Benetti’s Livorno shipyard

The modernisation of infrastructure and on-board technology, preventive maintenance, turnkey services and the new Azimut|Benetti Service Division were the main topics at the 26^th Benetti Yachtmaster in Italy.

For the first time, the annual event – created in 2000 by Azimut|Benetti Group founder Paolo Vitelli – was hosted entirely in the company’s Livorno and Viareggio production facilities, which welcomed about 200 superyacht captains, surveyors and owner representatives, as well as Giovana Vitelli, Chair of Azimut|Benetti Group.

The opening day was an opportunity to present the results of the process launched following the listening phase after the 2025 event.

In response to the evidence that emerged last year from structured tools such as the Net Promoter Score and the ‘Perspective from the Bridge’ project, Benetti has implemented new processes and technologies at its facilities to optimise operating standards and flows.

In recent years, Benetti’s drive for innovation has also resulted in structural improvements to shipyard safety. The installation of electronic panels and automatic turnstiles now optimises the management of people flow and access to work areas.

Massimiliano Casoni, Benetti’s General Manager, said: “Ongoing dialogue with owners, captains and crews is a strategic lever for excellence in the production and servicing of our yachts. These activities have helped to strengthen the relationship of trust with our stakeholders, translating into tangible actions across the entire supply chain, from initial contact with the customer to after-sales service, and establishing a long-term relationship between the brand, the owner and the crew.”

Massimiliano Casoni, General Manager, Benetti

Direct feedback from owners resulted in the creation of the Azimut|Benetti Service Division, which was presented to captains during the second day. Launched by the Group in January 2026, the platform meets the needs of contemporary owners seeking simplicity, immediacy and intelligent solutions.

Casoni said: “The Service Division is the natural evolution of our approach to services, designed to support customers throughout the entire life cycle of their yacht, protecting the asset, preserving its value over time and guaranteeing real peace of mind.”

The three strategic pillars of the new proposition are Technical Services, Fleet Operation, and the Lifestyle and Turnkey ecosystem.

The shipyard provides management services that include personalised maintenance plans, warranty extensions and global assistance at certain costs. Additionally, a digital IoT platform installed on board increases the boat’s lifespan and performance.

Benetti is also investing in human capital with the Crew Academy, the programme of training excellence that enhances crew expertise and service standards. Finally, through its Yachtique atelier, the shipyard offers interior design consulting and bespoke solutions, from move-in-ready collections to furnishings designed by leading luxury brands.

Supporting this vision, the Benetti Service Net project was presented during the conference at the Livorno shipyard. This global support network has a broad base of 16 service points located in key geographical areas and managed by 10 partners selected and certified by Benetti.

The service points operate according to rigorous technical standards and under the shipyard’s central coordination, ensuring prompt support, high quality and operational continuity wherever a yacht is cruising. The Benetti Service Net also ensures integrated access to all the shipyard’s maintenance and warranty programmes worldwide.

Also attending the 26^th Yachtmaster, Lusben – the Azimut|Benetti Group refit division in Varazze – answered participants’ questions about programmes and services for captains and owners, illustrating the technological innovations, facilities and teams of professionals at the three sites. The event was also an opportunity to look back over Lusben’s 70 years in business since the company’s foundation in Viareggio in 1956.

Yachtmaster guests were also able to soak up Benetti’s heritage by immersing themselves in the atmosphere of this year’s edition of the Viareggio Carnival (Carnevale de Viareggio), an iconic Italian tradition that shares a common heritage with the shipyard. Both were founded in 1873 by the skilled dockworkers and craftsmen of the Darsena.

It was the ingenuity of master carpenters and caulkers that gave life to the first carnival floats, transferring their construction expertise from wooden boats to city parades.

This storied setting, involving masked races and the museum spaces in the Cittadella, provided the backdrop for team-building activities, encouraging discussion and strengthening the synergy between captains and professionals.

Benetti Yachtmaster 2026 Partners

Giga: Acquera Yachting, Awlgrip, Termodinamica, Viraver, Volvo Penta

Mega: ASEA Power Systems, Boero, CMC Marine, Crew Pro, Dockwise, Jotun, MTU, Raymarine, RINA, Saim Marine, Telemar

Class: Asea Nautica, CGT, Fincantieri, Fraser, Memetti, Naiad, Sail ADV, Videoworks, VSS, ZF Group

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