Since 1988, Confindustria Nautica has organised the “Boating Pioneer Awards”, now in its thirty-fifth edition. The award honours individuals who have distinguished themselves within the boating and yachting industry through their dedication, integrity and professional excellence. It recognises entrepreneurs, executives, maritime professionals, naval architects, designers and journalists who, through their passion and commitment, have contributed to the development of the sector and continue to champion its growth and success.
Nominations for the Award are assessed by a Jury composed of an institutional representative, the President of Confindustria Nautica, the Association’s governing bodies, and the recipients of the previous year’s Award.
In 2026, the 35th Pioneers of Yachting Award Ceremony took place at Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri di Fasano (Brindisi), as part of SATEC 2026, the annual convention and longstanding meeting point for member companies of Confindustria Nautica.
The 35th edition of the Pioneers of Yachting Award was held on 4 June as part of the SATEC Convention 2026. In the Managers category, the title of Boating Pioneer was awarded to Diego Michele Deprati, in recognition of his contribution to the growth of the Italian yachting industry worldwide and his pioneering role in promoting environmental sustainability within the sector
n the Industry Professionals category, the Boating Pioneer Award was presented to Maurizio Albonetti, in recognition of his more than four decades’ dedication to the yachting sector, during which he has become a leading figure through technical expertise and experience in the construction of high-performance yachts.
In the Designers category, the award was presented to Sergio Cutolo, an internationally renowned architect and yacht designer, for having raised Italian yacht design to the highest standards through innovation and engineering expertise
In the Italian Journalists category, the achievements of Désirée Sormani earned her the title of Boating Pioneer, for promoting communication and maritime culture across the yachting sector.
The Boating Pioneer recognition for International Journalists was presented to Joakim Hermansson, in recognition of his passionate commitment, journalistic expertise and profound knowledge of the sea in promoting yachting and sailing on an international level,
At the 2026 edition, the Confindustria Nautica – Confindustria Brindisi Special Boating Pioneer Prize for Outstanding Career was presented to Corrado Salvemini in recognition of over forty-five years of work dedicated to promoting excellence throughout the sector across major international markets.
