FERRETTI GROUP - CONVERGENCE 2005
Owing to the huge success of last year’s “Convergence” organised for Ferretti Group captains, the prestigious event was held again this year. From March 7th to 10th, captains of over 70 foot yachts spent four days updating and exchanging their knowledge.
Seventy-five captains from all over the world took part in this year’s event, held at the important nautical pole of La Spezia, the new Ferretti Group production centre on the Tyrrhenian Sea which commenced operation in March 2004. Ferretti Group’s CEO, Giancarlo Galeone, and those of the individual brands hosted this important event, showing a clear commitment to the captains, who are fundamental to navigation. Participants attended a number of presentations organised by Ferretti Group’s R&D and Engineering Division, which outlined the quality controls carried out on the yachts and provided information about the materials and very latest technologies used on board the Group’s various models. The Ferretti Group’s main suppliers - ZF, MAN, SAIM, Rolla and Dockwise - then presented their recently-developed projects. After a technical refresher course concerning those situations captains who sail motor yachts deal with daily, the Master continued with the sea tests carried out onboard Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Riva and Custom Line boats. This part of the Master was organised in close collaboration with La Spezia’s Port Authorities and Harbour Master’s Office. During the sea trials, the Harbour Master’s Office also showed participants how to use the safety devices supplied onboard. The topic of safety was further analysed at the Headquarters of La Spezia Port Fire Brigade, where the captains took part in the course “How to deal professionally with critical events on board: fire”, and simulated putting out a fire in the engine room. The Fire Brigade issued them with a certificate of participation. The latest updates of RINA (Registro Navale Italiano - Italian Naval Register) Standards followed the technical analyses, and dealt with “Rented Yachts: the new Italian safety regulations” and “Onboard Certification”. Lastly, those present had the opportunity to admire the new Riva 115’ model currently being built at La Spezia’s Riva dockyards. Once again “Convergence” was a worthwhile, captivating event both for the captains, who participated actively and enthusiastically in all the activities, and for Ferretti Group’s organising team. The closing comments were followed by presentation of the coveted diploma testifying the captains’ participation at an event which has become a fundamental meeting place for all captains of large yachts. The invitation for the new “Convergence” appointment has been set for next year. The Ferretti Group, headed by its President Norberto Ferretti and the CEO Giancarlo Galeone, today joins the following brands: Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Itama, Bertram, Riva, Apreamare, Mochi Craft, Custom Line and CRN. With over 2.000 employees (not considering the induced business) and a surface of about 488.000 square meters (indoor and outdoor), 16 shipyards in Italy and 1 in the United States, the Ferretti Group achieved a turnover of 557 million Euro as at August 31st, 2004, registering a substantial growth of + 45% compared to the 385 million euro of the previous year.
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