A large group of captains gathered in the port city of Livorno, Italy, this past month for the 13th edition of the Benetti-Azimut Group Yachtmaster. A three-day event, the Yachtmaster gathers captains of yachts 100 feet and larger. Benetti’s largest facility, a 840,000-square foot shipyard built on a historic site where Benetti builds custom yachts in steel and aluminum over 154 feet (47 meters) and a nearby old palace hotel, on Livorno’s promenade, hosted the events.

More than 100 captains, most of them from the Benetti-Azimut fleet, took part in interactive workshops and shared ideas with Benetti-Azimut’s management team. In turn, the company took this opportunity to provide details of a client-driven quality project that is compiling all feedback from captains, brokers and owners to help shore up the efforts its important service department. The event, held under sunny skies, was also an occasion to have fun. Team-building activities included a Master Chef contest. The captains prepared gourmet dishes that a panel of international journalists had the pleasure of judging. The feedback, even from the most experienced captains, was positive. Captain Derek Payne, who is currently following the construction of a 210-foot (64-meter) custom Benetti, said he always enjoys the camaraderie and relaxed atmosphere of these gatherings offer.

For more information, visit benettiyachts.it