One of the most significant turning points was the split that led to the formation of Nautica Italiana in 2015, a rival association to UCINA, involving major players like the Azimut | Benetti Group, and the eventual reunification under Confindustria Nautica. This article explores the history, challenges, and resolutions that brought Italy’s yacht industry to where it stands today.
Origins of Confindustria Nautica
Confindustria Nautica, the Italian Marine Industry Association, is the primary representative body for Italy’s boating and yachting sector. It evolved from UCINA (Unione Nazionale Cantieri e Industrie Nautiche e Affini), which was founded in 1967 to support and promote Italy’s maritime industry. UCINA worked to provide industry advocacy, shape policies, and organize key events such as the Genoa International Boat Show, a major event in the global yachting calendar.
For decades, UCINA played a central role in shaping Italy’s position as a world leader in yacht manufacturing. The organization provided support to boatbuilders, promoted Italian craftsmanship worldwide, and helped establish Italy as a premier destination for luxury yacht production. However, internal conflicts and differences in vision among key players in the industry would eventually lead to a significant split. Some industry leaders felt that UCINA was not adapting quickly enough to the changing global market, while others believed the association was too focused on certain segments of the industry at the expense of broader representation.
The 2014 Split: Azimut | Benetti’s Departure from UCINA
A turning point came in 2014 when Azimut | Benetti, one of the world’s largest yacht manufacturers, chose not to participate in the Genoa International Boat Show. The official explanation cited commercial reasons, such as shifting market strategies and the need to invest in other international boat shows. However, deeper issues were at play.
There were growing tensions within UCINA regarding leadership decisions, event management, and the overall direction of the association. Some companies, including Azimut | Benetti, felt that their interests were not adequately represented, leading to dissatisfaction with UCINA’s approach to industry governance. Disputes arose over how the association allocated funds, how it marketed the Genoa International Boat Show, and how it handled relationships with international clients and investors.
Following the boycott of the boat show, Azimut | Benetti, along with several other high-profile brands, made the decision to leave UCINA entirely. This departure was a significant blow to the organization, as Azimut | Benetti was a key player in the Italian yachting industry. The company’s absence weakened UCINA’s influence in the global market, reducing its ability to present itself as the unified voice of Italian yachting.
The Formation of Nautica Italiana (2015)
In 2015, Azimut | Benetti and other leading yacht builders formed a rival association, Nautica Italiana. The goal was to create an alternative industry body that would take a different approach to representing Italian boatbuilders. Nautica Italiana aimed to integrate with Confindustria, Italy’s national federation for manufacturing and service industries, rather than operating under the existing structure of UCINA.
Nautica Italiana positioned itself as a more modern and international-facing association, with a focus on luxury yacht production, export markets, and high-end boatbuilding. Its founding members included several of Italy’s most prestigious yacht manufacturers, who were eager to take a fresh approach to industry representation. Nautica Italiana emphasized the importance of luxury branding, global competitiveness, and increased government recognition for the yachting sector as a key part of the Italian economy.
However, Nautica Italiana’s approach also meant it had a narrower focus than UCINA. While UCINA represented a broad range of companies, including small boatbuilders, suppliers, and service providers, Nautica Italiana mainly catered to high-end yacht manufacturers. This created further divisions in the industry, as smaller businesses and mid-sized boatbuilders felt they were being left out of the conversation.
The Struggle Between UCINA and Nautica Italiana
For several years, UCINA and Nautica Italiana operated as competing organizations, causing division within the industry. The competition created logistical and financial challenges, particularly when it came to organizing events such as the Genoa International Boat Show and other trade fairs. Companies were forced to choose between the two associations, leading to further fragmentation within the sector.
This rivalry also affected Italy’s presence in international markets. With two separate associations representing Italian yacht builders, there was no single, unified voice advocating for the industry at global events, trade negotiations, and political discussions. This weakened Italy’s influence in key markets such as the United States, the Middle East, and Asia, where other countries’ yacht industries were becoming increasingly competitive.
Tensions between the two groups made it difficult to present a cohesive vision for the future of Italian yacht manufacturing. Some companies were caught in the middle, unsure which organization could best represent their interests. Government support for the sector also became more complicated, as policymakers struggled to navigate the divided landscape.
The Path to Reunification: The Birth of Confindustria Nautica (2019)
By 2019, there was a growing consensus that the division was harming the industry rather than strengthening it. Industry leaders, government officials, and key stakeholders pushed for reconciliation between UCINA and Nautica Italiana. The split had created unnecessary competition, drained resources, and made it harder to develop long-term strategies for the industry’s growth.
That same year, a major restructuring effort led to the dissolution of Nautica Italiana, and a new organization, Confindustria Nautica, was established to bring all industry players under one unified banner. Confindustria Nautica absorbed UCINA’s legacy while incorporating elements of Nautica Italiana’s modernized approach. The goal was to create a stronger, more cohesive industry association capable of addressing the challenges and opportunities of the global market.
This restructuring allowed former Nautica Italiana members to gradually return to the fold, helping to mend relationships and rebuild trust among industry players. It also restored Italy’s ability to present a unified image on the international stage, making it easier to attract investors, negotiate trade deals, and influence industry policies.
Azimut | Benetti’s Return to Confindustria Nautica (2025)
Despite the unification in 2019, Azimut | Benetti remained independent for several years. However, in March 2025, shortly after the passing of its founder Paolo Vitelli on December 31, the company announced its return to Confindustria Nautica following a unanimous vote by the association’s Presidential Council.
We firmly believe that the more united the nautical industry is, the stronger the foundation upon which our businesses are built."
CEO
Azimut-Benetti Group
This decision marked the final step in the reunification of Italy’s yachting industry, with all major players once again aligned under a single organization. The move evidenced leadership of Confindustria Nautica’s president, Saverio Cecchi, who had made it his mission to bring the industry together. Cecchi’s efforts to create a more inclusive and forward-thinking association played a key role in convincing Azimut | Benetti to rejoin.
Azimut | Benetti CEO Marco Valle emphasized the importance of unity, stating that working together would strengthen Italy’s global standing in the yachting sector and drive future growth, sustainability, and innovation. He highlighted the need for collaboration in areas such as environmental responsibility, technological advancements, and market expansion.
The Powerhouses Behind Confindustria Nautica
In addition to Azimut | Benetti, several other prestigious Italian yacht builders are key members of Confindustria Nautica. The Ferretti Group, home to brands like CRN, Custom Line, and Riva, continues to shape the luxury yacht market with pioneering designs. Sanlorenzo S.p.A. is another powerhouse, specializing in custom-built superyachts ranging from 24 to 70 meters. Meanwhile, Baglietto, with their rich heritage dating back to 1854, is best known for for constructing high-performance aluminum yachts and large steel vessels.
The Overmarine Group, under its Mangusta Yachts brand, has also made a name for itself with sleek, high-speed luxury yachts, while Cantiere delle Marche leads the way in building explorer yachts that concentrate on both rugged and elegant designs.
Additionally, the Permare Group, through Amer Yachts, is known for their commitment to sustainability and custom yacht craftsmanship. These companies, alongside others within Confindustria Nautica, ensure that Italy remains at the forefront of yacht manufacturing.
A United Future for Italian Yachting
The return of Azimut | Benetti to Confindustria Nautica represents a new chapter for Italy’s yacht industry. The division that once fractured the sector has been resolved, allowing for greater collaboration and a stronger international presence. With a unified association, Italian yacht builders are better positioned to address global challenges, advocate for industry needs, and maintain their reputation as leaders in luxury yacht manufacturing.
While past conflicts shaped the evolution of Confindustria Nautica, the industry’s ability to come together demonstrated the importance of cooperation in an increasingly competitive global market. The lessons learned from this period of division will likely guide the association’s approach in the years to come, establishing Italy's continued leadership in the world of yachting.
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