By Matteo Zaccagnino, Editor-in-Chief
Salone del Mobile and Design Week. A winning combination. There’s no doubt about it. We’ve seen it and experienced it first hand over the last few days. There wasn’t a street, showroom or open space that didn’t host an installation, a creation capable of capturing attention. Not to mention the exhibition dedicated to the world of furniture set up in the pavilions of the Rho Fair.
In short, Milan, together with fashion, is increasingly becoming the city of design with a capital ‘D’. A consecration that is the result of a vision and a journey that started a long time ago and that, over the years, has also included the nautical sector. In fact, we have seen the best of Made in Italy on the sea take centre stage on the Milanese design stage. During an epic edition of the Fuorisalone, in 2008, it was impossible not to notice the presence of a Pershing 64 moored at the Naviglio Grande. Then it was Azimut’s turn in 2018, when it brought the S7, a 21-metre model from the open line, in front of the entrance to the Palazzo dell’Arte, home to the Milan Triennale. This operation was repeated in 2024 when the Avigliana shipyard made the news for having exhibited the Seadeck 6, the first model of the range of the same name, in the water of the Bagni Misteriosi swimming pool.
In short, despite not having direct access to the sea, Milan is proving to be a city that is increasingly able to catalyse interest in the nautical sector. The proof is that statistically, it is here that the highest concentration of sailing and motor boat enthusiasts reside. But that’s not all. There are also historical reasons that allow the Lombard capital to aspire to become a point of reference for the sector. It is no coincidence that Milan hosted the first edition of the International Boat Show. It was 1961 and, that year, the sector met at the Trade Fair to exhibit the best of its production.
That was the first step on a journey that led the Italian shipbuilding industry to carve out an increasingly important space for itself, until it became what it is today. The idea of once again seeing Milan as an important showcase for the entire sector is strengthened by the announcement of SEAQUIP – Mediterranean Yacht and Marine Equipment Trade Fair. The event, which will take place from 4 to 6 March 2026 at Milano Fiera Rho, is set to become the first B2B exhibition dedicated to nautical components in the Milanese capital. To date, the organisers have announced that around 60 companies have signed up and Top Yacht Design is one of the media partners. Personally, I strongly believe in the importance of this increasingly vital sector, which is crucial to the dynamics of the nautical industry.
In addition to this, there is also a geographical consideration. Italy, as the numbers show, is a leader in the superyacht segment. But that’s not all. In addition to shipyards, there are many Italian companies in related industries that today export all over the world and whose highly specialised production has carved out a place for itself at the forefront internationally. At a time in history when technology and innovation are making giant leaps forward, it is becoming increasingly important to find opportunities for qualified meetings where ideas and solutions can be shared. In short, to create a system that connects and brings together all the players in the entire nautical supply chain at all levels.
This doesn’t take away from the importance of other events and exhibitions, but instead wants to emphasise the importance of focusing on a sector that is becoming increasingly important: that of components. A first step towards charting a course that may one day lead Milan to add a new item to fashion and design: the nautical sector.
