ibinews.com International Boat Industry | JUNE–JULY 2019 47
Markets & Regions
SHOW REVIEW | VERSILIA YACHTING RENDEZ-VOUS
Around 150 exhibitors
and over 20,000 visitors
attended this yearʼs VYR
STILL IN ITS INFANCY, THIS UNIQUE ITALIAN SHOW, HELD IN THE
HEART OF ITALY’S SUPERYACHT BUILD SECTOR, NEEDS MORE
TIME TO BED IN AND REALISE ITS FULL POTENTIALWORDS: BELINDA SNELLS
poradic rain and overcast skies were not
enough to dampen spirits at this year’s
Versilia Yachting Rendez-vous (VYR). Held in
the port of Viareggio, the heart of Italian yacht-
building, the 3rd annual VYR (May 9-12) attracted
around 150 exhibitors and over 20,000 visitors
during its four-day run – a decent result for what is
still very much a f ledgling event.
“The trend has always been upwards for
these first three editions,” says Lamberto Tacoli,
president of industry association Nautica
Italiana. “The growing attention of domestic and
international professionals has been confirmed by
the numbers – 10k among the overall 20k visitors –
and represents a statement to the well-being of the
Versilia Yachting Rendez-vous.”
While generally considered a local show for
local industry, VYR has great potential for growth
on a global scale. Set amongst some of the world’s
leading shipyards – Benetti, Perini Navi, Sanlorenzo,Codecasa, Rossinavi and VSY are all located within
the port – the look and feel of VYR is entirely unique.
The fact that it takes place alongside the many
suppliers and shipyards based in Viareggio’s busy Via
Coppino during normal working hours only adds to
its unequalled format.
“The Versilia Yachting Rendez-vous is the only
boat show that projects its visitors into the reality
of what it means to actually build some of the most
interesting new yacht projects, seen across the globe.
For this reason, the show was good,” Tacoli told IBI.
As in previous years, Azimut-Benetti had a
significant presence at VYR with nine yachts on
the water from 10m-27m in length. A particular
highlight was the Azimut Atlantis 45, which had
its global launch at the show. It is a successor
to the popular Atlantis 43, which exceeded all
expectations with over 140 units delivered in just
four years. “Our new Atlantis 45 is a perfect boat
for the Italian market, which looks with great