Azimut Yachts' Progress in Georgia
INTERVIEW
With over 50 years of history, the AzimutBenetti group has been recognized as the leading yacht-manufacturing company. Established in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli, the company continues to push the boundaries of quality, design and performance.
AzimutBenetti has always had novelty as part of its heritage. One factor behind the company’s success has been its intent to strengthen its global yachting network, with a record number of 70 sales and assistance offices worldwide. After entering the Georgian market in 2018, with the name Azimut Yacht Georgia, the company’s services have already become available in Georgia’s charming seaside town of Batumi, the capital of the Adjara region.
GEORGIA TODAY spoke with Giorgi Chikvaidze, the Regional Director of Azimut Yachts Georgia, and Irakli Papiashvili, the Deputy CEO of the Company.
Tell us about the yachting season for Azimut Yachts in Batumi. How has the current health crisis affected it?
This year, despite the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia has shown an abnormally increased interest in the yachting industry in general. The result is obvious: anyone who comes to Batumi and goes to the yacht club can clearly see the high level of interest; something that keeps growing.
We overcame the rather difficult period, handing over yachts to their owners so that they could undergo operational training. All this is already happening in Batumi, and we’ve been preparing for it for a long time. The yachting season looks set to be a very positive one for Azimut Yachts in Batumi. We’re really expecting a big uptick in activity.
In fact, I think the current world crisis we’re all living through might be a wakeup call for many people who may have been waiting to buy or charter a yacht until the ‘right time,’ when the truth is, life can be short.
Tell us more about your company’s activities in Batumi.
“Azimut Yachts has maintained a pragmatic and proactive management policy since its inception in Batumi. We have tried to improve the management sector as much as possible, for the most part dealing with the logistics services and after-sales management.
“Our vision for the coming months is one of growth. We shall try our best to create more comfort for our clients and to cater for the uplift in demand. I think that by the end of summer, the yachting industry, with our minimal intervention, will have its say in Georgia,” Chikvaidze tells us.
The Deputy CEO of Azimut Yachts, Irakli Papiashvili, also sees a bright future for the yacht market in Georgia and looks forward to continued company growth.
“Georgia is now beginning to see its maritime sector as the backbone of international trade and global markets for economic growth, something which promises huge possibilities for the country.
“Yachts sold by our company are 2020 models, offering customers maximum comfort, maximum relaxation at the sea. Our company has made a commitment to start a rental service this year and to serve the holidaymakers from this season.
“Several more yachts are on the way; this is just the beginning. Our company has adapted to the current situation as much as possible. Azimut’s success in Batumi is our great triumph because that is exactly what we were preparing for.”
By Elene Dzebisashvili