The Azimut/Benetti Group 2015 Yachting Gala has just taken place in Portofino. This annual event is dedicated to enthusiasts of yachts designed and created by brand names belonging to the Azimut|Benetti Group who are world leaders in the sector and the only Group to be under full Italian control.
Over the weekend of 27 and 28 June, more than 700 international clients were welcomed by the Group and other iconic names in Made in Italy luxury such as Damiani and Maserati. They spent two days in Portofino Marina and Paraggi Bay that were dedicated to seeing the best of the nautical world and to sampling the Made in Italy lifestyle. Another special event was the world debut of the new Azimut Magellano 66.
During the weekend, Portofino Marina was fully dedicated to the most glamorous event on the nautical calendar at which guests were treated to seeing the Group’s whole fleet lined up and available for them, along with other examples of Italian luxury and superb taste from other iconic names. This Azimut|Benetti Yachting Gala was the eighth of its kind.
The weekend opened with sea trials which let guests admire the Azimut and Benetti range before its official launch which will take place at Boat Shows in the Autumn. On the Saturday afternoon, yachts and jewels sparkled at what can only be described as a exceptional event: the presentation of the new Azimut Magellano 66 was accompanied by a fashion show of jewellery created by Maison Damiani, the brand name from Valenzano which has represented the sheer excellence of Italian Jewellery for many generations.
In the evening, the famous Paraggi beach was transformed into the Azimut Beach Club by an Agency from London – one of the best known agencies in the world for organising VIP events. First dinner, then music, then the yacht parade followed by a laser show and a huge bonfire on the beach.
Sunday again saw space dedicated to the latest news in yachts along with fresh opportunities to test other types of engines: those fitted to powerful, elegant Maserati, yet another wonderful example of Made in Italy excellence.
Among the Yachting Gala partners, in addition to technical sponsors Volvo Penta and Cummins, Pernod Ricard – with brands as Mumm and Absolut – and Villeroy & Boch who enriched the interiors of the yachts on show with their world renowned china tableware.
