“I don’t have a boat, and when friends invite me, I don’t even go. It sounds like the story of the famous cobbler with holes in his shoes. Going aboard a yacht makes me anxious because I feel like I’m in the office. I prefer to go to the mountains, as I will do soon.” So says Giovanni Costantino, founder of The Italian Sea Group – Italy’s leading manufacturer of luxury Super Yachts (from 50 to 140 m) and the third global operator – in an interview with Forbes Italy. Born in 1963, Costantino’s story begins when, at just 19 years old, he started a business in his hometown of Taranto in the building renovation and custom furniture sector. He was soon noticed by Pasquale Natuzzi, who, having recognized his great talent and entrepreneurial ability, convinced him to join the company.
Costantino did not betray expectations and, in a few years, became General Manager and CEO of the Supplies Business Unit, contributing significantly to Natuzzi’s success and its positioning among the world’s furniture leaders.
However, the call to entrepreneurship is strong, and in 2008, he decided to pursue one of his lifelong passions: boating.
Tecnomar, Admiral, and Nuovi Cantieri Apuania: the core of The Italian Sea Group
The first step was the acquisition of Tecnomar, a historic Made in Italy nautical brand capable of standing out for its sportiness, dynamic lines and cutting-edge design. In 2011, it was the turn of Admiral, another Made in Italy historic nautical brand, on the market for over 50 years. It has become famous for its aluminium and steel yachts that combine exceptional strength and low weight. Finally, in 2012, there was the acquisition of Nuovi Cantieri Apuania, a historic shipyard in Marina di Carrara that, with a total area of about 100,000 square meters, ensures the company’s ability to build large yachts, which are increasingly in demand on the market.
These early acquisitions form the core of The Italian Sea Group, one of the largest groups in international yachting, a benchmark for the design and construction of yachts up to and over 100 meters.
The other brands and the stock market listing
Two other big names joined the group in 2021: Perini Navi, the leading manufacturer of large sailing yachts, and Picchiotti, whose history dates back to the time of the Medici family of Florence. NCA Refit, which specializes in repair and refit services for yachts and megayachts over 60 m, and Celi, a historic brand in luxury interior design and construction, complete the group’s portfolio.
In 2021, The Italian Sea Group was listed on the Milan Stock Exchange in the MTA segment despite the market difficulties caused by the pandemic. Also, as of July 29, 2024, the group was allowed to switch listings and is now listed on Star.
Artisan production and industrial system: a recipe for continued success
The secret of The Italian Sea Group’s success? As he recently told Wall Street Italia, Costantino has no doubt: “We can count on an experience of about 900 ships built and delivered. However, at the heart of TISG’s success is a very clear vision that has accompanied the company since its founding. It is that of a market positioning not yet developed in the nautical industry, namely that of offering excellent craftsmanship and combining it with industrial systems that rest on a culture of luxury.”
Today, The Italian Sea Group employs hundreds of people, has a turnover of hundreds of millions of euros (in the first half of 2024, it doubled its revenues compared to 2023 and already has orders for 1.3 billion euros), and is the third largest global luxury yacht operator.
Congratulations to those who bring boating with Made in Italy style to the world’s seas!
Learn about other outstanding Made in Italy companies in the boating area.