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In memory of Paolo Vitelli

Over the last thirty years I have had the privilege of closely following and reporting on the many achievements of Azimut|Benetti under his leadership, first on Yacht Capital and then on Top Yacht Design. But my bond with this extraordinary figure goes back even further: I felt it close up when I accompanied my father, Vincenzo Zaccagnino, both when he ran Nautica and Mondo Barca at the many launch ceremonies in Viareggio and at the many boat shows.

Paolo Vitelli

Paolo Vitelli was not just an entrepreneur. He was a visionary. His ability to imagine the future and turn it into reality was extraordinary. Every meeting with him was an opportunity to learn: his charisma, energy and passion were overwhelming. I remember his press conferences and the interviews I had the honour of collecting. Each time there was a lesson, an insight, a new perspective to grasp, at a time when the social media filter did not yet exist and words had a different weight.

Paolo Vitelli

With Azimut, Paolo Vitelli brought an innovative industrial approach to boating, without ever sacrificing the craftsmanship soul that makes each boat unique. He has shown that organisation and strategic vision can coexist with care and passion for detail.

As President of UCINA, he was able to unite and guide an entire sector, becoming an irreplaceable point of reference.

What I will carry with me most of his memory is his unique attitude: an inexhaustible curiosity that always pushed him further, an extraordinary lucidity in analysis and a meticulous attention that embraced every detail, making it meaningful, never banal. And, above all, a willingness to listen, to share ideas and opinions with anyone, even us insiders.

Paolo Vitelli
Paolo e Giovanna Vitelli, Founder & President at Azimut Benetti Group

Paolo Vitelli was not just a successful entrepreneur. He was a man capable of dreaming big, of realising those dreams and inspiring others to do the same.

His legacy is immense and, for me as for many others, he will always be an inimitable guide and example.

Matteo Zaccagnino

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