The Azimut | Benetti Group founded by Paolo Vitelli, who tragically passed away on 31 December 2024, and of which Giovanna Vitelli has been president since 2023, has returned to Confindustria Nautica following the unanimous vote of the Presidential Council of the Italian National Association of the Sector.
The return after 10 years
It all started in 2014 with Azimut | Benetti’s refusal to participate in the Genoa International Boat Show that year. A refusal officially dictated by “commercial reasons” but in reality also linked to personal conflicts within the then industry association UCINA (National Union of Shipyards and Nautical and Related Industries). The failure to participate was then followed in 2015 by the birth of the association “Nautica Italiana” of which Azimut | Benetti was one of the founders. An association in opposition to UCINA on the path to entry as a sector representative into Confindustria, the organization representing manufacturing and service companies in Italy. The duel was then resolved with the birth of Confindustria Nautica from UCINA and, in 2019, with the dissolution of Nautica Italiana, and the progressive return to Confindustria Nautica of the brands that had been part of it.
Saverio Cecchi great unifier
The return of the Azimut | Benetti Group, world leader in the production of mega yachts over 24 meters, certifies the success of the work of Saverio Cecchi, president of Confindustria Nautica. “I was elected in 2019 with the mandate to unify the entire supply chain of the sector under a strong association representation. As the end of my mandate approaches, I am proud of the complete achievement of this objective with the return to the Association of the Azimut | Benetti Group and I underline with satisfaction the unanimous adoption of the admission resolution by the statutory bodies”.
Consolidating Italy’s role
“We firmly believe that a more united nautical industry is a stronger industry, capable of facing global challenges with greater cohesion and strategic vision. Working together means not only consolidating Italy’s role as a world leader in the nautical sector, but also promoting innovation, sustainability and growth for the entire supply chain. The decision to join Confindustria Nautica is an expression of this commitment,” commented Marco Valle, CEO of the Azimut | Benetti Group.
