Gino Battaglia: "That (little) thing that's still missing for Italian commanders and shipyards."
Interview with the expert president of Italian Yacht Masters who takes stock of the first 10 years of the association, looking at what has improved for the category
Porto Ercole (Grosseto) – The Captain's Day organized at the Argentario Golf Resort was the occasion to celebrate the first 10 years of the Italian Yacht Masters association "born to learn" as its president Gino Battaglia explained. The expert captain, recently returned from a transfer from Dubai to Italy (precisely to the Marina di Loano) with 4.860 nautical miles sailed on the bridge of the Serenity J (a 55-meter Amels recently changed hands), with SUPER YACHT 24 took stock of the first 10 years of the Italian Yacht Masters and how much the association has managed to improve the image of Italian superyacht captains.
President Battaglia, what has changed in the role of the commander over the past 10 years? In your opinion, has the perception of the commander really improved today?
"The perception of Italian captains abroad has changed; they've realized that we, too, are highly skilled. There's still work to be done on the details: improving our English, perhaps learning a few more foreign languages, but many more job opportunities have opened up because they're viewing us differently. This is already a great achievement for us at Italian Yacht Masters."
Your conference highlighted the fact that commanders should also learn to “sell” themselves better, do you agree?
"This is true, and we also said it during our general meeting. We sell a product, our capabilities. So we need to know how to present ourselves well, be ready to show the owner what we're truly capable of, without fear. And secondly, they'll appreciate this openness to our way of being."
Looking to the future of your profession, what worries you?
“I'm concerned that boats are getting bigger and bigger, and captains can no longer work permanently but must be rotated, so there needs to be even more training because technology is advancing so quickly.”
What special features do new shipowners have?
"New owners know everything. They're capable of understanding how a product is made, how an engine is constructed, what needs to be changed, how many hours of maintenance are required, so we too need to have a general understanding of the technical aspects, not just nautical skills and experience."
In your expert opinion, have Italian shipyards really reached a level of quality equal to their Northern European competitors in the construction of superyachts, or is there still something missing to get there?
"I think, having built boats abroad, that Italians today have truly achieved a great technical level. In my opinion, we're not far removed from foreign technology; what we're missing is the level of reliability they enjoy on the market."
Reliability understood as?
“In terms of after-sales support, following up after the boat is built, following up when there are problems, but in my opinion Italian shipyards have made great strides in this area too.”
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Italian Yacht Masters celebrates 10 years: "Nothing to envy from foreign captains"
Gino Battaglia
