The 2016 Genoa Boat Show was unveiled in an atmosphere that to call high tension sounds almost euphemistic.
OPEN WAR BETWEEN UCINA AND ITALIAN BOATING
It is open warfare between Ucina, the de facto organizer of the Genoa Boat Show through Saloni Nautici, and Nautica Italiana, the association formed last year after a split from Ucina that includes some major Italian shipyards such as Apreamare, Azimut-Benetti, Baglietto, the Ferretti Group and Mondomarine. The latter was not accepted by Confindustria (which by statute does not provide for two representative bodies of the nautical sector) after a comparative study of the two realities, and its member companies announced their exit from Confindustria itself: Nautica Italiana has made clear the idea of organizing an alternative event to the Nautico, in Carrara, in 2017. “We will defend the Boat Show,” said Carla Demaria, president of Ucina, “until there is a better alternative for our members and the industry. As of today, it does not exist, you cannot compete with 56 years of history and know-how. For now, the Nautico remains our priority, and we have done everything, including in concert with the institutions, to improve it. You will see a good show this year.”
SAILING ON THE RISE
The 2016 Boat Show will be staged September 20-25: good news from the sailing world. Accomplice to a reorganized Dock, sailing grows 5% with average boat size growing 19%. This is an important sign that the shipbuilding industry has decided to broaden representation with the display of top-of-the-line boats. Such is the case with the Advanced A80, a 100% Made in Italy boat, which to date is the largest sailboat at the show. Trend also confirmed by the return of important foreign names, such as Chantier Amel and Najad, Rodman and Bali (excellent response for the catamaran sector with an increasingly important representation at the Show confirming an expanding market). Another new feature: this year, on an experimental basis but with the goal of becoming a constant plus, floating platforms will be built to replace the dockside offices at the shipyards. Also on the rise are exhibitors and the range of accessory, component and technical apparel brands that will have a dedicated area within the Sailing Word.
EVENTS FOR SAILORS
Present at this edition are the M32s, state-of-the-art racing sailing catamarans that can exceed even 30 knots of speed. They will be based in the Navy showing the general public all their wondrous potential. And again: the 56th Genoa Boat Show will host Sailing Campuses for the first time where sailing knows no architectural barriers. Also on display will be the very fast SKUD 18, a class that will also participate in the Rio 2016 Paralympics and whose hare boat in collaboration with the FIV (Italian Sailing Federation), Liberty, a dinghy equipped with servo controls, and Hansa 303. As part of the events dedicated to sailing, the Teatro del Mare will host, on Saturday, September 24, the Owner of the Year Award by UVAI – Unione Vela d’Altura Italiana and FIV – Federazione Italiana Vela along with the presentation of the 2017 151 Miglia Regatta. Renewed again this year are collaborations with major associations related to the world of the sea, including the Italian Sailing Federation and the Italian Naval League. Confirmed, for the 12th consecutive year, the Navigar m’è dolce campaign, which UCINA promotes nationwide to spread the culture of boating and the sea. www.salonenautico.com
