April 2006, Chamonix, France

Italian culture, the traditions of family and style aren’t limited to the people you are related to and the clothes on your back. They’re found in business, life philosophy and any combination thereof. Azimut-Benetti practices its business philosophy along these lines. Owner, employee, designer, captain or crew, the company makes the effort to treat each as "one of ours" and always does so in an impressive fashion.The result of this camaraderie is a sharing of ideas that works to strengthen the entire Azimut-Benetti organization.

To this end, the company hosted its annual Yachtmasters event, gathering almost 60 captains from the worldwide Benetti fleet to Chamonix, in the French Alps. Skiing and snowboarding are just the activities to lure adventurous captains to the retreat, which offers a little R&R mixed with conferences, presentations and debates on yachting with industry professionals. (Click image to enlarge)

Giving back to the captains with this generous retreat is reward for a year of good work and an incentive for these frontline users to share their opinions on the Azimut-Benetti product. This helps the company understand in which direction to evolve, what to fix and what to leave unchanged.

Professor Graham Page of the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) offered the first presentation, on medicine at sea. Page and ARI are affiliated with The First Call, International Centre for Maritime Medicine, a network providing 24-hour access to doctors ready to give medical advice from shore to ship. ABB presented second, highlighting the manufacturing and installation of an Azipod system aboard Ambrosia III. Business risk consultancy Drum Cussac discussed maritime safety, with a breakdown of services it offers and devices and measures it uses to protect its yachting clients around the globe. Last was an officer from the International Maritime Organization, a U.N. agency concerned with ship travel and ocean safety. The day ended with questions and opinions. (Click image to enlarge)

In true Benetti fashion, everything was first-class, from lodging in the best hotel to dining in the most coveted restaurants. Several dinners were accompanied by special treats, including a champagne tasting hosted by Krug and a cigar and cognac sampling provided by the General Port Company. (Click image to enlarge)

Yachtmasters is not feasible without the support of sponsors. This year, Dockwise Yacht Transport, Boero Superyacht Coatings, VT Naiad Marine, MTU, Asea and others helped Azimut-Benetti host the event. Carrying on the traditions of hospitality and elegance, next year will no doubt be another wild success.

Benetti’s PR department
e-mail: aguillard@benettiyachts.it