Captains and stewardesses from all over the world met at the Aleph Hotel in Rome on Thursday 7 March for the Captain’s Meeting, an event organised by Floating Life, a 360-degree yacht and charter management company, dedicated to those professional figures working in pleasure boating. Many topics were discussed: from sustainability to on board services, as well as looking to the future. To find out more about the event, Daily Nautica interviewed Andrea Pezzini, founder of Floating Life and expert in yacht management.

On the first day of the Captain’s Meeting you discussed a number of topics: how did it go?

It was a great success, we had a great number of participants. Together with RINA, we talked about renewable energy and alternative fuels to be used in pleasure boating. Our format has always been based on reality, trying to focus on everyday challenges. I am pleased with the topics we spoke about during this meeting.

You have been organising the Captain’s Meeting for many years. What is the aim of this event?

The aim of the event remains the same, to offer participants something more: from certification for maritime workers to new legal information, registration and international rules. The Captain’s Meeting isn’t a polished event and it isn’t even a purely commercial meeting, but it is a mix between a seminar and social event. Initially we had only thought about creating this event only for captains in our fleet, in order to update them on the latest legislation. Over time though, it expanded, and, from this fourth edition, we extended our invitation to other captains. Even the gala dinner has evolved over the years, and now includes a small fashion show where Floating Life present our maritime clothing line.

How is the super yacht market changing? What are some of the most frequent requests?

Since we founded the company in 2002, the market has changed a lot, because the type of owners have changed. In the past, clients were well prepared and knowledgeable about the boat they wanted to buy and asked for support especially regarding the technical, business and accountancy parts. Instead, today, most of the clients don’t love the boats per se, but love their free time, and want to use it in the best manner possible, so with all the comforts and services a yacht can offer.

What about charters?

We are a world wide business and are present internationally. The most popular areas are the Mediterranean, around 60%, then comes the Caribbean with 20-30% and 10% for the rest of the world. In any case, Floating Life can satisfy any client request, offering a varied number of superyachts. Captains and yacht stewardesses become fundamental to provide a certain level of service. The Captain’s Meeting also has the role of preparing the crew for the many different jobs on board. This year we spoke about sustainability, and in the next edition we are going to go into detail on charter contacts and everything you need to know at a legal level. It is a continuously evolving world and even maritime workers need to know how to adapt to these changes.