ITALIAN YACHT MASTERS AND HIS PRESIDENT GINO BATTAGLIA AT MONACO SMART & SUSTAINABLE MARINA RENDEZVOUS 2024

The fourth edition of the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous, held on 22 and 23 september at the Monaco Yacht Club, was attended by over 250 delegates from around the world, including entrepreneurs, investors, promoters and marina developers. Organised by Monaco Marina Management, this initiative aims to promote the adoption of innovative and sustainable solutions for the marinas of the future. Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous 2024 emphasised the importance of greener technological innovations and the integration of infrastructures capable of supporting vessels that are getting more and more sustainable, such as clean energy or hydrogen-powered yachts.

From the right: Pietro Borgo, IYM captain and owner representative of M/Y Moonflower 72, Emilio Veronese aboard M/Y Amare superyacht, IYM President Gino Battaglia, captain Federico Sangregorio aboard M/Y Invictus and Andrea Pulese, chief engineer of MY Moonflower 72.

A particular highlight was the participation of Italian Yacht Masters, the association representing Italian superyacht captains, recognised for its contribution to the effort for a greener superyacht industry with the Steering to Green project. This platform is central to accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable boating industry and sees captains as an essential reference point for the practical application of innovations. The presence of Gino Battaglia, President of Italian Yacht Masters, along with captains Federico Sangregorio, Pietro Borgo and Emilio Veronese gave further relevance to the debate. President Battaglia moderated the conference entitled “How can technology optimise unique marina experiences”, offering his direct experience in the sector and highlighting how technology can improve the operational efficiency of marinas, making them more environmentally friendly. This session explored the integration of cutting-edge technologies into marina infrastructures to enhance both sustainability and the overall user experience. The focus was on how technological advancements could streamline operations, improve environmental impact, and cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions within the yachting industry. The discussion brought together experts from various sectors, including marina developers, yacht captains, and sustainability specialists such as David Seal (Master of Ceremony), Kelly J. Gordon (yacht captain), Randy Durband (CEO of Global Sustainable Tourism Council), Stavros Katsikadis (President of the Board, Greek Marinas Association & Managing Director at LAMDA Marinas Investments S.M.S.A.) and Maria Vera Vives (Head of expansion and sustainable development for Alcudiamar Marina). They explored innovative approaches such as the incorporation of alternative propulsion systems, the use of AI and Internet of Things for marina management, and the potential of floating marinas in environmentally sensitive areas. The event also emphasised a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating new technologies not just for yachts but also for marina infrastructure to meet the needs of future generations.

The panel “How can technology optimise unique marina experiences”, moderated by Gino Battaglia.

Projects such as Steering To Green demonstrate how the role of associations like Italian Yacht Masters is fundamental not only for the day-to-day management of yachts, but also in the adoption of practices (from all the stakeholders: starting from shipyards, technology sponsors, companies developing sustainable solutions and ending with the captains) that have a positive long-term impact on the sector. The participation of Italian Yacht Masters strengthens the Italian contribution within the international comparison platform, highlighting Italy's crucial role in the design and technology of superyachts, particularly oriented towards a greener and more responsible future.

Group picture with the winners of the prizes, including Alcudiamar Marina and Kas Marina.