In 1992 at the Genoa Boat Show, Salvo Sanfilippo was patiently queuing to enter inside the Ferretti stand: more than a stand, an entire glass building. It contained several Ferretti boats, guarded as if inside a casket. It was powerful emotion for Salvo, who managed to enter the spectacular stand only after some insistence. On that occasion, he met the company’s sales manager and, from that moment, a fruitful collaboration began.
Thus, the relationship with Ferretti began thanks to your determination
That’s right: I firmly wanted to work with Ferretti, because you could immediately see the difference with the other shipyards: quality and class were decidedly superior, even though at the time the brand was young and limited to the home brand only. The acquisitions of the other yards came later. Initially I started a direct agency relationship with Ferretti, then, after my experience with Luxury, I joined Italian Yacht Store. I get on very well, the organizational support is excellent, so I can concentrate on sales.
Can you give me two adjectives that define Italian Yacht Store?
They are definitely “grit” and “determination”. The attitude is the right one, I am very proud to be part of this very good team.
How does the Ferretti brand stand out today?
Ferretti boats originally stood out in terms of quality, workmanship and the materials used: we were at a much higher level than the market average. Today this distance remains, and the brand has been able to adapt to market taste, adopting a design that is increasingly cutting-edge.
Which of the Ferretti family brands do you prefer?
I have to confess that I have a great passion for Itama: they are extraordinary motorboats, which allow you to live your passion for the sea in a very practical way. Ferretti remains the most “classic” reference for an owner who loves family cruising. Last but not least I like Pershing for its performance, speed and innovation.
Your office in Palermo is the reference for the Sicily region
My office is inside the marina and overlooks the sea. A location that leads me to have a daily relationship with customers with whom I often establish a very strong bond, a true friendship. Therefore, it is natural to become a constant reference point for them for any advice, problems or needs. My professional goal is their maximum satisfaction.
What are the habits of shipowners in Sicily?
Sicily is a beautiful and somewhat ‘sui generis’ place. Sicilian owners are used to enjoying their boats every day, 365 days a year: the season starts on May 1st and in November it the weather is still warm. Day trips are more frequent to enjoy the infinite number of extraordinary spots the island has to offer, and long cruises are rarer.
Many Sicilian ports are well equipped and can accommodate boats up to 80 m. Palermo, where I have my office overlooking the sea, has a well-equipped marina. On the islands you have need to adapt a bit, but there are also advanced facilities like the Port of Salina, with which we are agreeing special conditions for Italian Yacht Store clients.
What about the future?
The boating market is on the upswing. Today the watchword is ‘living’. Customers have rediscovered the enthusiasm and the desire to enjoy their successes day by day without putting it off any longer.
After all, this is what we learned over the last two years.