Italian Yacht Icon Baglietto Sets Up Exclusive Lounge for FLIBS Attendees
Baglietto, a longstanding name in luxury yacht building, is bringing a fresh approach to the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), opting for a unique venue that promises a quieter, more exclusive experience for guests. Rather than taking the usual exhibition route, the Italian shipbuilder will host clients and partners at the High Tides Lounge located at the Bahia Mar Hotel pool. The location offers a relaxed, private setting, allowing Baglietto representatives to connect with attendees outside the intense atmosphere of the show floor.
Baglietto T52 Akula ©StudioILLUME
This shift in approach follows the recent appointment of Tommaso Bilotta, who joined the Baglietto team in June to oversee U.S. operations, reinforcing the company’s interest in growing its American presence. Running from October 31 to November 2, the lounge setup aims to provide an alternative space for brokers, clients, and industry friends to engage with Baglietto’s team and offerings without the distractions of the larger event. Fabio Ermetto, Baglietto’s Sales Director, explained that the choice reflects a desire to create “a pleasant atmosphere” where visitors can escape from the show’s intensity while staying close to the action.
Baglietto Celebrates 170 Years of Italian Yachting Excellence
Italian superyacht builder Baglietto marked its 170th anniversary with a two-day celebration a few weeks ago, attended by approximately 250 guests, including esteemed clients, press, and national and local authorities. Hosted by the Gavio Group and Baglietto's management, the event highlighted the shipyard's rich history and future vision.
Baglietto's 170th anniversary event
Italian actor Lorena Bianchetti emceed the event, paying tribute to Baglietto’s long standing influence in the yachting world. A special highlight was the presentation of Baglietto: The Art of Yachting Since 1854, a book by Antonio Macaluso, set for release on October 29, 2024. The celebration also introduced a new design concept, a continuation of Baglietto's over 30-year collaboration with designer Francesco Paszkowski.
Vittorio Emanuele III, Courtesy Archivio Baglietto
Baglietto’s Yacht Building Facilities and Expansion
Based in La Spezia, Italy, Baglietto specializes in building high-speed gliding yachts in aluminum, spanning from 38 to 50 meters, as well as larger displacement yachts up to 70 meters in steel and aluminum. The shipyard has expanded substantially in recent years, with facilities that include two main sites in La Spezia and Carrara. The La Spezia headquarters covers 35,000 square meters, housing three newly built warehouses for vessels up to 65 meters and docks for yachts up to 70 meters. Meanwhile, the Carrara site supports both civilian and military projects, with one 5,000-square-meter area dedicated to building military vessels under the Baglietto Navy brand and another with four production halls designated for yachts up to 50 meters.
Alongside its yacht portfolio, Baglietto has also launched Bertram’s Italian line, which includes models between 35 and 39 feet, further diversifying its offerings. This presence at FLIBS, through an exclusive lounge setup, aligns with Baglietto’s ambitions to solidify its brand presence in the U.S. market and foster closer connections with potential clients in a more personalized setting.
With this choice of a secluded lounge away from the main exhibition floor, Baglietto is hoping to leave a memorable mark at FLIBS while carving out a distinctive niche for personal interaction at the event.