Susanna Vitulano, representing the ownership of Italia Yachts, has taken a prominent role on the Leadership Council of Confindustria Nautica’s Sailing Sector. Her mission: to actively contribute to the progress and innovation of the sailing boat manufacturing industry. Vitulano aims to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the sector by fostering a collaborative approach to address key issues such as supply chain efficiency, goods transportation, and the development of sustainable propulsion technologies, with a special focus on hydrogen.
Supply Chain Stability: A Strategic Priority
“The supply chain is one of the most critical aspects of our industry, particularly the availability and cost of raw materials like fiberglass, which is essential for boat production,” Vitulano explains. “My goal is to enhance the sourcing of high-quality materials while ensuring fair and stable prices for boat manufacturers. To achieve this, I propose creating a strategic network of reliable suppliers, fostering partnerships that reduce uncertainties and facilitate more efficient procurement. This initiative would not only safeguard the competitiveness of companies but also represent a step toward greater economic sustainability for the entire sector.”
Transportation Costs and Logistics: A Call for Cooperation
Vitulano also highlights the challenges posed by the rising costs and logistical complexities of goods transportation. “The expense and delays associated with logistics have become significant hurdles,” she states. “I propose a cooperative model among industry players, exploring solutions such as collective orders and shared storage systems. Such a strategy could cut costs, improve resource management, and optimize delivery times, ultimately enhancing production planning and flexibility.”
Sustainable Propulsion: Unlocking Hydrogen’s Potential
A firm advocate of sustainable technologies, Vitulano sees hydrogen propulsion as a top priority. “Developing sustainable propulsion technologies is crucial both for reducing environmental impact and for enhancing the competitive position of the Made in Italy brand,” she asserts. Her plan involves establishing a consortium of companies to work collaboratively on hydrogen-based solutions, leveraging existing studies and prototypes while investing in innovative projects. “Collaboration between companies and research centers could pave the way for advanced applications that could be adopted widely across the sector.”
Promoting Sailing Sports in Schools
Beyond production challenges, Vitulano is equally passionate about promoting sailing among young people. “Expanding the base of sailing associations through stronger institutional coordination is vital,” she explains. “I aim to work with Confindustria Nautica’s institutional relations team and the Italian Sailing Federation (FIV) to develop projects that encourage the participation of non-FIV-affiliated sailing and nautical schools. This effort could play a key role in growing the sport among students.”
A Vision for a Sustainable and Competitive Future
“My overarching goal is to foster a shared vision for sustainable development while maintaining the high quality and excellence that define Made in Italy,” Vitulano concludes. “Through active participation and constructive dialogue, I am confident we can develop innovative solutions to the challenges our sector faces daily, ensuring a prosperous and forward-thinking future for the entire nautical industry.”
With this commitment, Italia Yachts reaffirms its leading role in the nautical and sailing sectors, driving both technological innovation and cultural and sporting growth.
