In the YATCO Yacht Builders series, YATCO interviews leading industry shipyards and builders for insight into clients, trends in the yacht market, and challenges facing the yachting world, the ethos of the shipyard.
Vittoria Yachts is the luxury yachting arm of Cantiere Navale Vittoria, a shipyard involved in the construction of military and civilian shipbuilding for almost 100 years. Comfort and reliability are the keywords that encompass Vittoria Yachts’ philosophy, with vessels that guarantee unforgettable and tailor-made experiences.
Filippo Duò is the Head of Communication, Marketing & Events for Vittoria Yachts.
Please tell us about your background, how long you have been at the company and what your role is.
My background is essentially the company itself. I was born and raised among the boats under construction in my family’s company. I am a fourth-generation member of the Duò family, owners of Cantiere Navale Vittoria (Vittoria Shipyard) since 1927, the year of its foundation. After studying communications at university, I became the Head of Communication, Marketing & Events of Cantiere Navale Vittoria and Vittoria Yachts in 2020. I take care of coordinating everything related to corporate communication: from PR to relations with the press, from the organization of trade fairs to commercial negotiations with customers. I work closely with my cousins and my family – we are a really strong team, committed to making our client’s dreams come true.
I am a fourth-generation member of the Duò family, owner of Cantiere Navale Vittoria (Vittoria Shipyard) since 1927, the year of its foundation.
What is the ethos and/or mission of the shipyard? How would you say that sets you apart from others in the industry?
Cantiere Navale Vittoria has a history of almost 100 years and has built over 900 vessels. Over time, we have seen many challenges and changes: we have gone from wood to metal, from fishing boats to military patrol boats. The business has strengthened and increased, focusing especially on defense, security, commercial, and passenger transport ships.
Vittoria Yachts brings a century of construction experience into the world of luxury yachting and we want to share our skills and expertise with our yacht customers. What differentiates us from other market players is our approach to business, which draws on tradition but also looks ahead to the future. We come from a land of workers, along a small canal, and we thrive on challenges. Our mission is to build unique motor yachts that exceed the needs and expectations of our customers.
Can you describe a ‘typical’ client? What are their priorities?
Our typical yacht client is a person with clear ideas, someone who likes elegance and luxury but does not disdain practicality. Our clients also want to have a unique experience throughout the build process: from the design of the yacht to the delivery. Our clients have a privileged and direct relationship with the company, in a climate of mutual and profitable exchange. Our typical client loves the reputation and safety that Vittoria Yachts can provide thanks to its military and commercial background. We offer products that are a certain type of luxury but are timeless in shape and build. We appeal to people who are passionate about the sea and creativity, have great visions and values, and are ready to take on new challenges with us.
We appeal to people who are passionate about the sea and creativity, have great visions and values, and are ready to take on new challenges with us.
Are you seeing any emerging trends from owners that are influencing the design and use of yachts?
More and more clients want to experience a yacht as a home. The communal areas, the convenience, the comfort – all are designed to be a welcoming and familiar place. As clients spend more time on board and travel further distances, the choices of interior materials, details, light, and furniture in the interior are evolving. Many clients are turning to residential designers to create their vision. Explorer yachts are also in great demand. These types of vessels dominate the market because they guarantee so much freedom for the client.
Explorer yachts are also in great demand. These types of vessels dominate the market because they guarantee so much freedom for the client.
As a builder, what would you like to see change in the industry?
There are already significant changes taking place in the approach to customers and partners, thanks to modern technologies and new market demands. It is a golden moment for yachting, and we are all helping to create it. I hope that in the future there will be increased attention to hybrid, sustainable concepts, with the desire to respect the natural environment and its inhabitants.
It is a golden moment for yachting, and we are all helping to create it.
What challenges do shipyards and builders face, and how have you overcome these?
Today, shipyards are facing an increasing number of challenges dictated by high prices, inflation, and the cost of raw materials and energy. Politics must find an immediate and complete response to these issues for the industry to remain thriving in its role as an economic driver. Furthermore, we are moving towards a generational change. We believe that more young people can become passionate about shipbuilding, which is a path of growth and provides many new challenges.
Do you have any predictions for how the market will evolve in the next decade?
The market will evolve in the same way the world does, following the directions, perspectives, and needs of the years to come. The sustainability issue will be very influential and allow modern technologies to adapt, helped by important research and development studies. The perception of yachting may evolve and be seen as a way to secure safety and comfort.
The sustainability issue will be very influential and allow modern technologies to adapt, helped by important research and development studies.
What is your favorite yacht and why?
I have a particular affection for historical yachts. I love the Nabila – the aesthetics, the purity of the forms, the reference to the boats of yesteryear. She is a blend of classicism and modernity. Elsewhere, even though it is not a yacht, I believe that the Riva Aquarama is the most iconic vessel ever.
