Giovanna Vitelli, Chair of Azimut|Benetti Group, has been honored as the National Winner of the 2024 EY Entrepreneur of the Year® Award, marking the twenty-seventh edition of this prestigious recognition.
The award was conferred by an independent jury comprising representatives from various institutions, economics, and industry sectors, who commended Vitelli for her leadership in steering the company towards not only increased growth and profitability but also for her commitment to technological innovation, sustainability, employee welfare, and corporate social responsibility.
Giovanna Vitelli
This accolade is bestowed annually by EY, the global leader in professional services, on Italian entrepreneurs who significantly impact their country’s economic, social, and environmental landscape. The award recognizes those who excel in transformation, innovation, and sustainability amid evolving challenges.
Vitelli began her journey in corporate law before joining the Board of Directors of her family-owned Azimut|Benetti Group in 2000. She advanced through the ranks, eventually becoming Chair in 2023. Under her leadership, the Group — a global leader in mega yacht manufacturing — reported a revenue of 1.3 billion euros in the last financial year, reflecting a remarkable 55% growth over the past four years.
Staying true to the mission and values instilled by her father, Vitelli emphasizes continual investment in innovation as essential to maintaining leadership and creating value for both people and the local community. The Group's product development strategy aligns with the aspirations of both the Azimut and Benetti brands, focusing on setting new trends in onboard lifestyle and pursuing technological advancements to minimize environmental impacts.
Since the start of her entrepreneurial journey, Vitelli has challenged conventional nautical design by encouraging teams to rethink onboard spaces, resulting in offerings that emphasize contemporary living with a focus on elegance, conviviality, and connection to the sea. Noteworthy innovations include Benetti's Oasis Deck® and Azimut's Seadeck Series, both of which have become market leaders.
In terms of environmental sustainability, the Group's strategic approach melds practical solutions with visionary goals, achieving leading results in emissions reductions through advancements like weight reduction, high-efficiency hull designs, hybrid propulsion, and smart onboard power management. Additionally, in partnerships with independent organizations and academic institutions, they advocate for establishing certification standards for consumption and emissions, promoting a more responsible industry.
To support this vision, Vitelli has initiated efforts to enhance managerial culture and governance, establishing the Azimut|Benetti Group Corporate Academy, which focuses on professional development and the cultivation of Italian excellence in technology, engineering, and manufacturing, while also aiding the next generation entering the yachting sector.
"This award signifies recognition for the achievements of our entire Group as we guide our clients into a new era of yachting and a renewed relationship with the sea,” stated Giovanna Vitelli. “As a family company, we have the unique opportunity to focus on long-term value. Today, that commitment means reducing emissions to foster a more sustainable nautical industry that can inspire others to follow suit, all while merging unparalleled beauty with advanced technology. I extend my gratitude to the 2,250 dedicated individuals at Azimut|Benetti Group worldwide, who, alongside me, continue to navigate this journey."
Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.
Credits: Benetti
The 56th Southampton International Boat Show will introduce several new features when it returns to Mayflower Park from September 19-28, 2025. Organizers British Marine confirmed a redesigned layout with specialized zones including The Powerhub for powerboats and Angler's Alley for fishing enthusiasts.New additions include: the Boating Academy offering educational sessions, waterside Lounge for premium ticket holders, expanded marina area with grouped vessel displays, on the Water stage featuring high-speed demonstrations. Visitor experiences will include the Try A Boat program with FlexiSail and accessible powerboat rides through Wetwheels. The Shipyard festival area will host live music and family activities, with a headline act to be announced.Ticket prices currently start at £24.99 for adults, with free entry for two children per adult ticket. Marina space remains in high demand among exhibitors, with increased berth capacity for 2025."The 2025 edition represents an exciting transformation," stated British Marine representatives. The event will showcase products ranging from paddleboards to superyachts, though exhibitor lists remain unconfirmed.British Marine, representing over 1,300 UK marine businesses, organizes the annual show which supports an industry employing 38,000 nationwide.Credits: Southampton International Boat Show
April 29, 2025
The General Council of Confindustria Nautica has designated Piero Formenti, owner of Zar Formenti, as President of the Italian Marine Industry Association for the 2025-2029 term. The appointment will be formally ratified at the association's general meeting on May 16 during the SATEC Convention in Rapallo.Formenti becomes the first president representing the small boating sector in the association's history. The selection process saw 79.04% member participation with 94.64% approval votes.Piero FormentiSince founding Zar Formenti in 1979, specializing in inflatable boats, Formenti has served as association director since 2008 and vice president since 2019. He currently holds the position of vice-chair at European Boating Industry (EBI), having previously served two terms as president (2015-2019)."My experience provides a unified vision of the industry," Formenti stated. "Coming from the small boating segment demonstrates our sector's maturity as we address innovation, green economy, domestic market revival, regulatory simplification, and next-generation engagement during challenging economic conditions for small manufacturers."The appointment follows standard association statutes and Confederation of Industry regulations.Credits: Italian Marine Industry Association
April 29, 2025
Nautor Swan will present five maxi yachts at the Palma International Boat Show (April 30-May 3) while its new ClubSwan 43 makes its racing debut at the concurrent PalmaVela regatta. The Finnish builder's display includes the Swan 108 Fancy as centerpiece, alongside Swan 98s Drifter Cube and Alix, Swan 90 Berenice Cube, and Swan 78 Sulita in Port Vell's Superyacht Village.The 33.5-meter Fancy features quarter-cut oak interiors with light brown finishes, accommodating owners and guests across four en-suite cabins plus crew quarters. Three new Swan models (80, 108, 128) remain in development.At PalmaVela, the ClubSwan 43 Vargen will compete in ORC-rated races while maintaining one-design specifications for the brand's racing circuit. Over 110 vessels are participating in the regatta hosted by Real Club Náutico."We're approaching Palma with strong dedication," said Nautor Swan CEO Giovanni Pomati. "This show is becoming one of the most important, thanks to top shipyards and passionate owners." ClubSwan Yachts head Federico Michetti noted: "These are the first races for the ClubSwan 43 under rating rules, and we're continuing its fine-tuning for competitive performance."Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
April 29, 2025
Dutch shipyard Vitters has signed a contract to build the 63-meter sailing yacht Project Dreamer, with construction set to begin this year at its Zwartsluis facility. The aluminum-hulled vessel, designed to maximize volume within a 500GT limit, is scheduled for delivery in 2028.Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design will handle the exterior styling, which features a radiused transom and an expansive flybridge spanning the full superstructure width with dedicated lounge and dining areas. The design incorporates a mid-lazarette with fold-down hull door for water toy deployment.Milan-based M2Atelier will develop interior spaces characterized by open layouts, natural materials, and botanical elements. Owner's representative Greg Monks stated the project will "set new standards" for flybridge yachts, emphasizing reduced noise/vibration and sustainable operation.Vitters has not disclosed technical specifications, though the yard confirmed construction will adhere to the client's request for optimized interior volume within the 500GT threshold. Additional details will be released during the build process.Vitters Shipyard is a Dutch high-end performance yacht builder. The shipyard was founded in 1990 by Jan Vitters. The company delivered the first luxury sailing boat, the 28m Aphrodite, in 1993. Vitters Shipyard has a crew of dedicated engineers and craftspeople who have a strong eye for detail and the passion to exceed the expectations of its yacht owners. Credits: Vitters
April 28, 2025
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April 28, 2025