Candellari (MZ Electronics): "The market demands larger winches."

Italwinch, a brand of MZ Electronics, is a leading Italian company in the design and production of anchoring systems for superyachts, specializing in custom solutions up to 90 meters.

In SUPER YACHT 24, Massimo Candellari, technical manager of the Monza-based company, delves into the increasingly technical role of winches, the evolving needs of shipyards and therefore of their range, and the operational issues encountered on board.

What are the main upcoming innovations?

"This isn't a real innovation: we're expanding the range and, compared to the standard product, we've introduced significant structural innovations. We're collaborating with an Italian shipyard on a new model that we'll deliver at the beginning of the year and that will be built in Monza. It's a newly conceived product, engineered with a more modern approach. We've revised the engineering layout, dedicated to that size and above. We're aiming to have increasingly larger products because that's what the market demands."

What is the company's philosophy and distinguishing features?

Our range of anchoring products is extensive: we offer solutions for inflatable boats from 6 meters to 90-meter yachts, and we are present in virtually every shipyard in Italy. The market is divided between the more common off-the-shelf products and the high-end products, a feature that sets Italwinch apart. Our strength lies in adapting the product to the customer's needs; there is no standard: each installation, project, and line has its own characteristics, and the product is customized to meet the shipyard's needs. Another strength is the support we provide during design: we are often asked to position our products on a shared 3D plan to verify the technical aspects, which is not always within the scope of the shipyard's technical department. This is an advantage our competitors lack.

You have a collaboration with Posidonia, which makes anchors.

When supplying a winch, liability is often unclear in the event of a problem. By offering a complete and tested package, we guarantee that the combination has already been checked and certified. This is a guarantee for the construction site. Chain is not always purchased through us; large construction sites often prefer to contact Posidonia directly. Our goal is to guarantee a proven package; we test the Posidonia product on our winches and guarantee compatibility and proper operation.

How are the needs of superyachts changing?

"Unfortunately, we're seeing a decline in onboard skills, a complex issue for a technical and potentially dangerous component like a winch, which, if misused, can cause damage to both people and the hull. We're therefore trying to make the product safer by introducing emergency systems such as controls and interlocks. Accidents are occurring more frequently these days, and shipyards are aware of this."

Your main product?

The winch, usually connected to a chain stopper. Certifications always follow for larger sizes, with the entire verification process and all the necessary records. Our strength is our cooperation with the shipyard, adapting and customizing according to the geometry of the boat and the lines defined by the shipyard. Added to this is our after-sales support: sea trials, initial start-up, support throughout every phase of commissioning our machines, right up to service, where we are available anywhere in the world.

Do you have a base to follow the construction sites closely?

"The main office is in Monza, with assembly and machining operations. We also have a base in Viareggio, in the heart of superyacht production, where we manage the largest winches and can respond quickly."

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