All is ready for the most important Italian boating event, scheduled to take place from the 1st to the 6th of October 2014. As always the Ligurian show stands out for the extent and variety of what’s on offer: previews of boats of all shapes and sizes, accessories and systems. The positive trend for sailing boats is confirmed by the many “previews”, but there’s plenty of action in the world of middle size motor cruisers and inflatables as well. The Genoa International Boat Show has introduced some changes to this years show in a bid to present a renewed and more dynamic edition. First, the show will last one day longer than usual. The most obvious change in 2014, however, is the new layout, an operation that began last year with the “red wall”, which accompanied visitors upon entering the grounds.
However, almost 100 new products announced for the 2014 Genoa Boat Show. Let’s begin with the “stars”: the largest motor yacht is the Sanlorenzo SL118 measuring 36.5 metres (120 ft), on show for the first time in lines.
If one then let’s one’s finger travel down to the opposite end of the list of boats on display, among the rigid hulls (therefore excluding inflatables), the smallest is the Vergaplast 220 T (2.2 metres, 7 ft) also available in a transparent VTR version. Among the sailing boats on show this year the record belongs to the Fareast 18 measuring 5.8 metres (20 ft).
Among the big boats Sanlorenzo will also be displaying the SD112 (33.60 m, 110 ft), while the Ferretti Group presents the Pershing 70, a new model here receiving its Italian preview, and the Navetta Custom Line 28. A mention must also go to the 2014 novelty from Monte Carlo Yachts, part of the Bénéteau Group, yet whose shipyard, management and craftsmen are Italian, the MCY 86.
There are plenty of discoveries to be made even among the lobster boats: Rose Island has organised the world preview of its new Rose Island 53, while Austin Parker will be displaying the equally new A64 Fly.
There’s also plenty of action in the world of trawlers, with a mention going, among others, to the Absolute 58 or the Cranchi 43 Eco Trawler.
More classic in style but still very attractive and very Made in Italy, is the new Paranà 38 by Rio Yacht.
Mirage, a beautiful designer motorboat measuring 7.5 metres (24.5 ft) imported into Italy by the Feltrinelli Shipyard; the Cayman 19 Sport by Motonautica Fratelli Ranieri; the Saver 300 Deluxe, the Sorrento 780 fishing boat by the Aprea Brothers and the Selva 7.0 Cabin Pilot House.
There are also many new inflatables on show this year. Among the most striking: Zar 49, Capelli Tempest 570, Solemar 350 Oceanic, Predator 650 Italboats, Marlin Boat 298, Scanner 710 Envy and the MV 620 by Motonautica Vesuviana, to mention just a few.
The major role in the 2014 Genoa Boat Show is undoubtedly played by the world of sailing. The novelties are countless, and for the most part Italian. Among others: the Italia Yacht 15,98, the Advanced 44 both making their world premieres and the extremely refined Solaris 58. The French however won’t be caught napping and they have quite a few new entries among the big boats, such as the Oceanis 60 and the Jeanneau 64, and among the small ones, with the Oceanis 35 and the Sun Odyssey 349. Sirnew, distributor of Sirena Marine in Italy, among others presents the Euphoria 54 designed by German Frers.
Two interesting proposals come from the German group Hanse and the French one Dufour: the first presents the Deheler 46 (a pure cruiser racer) and the Hanse 560 (on the opposite end of the spectrum, a true “cruising machine”; Dufour has two models on show designed by the Italian Umberto Felci, the 382 and the 560 Grand Large.
Among the small craft, not to be missed are: the new Wider 32, with its surprising and unmistakable lines, the result of a collaboration between Tilli Antonelli and Fulvio De Simoni; the Austrian Frauscher 747 Italy. The second, with a 35 metres (115 ft) hull, is another example of Made in Italy excellence, the AB 35 by the Fipa Group. In the sailing department the crown goes to the Vismara V80 Easy Cruising measuring 24 metres (79 ft), a technological marvel with highly innovative lines.
Impossible to mention all the new products on show in the accessories and systems department, on display on the second floor of B Pavillion and in the Power Village. It should however be noted that the on board electronics sector will be widely represented by giants such as Furuno, Garmin, Navico and Raymarine. Even very distinguished Italian firms will take the stage: new products will be on show by Mase, Osculati, Nemo, Besenzoni to mention just a few.
