The first day of the 2023 SATEC Convention concluded yesterday, 29th June, with the award ceremony for the 32nd Boating Pioneers Award, organised by the Italian Marine Industry Association – Confindustria Nautica, in the stunning setting of Genoa’s Villa Lo Zerbino.
The Boating Pioneers Award, established by the Italian Marine Industry Association in 1988 and which since 2007 enjoys the patronage of the Italian Ministry for Business and Made in Italy Production, is an acknowledgement of the commitment, professionalism, and skills of entrepreneurs, managers, industry professionals, Italian and foreign journalists, planners, and designers who have passionately believed and continue to believe in this sector, contributing to its growth and affirmation on international markets.
The Presidents of the Jury, Admiral Sergio Liardo, soon to be Deputy Commander General of the Port Captaincy Corps, and Saverio Cecchi, President of the Italian Marine Industry Association, took turns on stage to present prizes to the Pioneers of the boating industry nominated for this 32nd edition of the Award.
The Boating Pioneer Award for the Manager category went to Luigi Selva, the last of Lorenzo’s sons, founder of the family’s founding company Meccanica Selva Lorenzo & figli. Thanks to his strong passion and dedication, Luigi Selva contributed to making Selva Marine the only Italian outboard engine manufacturer in Europe.
In the Designers category, the award went to Francesco Paszkowski, an internationally renowned designer who has designed for the leading shipyards in Italy and worldwide, a symbol of Made in Italy excellence.
Fabio Petrone received the award for the Italian Journalists category, due to his career as an established journalist, specialising in the boating and automotive sectors, during which he has brought experience and professionalism to new multimedia communication tools. The Award for the Foreign Journalists category went to Justin Ratcliffe, currently editor for Yachts International and SuperYacht Times, digital content creator and internationally successful TV commentator.
In the Industry Professionals category, Andrea Henriquet received the Boating Pioneer Award for over forty years of professional activity, in which he has experienced the sea in all its forms, as an instructor and trainer of professional figures, founder of the Vento di Mare sailing school, and for his important sporting achievements as skipper and sailing champion. Francesco Topazio was also awarded in the same category for the commitment and professionalism with which, for forty years, he has carried out his activities as a shipwright.
The 2023 edition also saw two Special Prizes for Pioneers of the Boating Industry in 2023: Marco Bucci, Mayor of Genoa, was given the prize for opening the city of Genoa to the world, for his tenacity in implementing innovative projects, for his love of the sea and great passion for sailing, the driving force of a city focused on the future.
The President of the Liguria Region, Giovanni Toti, was awarded the Special Prize for making the Liguria Region one of the greatest international yachting hubs on the Mediterranean and the first Italian region in terms of added value and employment across the boating industry.
