Battaglia's (Italian Yacht Masters) goal for 2025: "Strengthen training."

Ahead of Sponsor Day 2025, organized by the Italian Yacht Masters captains' association and scheduled for Bordighera, Liguria, SUPER YACHT 24 met with its president, Gino Battaglia, to review the past year and outline the main challenges for 2025. The event represents a unique opportunity to celebrate the partnership with the association's supporters and to present the innovations that will shape the association's future.

Mr. President, what is your assessment of the year just ended?

In 2024, the association increased its visibility on the international market thanks to participation in international events such as the Antigua Charter Yacht Show and the Master'Dam in Amsterdam, hosted by the Feadship shipyard. These events gave members the opportunity to showcase their expertise and network with leading players in the industry. We also continued to establish ourselves internationally; our captains work for owners of various nationalities, including members of the Qatari royal family and prominent American owners, demonstrating how the association has emerged from its traditional shell.

What are the main expectations for 2025?

We will send a letter to all our members announcing a change of direction, aiming to revitalize training and enable them to be increasingly professionally prepared and to the best of their ability. We are in constant contact with major management and recruiting agencies to understand the changing needs of an evolving market characterized by the arrival of new shipowners with ever-changing views and perspectives.

Experience and technical knowledge not enough?

You can be experienced and a good captain, but if you can't understand what the owner really wants and how to put it into practice, you won't get very far. Many have the skills to sail a yacht, but you also need a 360-degree vision to satisfy the client in all aspects of yacht management. The Bordighera event serves precisely this purpose, and we'll have a trainer specialized in coaching and leadership to try to improve the relationship with owners and crew onboard. These are the most delicate aspects of the moment. But there's more.

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Another goal for 2025 is to have more opportunities for members to connect, creating regional groups in collaboration with the Board of Directors to better listen to captains' needs and concerns and to be united beyond the association's official meetings. This is also a useful idea for establishing closer contact with Italy's most important shipyards.

What is your main mission?

"The member is at the center of everything, and we are committed to helping those commanders who, for one reason or another, are currently unemployed find employment. There is much to do, and that is also why we have strengthened our staff by renewing the Board of Directors and adding a secretarial figure: she is taking over the management of events, direct contact with members to understand their positions and needs and the evaluation of CVs".

What do you hope for the future?
Despite its successes, the association remains aware of the importance of maintaining the credibility of Italians in the sector. This is essential to prevent the misconduct of a few from damaging the reputation of all.

What is it referring to?

I'm referring to the sale of fake qualifications, a practice that damages the reputation of all Italian commanders and carries the real risk of discrediting the entire profession and giving more space to foreign professionals, penalizing the careers of younger ones. Fake qualifications create unfair competition for those who have studied and received regular training, making sacrifices and investing significant financial resources.

Are there other aspects besides the economic side?

"Time. With a fake title, time is shortened, ocean crossings and voyages never made are certified. The market exposes them, but our reputation collapses. I remember Vincenzo Poerio, now CEO of Tankoa, once saying that we Italians "must gain credibility." Credibility is the key, and it's undermined by these practices when, in fact, we are very capable of doing our job. And this is a problem, especially today when there are fewer and fewer Italian shipowners and we must tap into the pool of foreigners."

How is the collaboration with Gente di Mare, which you announced at the recent Monaco Yacht Show, going?

The agreement has brought concrete benefits to members thanks to the discounted prices on training courses offered by Gente di Mare to association members. The courses are conducted professionally and expertly, ensuring that members receive high-quality training, which is essential for their professional growth. Furthermore, one of our members is also their instructor, strengthening the bond between the two organizations and ensuring that the training offered is aligned with the members' needs.

What do you think of the reform of recreational boating licenses?

"I think it's a step forward in simplifying the lives of Italian professionals. Compared to other nationalities, we've always had significant bureaucratic difficulties. We're asked to do so much, while other nationalities have it much easier. Confindustria Nautica's commitment to improving this aspect is certainly a help for all Italian recreational sailors."

Based on your experience, what differences do you see between the main Italian and foreign manufacturers? 

"The gap with foreign markets is closing. Italy is building truly impressive vessels, and from a technical standpoint, we have little to envy foreign shipyards. However, we can do better in after-sales support, an area where a certain level of organization is lacking."

And what about the refit?

"I'd say we're even better off. I've done two major refits at Amico in Genoa and I've seen first-rate facilities, equipment, and organization. We have nothing to envy anyone."

The association is very committed to promoting green practices. How difficult is it for captains to implement sustainable habits and behaviors on board?

"Today, there's more awareness among shipowners, too, but it will still take time. Much has been done to save plastic and prevent waste from being dumped into the sea, but fuel consumption, overall, is still high."

By the way, what do you think about new hybrid technologies? 

"These are very interesting innovations. We need to learn how to manage lithium batteries and therefore take some precautions. It's a change of direction and also an adjustment to new technologies that is professionally stimulating, but it also brings with it challenges that we need to know how to manage."

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