There is no doubt that Italy is the global leader in superyacht production. The numbers confirm it: 4.4 billion euros, in fact, is the figure relating to the turnover of the Italian maritime industry. These findings were presented in a study titled “The State of the Art of the Global Yachting Market” by Confindustria Nautica and Deloitte. The sector’s rapid growth necessitates the continuous development of qualified professionals who operate in the maritime industry.
A highly qualified crew member who requires specific skills and knowledge and is essential for everyone who wishes to sail and work on a super yacht. Nicola Carbonara, the entrepreneur who founded numerous institutions, including the European Tourism Institute, is well aware of this. A study and research organization whose educational programs include those for the positions of Yacht Hostess and Steward, Marinaio for Yachting, and Chef de bordo. In terms of superyachts, the Italian naval industry is the world leader, with a market share of almost 54%.
In this exclusive interview, the Italian entrepreneur shares his perspective on the role of Made in Italy in the global nautical industry, recounting his experience in this field.
When and how did your interest for the nautical world begin?
I’ve always loved the sea, even as a child. The passion for sailing stems from a desire for adventure, experimentation, and the freedom that the sea provides. Therefore, nautica and all that is part of this world, such as yachts, sailboats, or motor boats, are only a means of connecting with nature. It allows you to navigate in open seas away from land, experiencing the true dimension of a human being within the vast ecosystem. Nautica is a way to experience the depths and vastness of the sea and reconnect with Mother Nature.
What are the most important global nautical manifestations, in your opinion?
In Italy, the Salone Nautico di Genova is unquestionably the most important, but beyond national borders, we find the one in Cannes, which I recently visited. Then there’s Düsseldorf, which, although being on land, is an incredible exhibition that demonstrates the ability of Germans to organize a nautical fair even without a sea, transferring giant yachts on land through exceptional systems. Although the Düsseldorf Salon is the most important event, the Cannes Yachting Festival takes advantage of the stunning coastline of the Italian Riviera, providing a backdrop for this world of beauty and advanced engineering.
What events have you attended up to this point, and which would you like to attend in the future?
Personally, I’ve attended a variety of nautical shows, ranging from minor ones like NauticSud in Naples to major ones in Rimini, Brindisi, and Bari, all the way up to the most important in Genoa. Then there were the international maritime fairs at Cannes, Düsseldorf, and Monaco. I’d like to attend some US boat shows, particularly the Miami International Boat Show, which appears to be one of the world’s most extravagant boat shows.
Why do you believe Italy is the leader in this field?
First and foremost, it is worth noting that we, together with the French, Spanish, and English, have been among the most prominent naval designers over the centuries. We have cantieri in Genoa and Naples that built ships in the previous centuries. In the late 1800s, Ferdinando di Borbone chose Castellamare di Stabia as the king’s naval base due to its proximity to mineral water sources and excellent road connections to Naples. As a result, we can say that Italy is currently the leader in this field because we have had great navigators, including historical figures such as Christopher Columbus. Furthermore, we have a great culture in the nautical field, in canning, and at the level of mastery. And I hope that these last ones do not go because today’s youth are not really close to this world.
How do you contribute through your institutions to the growth of Made in Italy in the nautical world?
We certainly provide an essential contribution from the design school, also known as the Italian Design Institute, which includes master’s programs aimed at preparing professionals in the fields of yacht design and interior yacht design. It is about research paths that benefit from key collaborations, such as the one with The Italian Sea Group’s Carrara Academy. In this way, we are able to offer, both in Italy and abroad, highly specialized professionals who, through our educational programs, acquire the theoretical-practical skills that are immediately spendable in this world. Indeed, there are many professionals who are orienting themselves toward the maritime industry.
What are the most in-demand professions in this sector?
On a pure nautical level, there are undoubtedly many requirements for marinas, hostesses and stewards of the ship, chefs of the ship, captains of the ships, and managers of tourist ports. There is a great demand for these professional figures, which require certain skills that are frequently lacking, particularly in southern Italy. The situation is slightly better in the centre-north, but there is still a lot to do. In contrast, among the figures that the industry need are designers, or better yet, yacht designers, and those who work in the interiors of vessels.
What does it mean for an entrepreneur to invest in the future of young nautical professionals?
For those that do business in this sector, it means securing the most crucial resource, namely human capital, and, more specifically, human capital that is motivated and equipped with the skills required to provide high-quality professional services both in Italy and abroad.
The educational programs offered by IET – Istituto Europeo del Turismo and IDI – Italian Design Institute in this field benefit from partnerships: who are the most important partners?
IDI’s partners in the nautical sector are numerous and spread throughout Italy. Among the most prestigious are THE ITALIAN SEA GROUP, ROSSINAVI, AZIMUT BENETTI, C&G Consulting Srl – Cossutti Yacht Design, Manta Project Srl, Optima Design, FFD Studio, Catamarine S.r.l., Cantiere Navale Patrone Moreno, Performance Boats, MOLTENI&C SPA, AYD – Architettura, Yacht & Design, Victory Design Srl, Claudia Ciccotti Design Srls, XL YACHT SERVICE. In terms of IET, we are working on significant collaborations to expand our network of partners, the most important of which is now Costa Crociere.
And what can they provide students?
They certainly provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on the job and, in addition, to be interviewed and placed in work situations, as well as to join a network of relationships that allows them to improve over time.
What feelings do you get when you see one of the IET-trained students board a yacht or a cruise ship to fulfill his dream?
Feeling intense emotions. One of my professors once told me that work had to be invented, and I still remember it; we’re talking about the 1980s. We frequently do market research to promote new figures. Work is a tool for self-actualization, therefore seeing young men and women realize a dream is a huge satisfaction. Seeing someone achieve their own goals elicits an emotion in me that I cannot contain, even though I now think of each of them almost as a child.
