Formenti (Confindustria Nautica) calls for a new export model for superyachts.
At the Sailing Super Yacht Forum in Genoa, the supply chain strategy was relaunched: more incoming, more country system, more training and a Boat Show conceived as a global platform for the industry
Genoa - The opening of the Sailing Super Yacht Forum, organized by SUPER YACHT 24, featured a wide-ranging reflection by Piero Formenti on the role of the Italian nautical industry and its upcoming challenges. The president of Confindustria Nautica (Italian Marine Industry Association), began by emphasizing the importance of the event: "This Forum enriches dialogue and discussion within our industry," said Formenti, "and it's a pleasure to open it here in Genoa, one of the beating hearts of the international nautical industry and the headquarters of our association."
He immediately placed the focus on Italy's leadership, calling it an achievement that continues to consolidate. "Italy remains the world's leading exporter of yacht and superyacht construction," he states, "thanks to a unique blend of advanced technologies, design expertise, craftsmanship, a culture of beauty, and local ties." A combination that, according to Formenti, explains both the shipyards' reputation and the sector's economic clout. It's not a niche sector, but a driving force. "High-end is not a niche; it's a true driver of development, capable of generating skilled employment, investment, and international competitiveness."
Hence the shift to the future and the need to prepare for more complex markets and new competition. In this context, Formenti emphasized the strategic role of the Genoa International Boat Show. "The Show is more than just a trade fair. It is a global platform for dialogue and business, a place where companies, institutions, and buyers can explore the future of the nautical industry together." Therefore, the choice of the new 2026 dates, October 1st to 6th, is not an organizational detail but part of a broader strategy to "strengthen the Show as an industry show, addressing the needs of the entire supply chain."
International relations are intertwined with the issue of global visibility. Formenti described as "historic" the agreement making Confindustria Nautica a strategic partner of the Louis Vuitton America's Cup 2027, scheduled for Naples. "Bringing the America's Cup organizers to Genoa, meeting our companies, creating a direct link with the world's most prestigious sailing competition: all this opens up extraordinary international prospects for the sector."
Formenti also discussed export policies, citing his meeting with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and the Italian Trade Agency (ICE). "Our global leadership and the slowdown of the US export engine, partly due to tariffs, require a serious rethink of our export model. Italian collectives abroad remain useful, but they're not enough. They only work for certain sectors and markets. For the rest, strong public support is needed for the incoming foreign buyers to Italy, linked to Made in Italy trade fairs." For the nautical industry, the reason is clear: "Our boats are bulky and expensive to transport. Bringing buyers to us is more effective and rational." Furthermore, the Italian context allows "selling not just the product, but the country system: industry, regions, and tourism. In essence, the Italian way of life," explained the president of Confindustria Nautica, pointing to a competitive advantage that other countries cannot replicate.
Among the hot topics was reform, defined as essential for the competitiveness of the Italian flag. Formenti highlighted the work on the new administrative simplification package already underway in the Senate with the Enhancement of Sea Resources bill, along with the revision of the safety regulations for recreational vessels. He also mentioned the simplifications achieved for refitting, the subject of ongoing discussions with Customs and the Revenue Agency.
Finally, training. This is an issue that Formenti wanted to prioritize, entrusting it to a vice president with a dedicated mandate: "It is a fundamental element for the development of our industry." Following the reform of Decree 121/2005, work is now focused on businesses' needs: "We have completed the first qualitative assessment, and now we are completing the quantitative one. The goal is to introduce young people to our professions and develop appropriate training programs, particularly for the three-year post-middle school program."
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