure composite range between 30 to 43-metres. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Group</a> now has a standout portfolio of different brands contributing the construction and sale of luxury vessels, including <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4876" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ferretti Group (Company)">Ferretti Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/363" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Riva S.p.A. (Company)">Riva</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a>, Itama, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2515" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mochi Craft (Company)">Mochi Craft</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/112" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Custom Line (Company)">Custom Line</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/166" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wally (Company)">Wally</a>.

Envisioning Yachting Excellence Summit in Marche Region 

The Marche Yachting and Cruising Association (AMYC) hosted a two-day Envisioning Yachting Excellence Summit, which shed light on the Marche Region.

Envisioning Yachting Excellence Summit: A deep-dive into Marche’s yachting industry

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a> has announced a strategic collaboration with yacht designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/585" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ital Projects - Fulvio de Simoni (Company)">Fulvio De Simoni</a>. The Turin-based design firm, best known for its innovative work in the automotive sector, has a dedicated nautical division that has developed superyacht concepts for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> as well as production models for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1912" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Yachts (Company)">Princess Yachts</a>. By integrating its own multi-disciplinary approach and use of virtual and augmented reality with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/585" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ital Projects - Fulvio de Simoni (Company)">De Simoni</a>’s long experience in the yachting industry, the aim is to develop a new style language for superyacht design that covers both exteriors and interiors.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/213258/image/large-029725baa322666f4a4a89d2e0ca5c5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/213258"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a> has been a symbol of Italian style for over 90 years with offices in Italy, Germany, China and the United States. SuperYacht Times <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53979" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="At the studio with the perfect proportions of Pininfarina (2021-10-29 15:45:00 +0200)">recently visited Pininfarina's headquarters in Turin, Italy</a>. It has been active in the yachting field since the 1960s, but its first superyacht concept came in 2015 with the 85-metre Ottantacinque concept for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/295" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fincantieri Yachts (Company)">Fincantieri</a>, followed by the 70-metre Aurea concept for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a> and the 30-metre WallyCento Tango. More recently, it created the radical 90-metre Kairos concept for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193223/image/large-6bc85a3d09df455c3e9500bc15570b12.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193223">“Our innovative approach is appreciated by prestigious shipyards with whom we have solid and lasting partnerships," says Silvio Pietro Angori, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a>. "The collaboration with the architect <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/585" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ital Projects - Fulvio de Simoni (Company)">Fulvio De Simoni</a> and his team will allow us to further broaden our horizons with projects that combine experience and vision, allowing us to work hand-in-hand in the field of mega yachts, which is a highly sought after market cluster today.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/585" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ital Projects - Fulvio de Simoni (Company)">Fulvio De Simoni</a> began his career as a yacht designer in the early 1970s. Since then he has worked with top Italian brands <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1080" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rossinavi (Company)">Rossinavi</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5525" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Antonini Navi (Company)">Antonini Navi</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2504" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wider s.r.l. (Company)">Wider</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2515" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mochi Craft (Company)">Mochi Craft</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/412" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astondoa S.A. (Astilleros) (Company)">Astondoa</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5681" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Austin Parker Yachts (Company)">Austin Parker</a>, among others. He founded Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design in 2015 with some of his closest collaborators.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/8400/image/large-cefa033687f88d126ba9b49581bd51d7.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/8400">"For us it is a source of great satisfaction to have entered into a collaboration with a historic brand like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a>," he says. "We trust that, by sharing all our experience, we can reach even higher levels of style and attention to detail.”

Pininfarina and Fulvio De Simoni team up

Pininfarina has announced a strategic collaboration with yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni.

Pininfarina and Fulvio De Simoni join forces to develop “a new style language for superyacht design”

Last September, Eva Orsi was appointed president of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa Yachts,</a> the shipyard set up by her industrialist father and former owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a>, Guido Orsi. She took over the role from her brother, Guido Jr. SuperYacht Times travelled to Genoa to talk to the new company president (and mother of three) following the technical <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-binta-d-or-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">launch last weekend&nbsp;</a>of 50-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Binta D'Or49.9m (163'9&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2019">Bintador</a>, the shipyard’s latest motor yacht with hybrid propulsion. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/77086/image/large-a9cdc4e6aafe2a7ce3eac052b7617427.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77086">Why did you step in to replace your brother as&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa Yachts&nbsp;</a>president?I had always followed the shipyard from behind the scenes, so when my brother decided that he wanted a change for personal and professional reasons it seemed like the ideal opportunity for me to step in. There was no pressure from my father; in fact, ever since I was at school and then university, he always encouraged me to pursue what interested me rather than go into the family businesses. So it was my own decision, but one that was fully supported by my father and the other shipyard directors. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/77083/image/large-a2322b9851a28cdf1488d84040437d31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77083">Your professional background is in art and design; what does that work experience bring to your new role? I think I have a different perspective and new or fresh ideas, maybe because I have less experience in the yachting sector and fewer preconceptions. I’ve noticed – and this is something that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa</a> already does – there is a need for more innovation in terms of design and technology, but also experiential. This was evident when I went to the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show - 2019">MYBA&nbsp;</a>event in Barcelona last week where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2851" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Solo72.0m (236'3&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2018">Solo</a> was on show and there was a lot of curiosity in the yacht because she is perceived as being different and not your standard white boat. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/57142/image/large-161506e5c0e9514e99fd8c4da7fecc3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/57142">I should add that I’ve been immersed in the yachting world since I was a child. The first family boat I remember was a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2059" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magnum Marine (Company)">Magnum</a> called Lunar Park and I recall spending summer holidays aboard in St Tropez when the boat became a children’s playground. Then we had the 31-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Codecasa S.p.A. (Company)">Codecasa</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Sky31.2m (102'4&quot;)Codecasa S.p.A.1994">Blue Velvet,&nbsp;</a>which was followed by the 42-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/928" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue East42.0m (137'10&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.2004">Blue Eyes.</a> Then my father took a break from yachting, but was eventually pulled back in and bought a smaller <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2515" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mochi Craft (Company)">Mochi&nbsp;</a>Dolphin 64 called Blue Ray. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/10829/image/large-2b77fdca402a8d8e3386724801e3440a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/10829"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa Yachts</a>&nbsp;was set up right at the start of the financial crisis in 2008 and the first few years were tough. Was the family ever tempted to pull out of the business altogether? &nbsp; I remember we had some bad luck right at the beginning and there were some very difficult decisions to make. But my father always believed in the brand, in the product and in the team, which is mostly made up of former <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a> staff like our CEO Euro Contenti and general manager Edoardo Ratto, who are also stakeholders in the brand. I think that confidence has been vindicated with four yachts now on the water and two 50-metre projects in build on spec, one of which is in an advanced stage of negotiation with a client. Another key consideration for clients is that we’re an independently financed shipyard and have no problem in providing a bank guarantee when they sign a contract to build with us. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/57189/image/large-42a813d2a00a65c739de7779ee0d3162.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/57189"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2852" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Suerte69.0m (226'5&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2015">Suerte&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2851" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Solo72.0m (236'3&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2018">Solo</a>&nbsp;are based on a common platform, as are&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5902" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vertige49.99m (164'0&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2017">Vertige,</a>&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Binta D'Or49.9m (163'9&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2019">Bintador&nbsp;</a>and the 50-metre spec projects, but you’ve also announced a full-custom division. What’s the plan for future production?&nbsp; The family line of yachts designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Paszkowski (Company)">Francesco Paszkowski</a> has clearly been successful and building series yachts means we can deliver more quickly. But over the last year or two we’ve seen a big increase in requests to respond to bid packages for full-custom projects in the 50- to 100-metre range and we’re working on custom designs with other designers, although I can’t reveal any details yet. In terms of size, we can build up to 90 metres, but a construction shed can be extended up to 100 metres if required. We’re currently delivering one yacht a year, but our aim is to increase that to two a year, which would mean having four hulls in build at any one time. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/77084/image/large-8ab0760c8e05d0234f7b2890309c3ee9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77084">In terms of brand positioning, how does&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa</a>&nbsp;fit into the yachting industry in Italy and overseas? &nbsp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa&nbsp;</a>occupies a strategic niche in the market. We aim to compete with north European shipyards in terms of quality, technology and engineering. This also means that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa</a> yachts cost more than most of our Italian rivals, but less than in Holland or Germany. With the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-binta-d-or-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">launch</a> of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Binta D'Or49.9m (163'9&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2019">Bintador</a>, our first yacht with hybrid propulsion, and growing interest from owners and brokers in custom projects, I think the market is increasingly aware of what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa</a> can offer. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/76740/image/large-af7c4f6a49b82e2c910a40075c0d9929.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/76740">

5 Questions with Tankoa Yachts president Eva Orsi

Following the launch of the yard's first ever superyacht with hybrid propulsion, Bintador, SYT sits down with Tankoa Yachts president, Eva Orsi.

5 Questions with Eva Orsi, president of Tankoa Yachts

Over the past few years, the Ferretti Group has undergone a complete structural overhaul. One of the most important Groups in the superyacht industry, amongst the most significant changes occurred first in 2012, when the Chinese manufacturing company, the Weichai Group, acquired the Italian business. This was followed by a series of new appointments at the top, including that of Alberto Galassi, a man who, up until the announcement of his new position as CEO of the Ferretti Group in mid-2014, had only enjoyed the pure pleasure of superyachting as an owner himself.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19152/image/large-4fe732ad75d7f7922dcd88ea74ca5f2e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19152"> Two years down the line, and Galassi and his team have continuously taken the Ferretti Group from strength to strength, heavily investing in research and development and ensuring that all the brands under the Ferretti Group’s umbrella (Pershing, Ferretti Yachts, Itama, Riva, Mochi Craft, Custom Line and CRN), are absolutely synonymous with the Made in Italy taste and style at the brand’s core. We met with Galassi on board CRN’s most impressive superyacht to date, the brand new 74-metre Cloud 9, who shared a candid insight into the life of the man at the helm.&nbsp;Although you had never worked within the superyacht business before joining the Ferretti Group, you bring a wealth of experience to the company as an owner yourself. What does this bring to your role?I bring a different perspective to the Ferretti Group - the owner’s perspective. I know the significance of aspects of the business such as customer satisfaction, quality, service and aftersales, and what effect these aspects can have on a client’s experience. From my owner’s perspective, I also know that I truly hated it when shipyards lied to me on the delivery dates, for example. Now, in my position, I prioritise facing reality and presenting that reality to the client.&nbsp;Is an honest approach a unique thing in this business?No… I’m just saying that you need to be honest, and if something goes wrong, you need to put your hands up and say, “We’ve made a mistake.” You should not hide it. If you put yourselves in the client’s shoes, you can see that what is a small delay for you as a shipbuilder may be 50% of the cruising season for the client. That needs to be addressed and the frustration needs to be solved. This philosophy really drives the Ferretti Group today.&nbsp;You took delivery of the first Navetta 33 this summer, again wearing both the owner and the shipyard hat. How does that influence your experience as an owner?Well, the bad news for me is that even though I took delivery of my new yacht, my role at the Ferretti Group means that I have very little time to spend on board. The good news? My family has the time! But it does change my experience as the owner. I spent 10 days on board the&nbsp;Navetta 33&nbsp;this summer - I was the chief test pilot. I wanted to make sure the yacht was right when we launched the model into the market and took her to Cannes. She is certainly right and a great success, but it was not a holiday. It was focusing on the details, discussing what is going to be better on the second hull, the third hull - it’s a constant improvement, but I really enjoy it.&nbsp;Piero Ferrari is the father of your wife, Antonella Ferrari, as well as on the board of Directors at the Ferretti Group, holding shares of around 13% of the company. Can you tell us about the involvement of Mr Ferrari in the Ferretti Group?I’ve known Piero Ferrari since 1984 and forget about the personal relationship I have with him - he is a fantastically talented man. He’s been driving a lot of the new Ferrari designs over the past 20 years and has this optical advantage of seeing something in the style or the design that no one else can spot. In terms of the Ferretti Group’s style, a lot of our style comes from him. The lines are very clean in the new Ferretti Group, and more balanced. He gave us some important credibility at the beginning of this venture when he joined as a shareholder. Now the turnaround is finished, the Group is once again profitable and going from strength to strength.&nbsp;How involved is Mr Ferrari in the design process at the Ferretti Group?He can be very involved - and he certainly challenges the team! For example, he will call at midnight and say, "Alberto. I thought about that design. We need to change it." Half asleep, I say, "What? It’s too late to change!’" He says, "No, no. Think about it, sleep well, talk to me tomorrow.” So I go to sleep, I talk to the team the next day, they say it’s impossible, we call the designer, he says it’s impossible. At the end of this process, we all realise - Mr Ferrari was right. And we do the impossible and implement his advice into the design. The designers listen to him; they respect him. They know that he’s not just an egomaniac who wants to give his advice because he is Vice Chairman and a shareholder.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19156/image/large-19762e851b304b93dd51361266c916af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19156"> The&nbsp;Riva CorsaroWith Mr Ferrari on the board of Directors, can we expect a deeper involvement with any of the Ferretti Group brands and Ferrari?&nbsp;None of us is pushing to do something that doesn’t make perfect sense. So, will there ever be anything more than what is right now between Ferrari and the Ferretti Group? Probably, but when the right time comes. From a marketing perspective, we are already strictly connected with the Scuderia Ferrari, having the Riva brand proudly displayed on both Ferrari drivers’ helmets. Riva is proud to be one of the Scuderia Ferrari official sponsors. This union perfectly represents the style and high technology made in Italy around the world, both on the racing circuit and on the sea.When you were announced as the new CEO, the Ferretti Group announced this move as part of securing the brand in international markets as true ambassadors of Made in Italy. What does Made in Italy mean to you?Thinking Italian… manufacturing with passion, artisan craftsmanship, taste and beauty. We are not perfect, and we can make mistakes in Italy as everyone knows, but we always try our very best, putting our hearts and souls into everything we do. We do not compromise on taste, we do not compromise on feeling, perception, quality. We are definitely not famous for being perfect, but we’re certainly famous for being beautiful.&nbsp;The Weichai Group are the majority shareholders of the Ferretti Group. Can you tell us more about their involvement?Weichai gave the Ferretti Group credibility when we did not have it. They gave us financial resources, and they gave us time. If I have to judge Weichai as a shareholder, they are unbelievable. They patiently waited for the turnaround to happen - they are not speculators, they are industrialists. They have pushed me to invest in R&amp;D and we now spend €30 million every year on R&amp;D - a big number in this business.&nbsp;Aside from financial investment, does having an Asian shareholder hold any weight when it comes to expanding into the Asian market?Weichai has 70 years of history, so when people ask why these Italians are trying to sell this boat in China? Well, they have Weichai backing them. It really helped a lot with Asian sales. The Ferretti Group is divided into three sections: 53% is Europe, the Middle East and Africa, 28% is the Americas, and 19% is Asia. In Asia, we are growing, but you have to remember that there is a yachting tradition in Europe and the Middle East. We have the infrastructure and we have the culture - this will not happen in Asia. But even if they represent 10 - 20% of a Group which has revenues of €600 million, then that’s significant.Bringing it back to where we are right now, on board CRN’s brand new Cloud 9, you have previously stated that the construction of this yacht was a ‘new and exciting challenge’. What were the main challenges?&nbsp;Oh, I can tell you! I started in May 2014, and within three days I signed this deal with the owner. So it was really, fasten your seatbelt and have a good ride! The lucky news for me is that the CRN team are just fantastic. They’re great people - it’s no coincidence that they are quickly becoming the most important brand within the Ferretti Group.&nbsp;I truly think Cloud 9 is the best CRN so far - by far. The quality is fantastic, and the feedback from the owner as well as the competition is great. The owner was very involved with the project and was a particularly demanding client. He was supposed to be on board one week when she was delivered - it turned into three months. She’s practically his home now! <img src="/uploads/store/photo/19178/image/large-c9a5467e003a8aa5e7497d55e6c4d302.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19178">CRN's&nbsp;Cloud 9Taking it to the future of the superyacht business, more and more companies are developing smart digital strategies to promote themselves and the wider industry. What’s your stance on developing into the digital world?I’ll be honest. When I started at the Ferretti Group, I did not believe in digital growth. I did not believe that this business could benefit from digital growth, and I did not think that the clients of the superyacht industry were interested in these new ways of communication. Let me tell you - I was wrong. Damn wrong. The Ferretti Group have over 100,000 followers on Instagram. We sold a boat to a guy who saw the yacht on Instagram. When someone told me this, I looked at them and said, ‘You’re kidding me, right?’ He wasn’t kidding.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/19179/image/large-6e201986b083d179bb90a5b089093b36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/19179"> The&nbsp;Navetta 33For those that argue that this is a one-off sale and that the vast majority of current and potential clients do not desire a superyacht presence in the digital world, what would you say?Digital growth will help us as a business to communicate a message that many people see as just for the very few at the top. We should not be snobbish here, we should be realistic. Of course, we know that only a few people in the world can afford a yacht, but should we stop thousands of people from dreaming and aspiring? Ferrari is a good example. Not many people can afford a Ferrari, but the fan base of Ferrari is incredible. How many people have a Ferrari as a screensaver, for example? Yachting should be the same.&nbsp;We should be more in touch with the real world, and the real world is made up of millions of people who should see this business, not as a snobbish elite, but a sophisticated industry that is constructing beauty, building dreams, with a lot of work and sacrifice. Even me personally, I will never be able to afford a 74-metre CRN new build, but I sure as hell can have it as the wallpaper on my phone. We will also stop the prejudice against this business - which we definitely face, and even from governments at times. It’s a serious business that helps economies. The bigger the fan base, the better for everyone.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://sydis.superyachtcompany.com/uploads/store/photo/13976/image/small-1993ae9045cb1ada2088f1b2aade6cd9.jpg" alt="Small"></a>This article was featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;now to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue!&nbsp;

Galassi: the man at the helm of The Ferretti Group

Less than three months from the opening of the Genoa Boat Show, the stands have nearly all been booked, the show announces today. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149777/image/large-3b626a8fddd77a822e08b0398d0b31cc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149777">Confirmed participants so far are AB Yachts, Sanlorenzo, Maiora, Permare, Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi, and CRN, Montecarlo Yachts, Otam and SunseekerThe President of Ucina, Massimo Perotti: “We are proud of the results we have achieved in terms of participants, which have increased by 20% compared to last year, and of the perception of the new format. These results are the reward for the great deal of work we actually began last year and the huge effort made on behalf of the President, the executive council, and the advisory committee of the Association with the constitution of a new company, Saloni Nautici S.p.A. In fact, we have made radical changes in the organizational structure and procedure, which has provided a modern and efficient service, based on the needs specific to the sector. The response of the professionals is the sign that we are moving in the right direction. The Genoa Boat Show is the showroom of the most important boat industries around the world and aims at re-establishing its primary role as the most important and significant European nautical event in the central Mediterranean”.Interestingly, the Azimut Benetti group released a statement last week, saying they will not attend, commenting that "management has made this decision because the company intends to develop markets with higher growth rates and concentrate trade fair investments in these areas" .The Group does however express its high regard for the Organizers of this prestigious event and their appreciation of all their work.By Maarten Janssen