The 2024 SATEC Convention, organized by the Italian Marine Industry Association Confindustria Nautica, concluded its first day with the 33rd Boating Pioneer Awards ceremony. Held at the Stibbert Museum in Florence, the event honored individuals and professionals for their significant contributions to the boating industry.
Established in 1988 and supported by the Italian Ministry for Business and Made in Italy Industry since 2007, the Boating Pioneer Award recognizes entrepreneurs, managers, industry professionals, journalists, and designers who advance the Made in Italy brand with professionalism and dedication. These awards celebrate creativity, innovation, and commitment to maintaining industry traditions.
Award Recipients
Giovanni Ricci received the Boating Pioneer Award in the Manager category. Ricci, with over 60 years in the industry, has transformed the Olcese Ricci family business into an internationally recognized brand. Mario Peserico, CEO of Eberhard Italia, presented Ricci with a 'Contograf' timepiece.
Andrea Vallicelli was honored in the Designers category. Vallicelli, an architect and designer, was the first to hold a university chair in Industrial Design for boating in Italy. Known for designing Azzurra, the first Italian boat in the America's Cup, Vallicelli has significantly influenced yacht and racing boat design.
Donatella Bianchi received the Boating Pioneer Award in the Italian Journalists category. As President of WWF Italy and the Cinque Terre National Park, Bianchi has promoted marine conservation and sustainability. She is well-known for hosting the TV program Linea Blu on Rai 1 since 1994.
Ricard Bracons, a Spanish journalist with 40 years of experience in international boating publications, was awarded in the Foreign Journalists category. Bracons is recognized for his deep knowledge and promotion of international boating.
Massimo Tardelli was honored in the Industry Professionals category for his role in the success of the Versilmarina Shipyard. Over his forty-year career, Tardelli's problem-solving skills and professionalism have inspired new generations in the industry.
A Special Prize was awarded to Luca Bassani Antivari, founder and Chief Designer at Wally, marking thirty years since the company's inception. Known for his innovative and revolutionary yacht designs, Bassani's work has significantly influenced nautical design trends globally.
Event Highlights
The event was moderated by Fabio Petrone, editor of the online magazine Pressmare and a 2023 Boating Pioneer Award recipient in the Italian Journalists category.
The Boating Pioneer Awards highlight the essential contributions of individuals in the boating industry, recognizing their efforts in promoting excellence and innovation while maintaining the sector’s traditions.
Credits: Italian Marine Industry Association