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WINNERS OF THE 34th BOATING PIONEERS AWARD
THE AWARD WINNERS INCLUDED MANAGERS, MARITIME PROFESSIONALS, ITALIAN AND FOREIGN JOURNALISTS, PLANNERS AND DESIGNERS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS OF ITALIAN BOATING ACROSS THE WORLD.
The first day of the SATEC 2025 Convention kicked off on Thursday 15th May, with the prize-giving ceremony for the 34th Boating Pioneer Awards, organised by the Italian Marine Industry Association in Santa Margherita Ligure, at the Cervara Abbey.
The Boating Pioneer Award was first established by the Italian Marine Industry Association in 1988 and, for the past thirty-four editions, the prize has recognised entrepreneurs, managers, industry professionals, Italian and international journalists, planners and designers who, with professionalism and dedication, have promoted and continue to promote the excellence that is the Made in Italy brand throughout the world. The award pays tribute to creativity, commitment and the ability to innovate by meeting the challenges of the market while still respecting its traditions and exalting the essential role played by passion during the creative process.
The President of the Jury Cons. Riccardo Rigillo, Chief of Cabinet of the Italian Ministry for Sea Policy and Saverio Cecchi, President of the Italian Marine Industry Association, presented the awards to the Boating Pioneers of 2025.
The Boating Pioneer Award for the Manager category was given to Orione Samorì, a leading figure in the world of boating who has been guiding Solimar with a passion since 1979. His profound knowledge of the sea and entrepreneurial vision have led the company to achieve excellence in the production of high-quality nautical equipment, combining craftsmanship and innovation.
Carlo Galeazzi was awarded the 2025 title of Boating Pioneer in the Planners and Designers category. An internationally renowned architect and yacht designer, he has left his mark on the nautical world with his hallmark innovative and elegant style. Carlo has collaborated with a number of major yards, signing iconic projects and creating interiors that combine beauty and functionality.
Emilio Martinelli was awarded the Boating Pioneer Award in the Italian Journalists category. A seasoned and passionate voice of Italian nautical journalism, with a career spanning over forty years, Martinelli has reported on the nautical world with competence and an unmistakable style, collaborating with prestigious publications and covering major international events.
The prize for the Foreign Journalist category was awarded to David Robinson, an industry journalist with over three decades of experience across the nautical world, from recreational to commercial. His international work provides him with a global view of the boating market, which he shares in the pages of IBI.
For the marine Industry Professionals category, Gino Costa was awarded the recognition of being a Boating Pioneer for being an irreplaceable reference point for Marina di Loano, with over thirty years of dedication to Ligurian boating. His experience and expertise have contributed to the port’s efficiency and safety, and his constant availability has made him a truly respected figure for the sector.
The 2025 edition will be remembered for the Special Memorial Prize dedicated to Paolo Vitelli, an enlightened entrepreneur and leading figure in the Italian and international boating industry. Chairman and founder of Azimut Benetti, Paolo transformed his vision into a world-leading group, promoting the Made in Italy flag throughout the world. At the helm of the Italian Marine Industry Association from 1998 to 2006, he led the institution with determination and vision.
The event was moderated by Donatella Bianchi, esteemed journalist, TV author and herself a winner of the 2024 Boating Pioneer Award in the Italian Journalists category.
