Fulvio Codecasa: "We prefer to limit production to a few units per year to offer the best."

We strive to offer maximum flexibility, both in the design and construction phases, bending over backwards to satisfy any request, while ensuring that we maintain the high quality standards for which we are known worldwide and avoiding compromising or delaying delivery. This, in my opinion, is another key point, not to be underestimated, as it demonstrates respect for the owner and their commitments. To ensure this, we limit our production to a few units per year. We consider the frustration of a client who has scheduled their commitments and activities around a delivery date that is then postponed. The third key point concerns post-delivery assistance. For a yacht owner, a yacht should be fun, not a hassle, and for that to be the case, they need to feel 'safe,' knowing that the shipyard is with them wherever they are in the world. Our commitments to our clients, in fact, do not end with the delivery of the yacht or with the expiration of the contractual warranty. I sometimes joke that a Codecasa yacht It's under a lifetime warranty, and in fact, when all is said and done, that's exactly what it is."

This passage encapsulates the Codecasa shipyard's corporate mission, as explained in this exclusive interview with SUPER YACHT 24 by top executive Fulvio Codecasa. At the helm of the company, he is supported in managing the shipyard by his daughters Fulvia and Elena, and their husbands, Ennio Buonomo and Fabio Lofrese. New additions to the company are Fulvia Codecasa's two sons, Matteo Buonomo and Niccolò Buonomo, who have been working alongside their grandfather, parents, and uncles in running the business for several years. Fully immersed in the reality of his shipyards, Fulvio Codecasa, along with his family, oversees every phase of the construction of his yachts, from the general lines to the details, from the design to the finishes. He is the most demanding and difficult client to please.

The Italian nautical industry reported a turnover of €6 billion in 2021, representing a return to the peaks of about 15 years ago. What kind of year was it for you last year?

"Indeed, the nautical world, despite the pandemic (or perhaps because of it), hasn't had any problems and has grown tremendously. As far as we're concerned, our production hasn't changed, as we typically build two to three yachts at a time, depending on their size; so 2021 was a good year for our shipyards too."

Do recent events make you less optimistic about 2022?

"The recent devastating events and the general uncertainty are certainly frightening, but it's also true that we've seen a lot of things over the years, and after a period of crisis, there's always a settling in, an adjustment that necessarily allows us to get back on our feet and face a new future. By nature, I'm someone who always sees the bright side and faces difficulties with tenacity, and who knows, perhaps this latest experience might spark new ideas for future yachts."

Codecasa has a two-hundred-year history, and is now approaching its 50th anniversary of building luxury motor yachts. What are the most significant changes you've observed in this half-century? 

Our shipyard has almost two centuries of history behind it. We were founded in 1825 as carpenters building wooden workboats. Then, in 1970, after years of persuading my father to try something new, abandoning the tried-and-tested commercial boat sector, we entered the world of pleasure craft, where fortunately we still play a leading role today. From generation to generation, our shipyards have established themselves as what they are today and continue in this direction. Today, my grandchildren have joined me and their parents in this adventure. Therefore, more than a professional project, ours was and is a life project that has involved my entire family. The market has changed over the years and continues to do so based on current needs and the succession of various economic crises that result.

The latest Codecasa models are very different in style: what determines the choice of a "line" in which to invest and how much does "fashion" influence the production of a long-lasting good?

The choice of line obviously depends on the success of the line itself. Our Vintage Series, for example, launched in 2011, is still in high demand, and we will soon be delivering the 43-meter F77 to its owner. I certainly believe it's essential for a yacht to be recognized for its elegance and for its line to be directly associated with its shipyard from the very first glance. Beyond the line, as an absolute principle, I reiterate that the absolute quality of the product takes priority over anything else. What makes the difference in steering an owner towards one brand over another lies precisely in the quality and craftsmanship, the precision and accuracy of execution. Therefore, I believe that the need for cost savings, design trends, and passing fads should never compromise the respect and strict observance of the construction principles that make a yacht a safe vessel.

How does this translate into concrete terms?

Codecasa yachts are certified by classification societies such as Lloyd's Register, RINA, ABS, and MCA, which in themselves are a significant guarantee of compliance with safety regulations. Finally, I believe it is crucial to continue promoting our Made in Italy brand, as it is our best calling card to present ourselves worldwide, and we must demonstrate our appreciation for beauty with a balance that does not overwhelm the understated elegance that has always characterized our style and never goes out of style. All these ingredients are the foundation of our products' success.

Can we anticipate what length and “idea” of superyacht you are leaning towards for the next Codecasa?

“As for our future projects, we currently have three different types of yachts under construction: the F77 (43 meters long), the C127 (58 meters long), and the Gentleman's Yacht (24 meters long), a classic-style, all-aluminum yacht inspired by boats from the 50s and 60s, designed by Luca Dini Design & Architecture Studio in collaboration with Yacht Moments.”

There's talk of a possible development of the refit segment to address shipyards' longer delivery times due to the high demand for semi-custom yachts: do you foresee any changes to your current setup as a result?

“We don't foresee any changes to our current shipyard structure as we have our own CodecasaDue shipyard which is dedicated specifically to refits and Codecasa Service.”

Sustainability and the energy crisis are hot topics, but they're also two sides of the same coin: will the current emergency change your investment plans in your sector?

Environmental awareness is a topic the nautical industry has recently been investing heavily in; the current climate isn't helping in this regard. It's true, however, that the energy source of a traditional yacht may change in the future, but given the demand for autonomy on a yacht, we don't believe the market is yet ready to offer alternatives to hydrocarbons as an energy source.

As for our yachts, I can say they are already eco-friendly. They are equipped with bilge and wastewater treatment and containment systems. Furthermore, our latest yachts have engines designed to reduce NOx emissions and are equipped with SCR systems.”

How does Codecasa respond to the specific needs of its clients?

Customer satisfaction is the foundation of any business and is essential for both small and large companies. For us, it's an absolute priority: without satisfied customers, we can't get anywhere! We put maximum effort into everything we do, from building our yachts to honoring our commitments.

Our yachts are entirely custom-made, designed and built specifically for the client who commissions them, so they best meet their personal needs and expectations. We deliver yachts that are as unique as their owners.”

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SUPER YACHT 24 NEWSLETTER