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Ferretti Group’s Stefano de Vivo talks breaking records at Cannes Yachting Festival
By Rachel Ingram | 14 September 2017
Tempus spoke to the luxury yacht group as they launch six new vessels on the Cote D’Azur
* Ferretti Group debuts (l-r) Ferretti Yacht 780 and 920, Pershing 9X, Riva 56′ Rivale and 100′ Corsale and the Custom Line Navetta 33 at the Cannes Yachting Festival
Leading yacht company Ferretti Group had a record-breaking turn out at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, premiering six new yachts alongside its 25-strong fleet – the largest of the event. The group introduced the Ferretti Yacht 780 and Ferretti Yacht 920 as well as a new redesign of the Ferretti Yacht 550.
Ferretti Group also introduced the sporty Pershing 9X, a maxi coupe in carbon, fibreglass and epoxy resin with strong lines and technological innovations throughout, with interior design by Poltrona Frau for the 10th year of collaboration. Riva’s 100’ Corsaro – a sleek flybridge yacht in dark metallic colours – and 56’ Rivale, and the four-decked Navetta 33 with the same high-performance shape unique to Custom Line brand.
Cannes 40th anniversary event was the perfect stage for Ferretti Group’s statement showcase, during which the brand announced its profits before taxes to have reached €16.5 million as of 31 August this year – a 57 per cent increase year on year – with consolidated revenues of 344 million Euros, a 10 per cent increase compared to the same period of 2016. Ferretti Group’s chief commercial officer Stefano de Vivo told Tempus the key to their performance was their people.
* Ferretti Group debuts the Pershing 9X along with five new yachts at the Cannes Yachting Festival
“There are three reasons. One is the people. We have always had talented people inside the group but since I joined again in May 2014, we have attracted even more talent at all levels,” he said. “From the cleaner to the CEO, they all have to be talented. Otherwise they only see the numbers and not the long-term future. The second reason is the brands. We have seven brands in the group, which makes it very difficult, very challenging and very expensive. The third is economy. While competitors are putting all their money into one brand, we have to split it between them. It is the biggest advantage we have as our brands are a niche in our segment.”
Of the brand’s newest offerings, Stefano says he is most proud of the Pershing 9X: “For certain technical aspects, it’s the most challenging brand we have. From the outside, you think the Pershing is just about speed. In reality, you have to marry all of the other chromosomes of its DNA, including style and design. The boat is specially designed for people who use it at speed, to have fun and enjoy water toys and sunbathing. Just like a fast car, its clients want a fast boat that is sleek. They want to be able to cruise, but for them, cruising is at 40 knots. It’s the same as being in a car and cruising at 170km/h on the motorway.”