People | Nauticsud, the Naples show

Lino Ferrara, the intrepid helmsman

The Genoa Boat Show celebrates its 50th edition this year but, before it, comes Naples on its 41st outing between March 6th and 14th. We spoke to the man who saved it from going under and continues to steer it through troubled times: Lino Ferrara.

There have been malicious rumours that Nauticsud might be cancelled this year because of the economic situation…
That is not true. In fact, one of the main priorities of the Region of Campania is to plan such events. So much so that it is about to announce a series of incentives for exhibitors. We too have done our bit in that regard by cutting purchasing prices for the spaces by around 50 per cent.

Are there too many boat shows in Italy at the moment?
I’ve always said so, even when times were better. I frankly feel that two shows are quite enough in the nautical sector. Personally I think those two are Genoa and Naples. All the shows organised on the Adriatic coast are a bit out of the game. But that’s not the case with Rome which is in the middle of the countryside. We’re in the city.

Isn’t the fact that the Nauticsud is based in two different locations – the Mostra d’Oltremare and the Mergellina marina – a bit of a handicap?
It is a problem, of course. But now we have to have the courage to abandon the dry land one and concentrate entirely on the maritime one. Always and ever with the patronage of the Mostra d’Oltremare which actually owns the brand. However, infrastructure-wise, we aren’t ready to go ahead with that move right now. So we’ll continue with the old format but we are working on the new one which is being met with approval by the local institutions.

What is so special about the show right now?
Naples is a city with enormous tourism attractions. Visitors can also try out the boats at sea right away – that’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t forget either that the Nauticsud is the “ready-to-go boat show” because of the time of year it’s held.

You’ve unveiled some futuristic marina plans over the years. What have they come to?
It was an incisive promotional idea. A kind of provocation. While we were stimulating debate with projects that might have been over the top, things got done. It’s no coincidence that Campania built more berths than any other in 2009.

What happened to the pleasure boaters’ party you launched?
I wouldn’t call it a party exactly. It’s more an association of which there are plenty. Isn’t there one for boat builders? I thought it opportune to create something that would represent the interests of pleasure boaters.

Now that we’re on the subject, what do you think of the work done by the builders’ association, UCINA?
It’s doing its job superbly well. The chairman is doing good work. It’s in stormy waters now and it’s put the engine on full. I’m confident it will indeed sail its crew to safer waters.

Let’s talk about the government for a minute. It’s given incentives for cars, domestic appliances, property but it’s forgotten the nautical sector. Why?
The market has to be able to survive under its own steam. State incentives only rarely work. On an environmental level, I feel that something like the scrappage scheme for old, polluting cars and motorbikes should be introduced for motorboats. Most of the fleet is made from plastic and that poses the issue of environmentally sound disposal. But the real problem lies elsewhere. Unfortunately, the nautical sector is still associated with luxury even when this isn’t true. And that puts the brakes on political initiatives.

What are your other favourite shows besides Naples?
That’s easy: Genoa and Cannes.

Vincenzo Zaccagnino

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The glittering world of yachting

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