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The Marina Grande on the island played host to a fleet of no less than 22 yachts

Azimut|Benetti looks to the legend of Capri, the island that symbolises luxury and quintessential Italian style, for the brand’s Yachting Gala, the exclusive event for owners and enthusiasts of the megayachts.

On the weekend of May 21 and 22, more than 700 Azimut|Benetti clients arrived on this legendary island from countries around the world, including the United States, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore and many others, to celebrate the splendid yachts built by the Group in an atmosphere permeated by the charm of the Italian lifestyle.

The Marina Grande on the island played host to a fleet of no less than 22 yachts, representing the Group’s entire range. Guests had the chance to experience these remarkable yachts, packed with design, power and technology, at sea in the waters off the Faraglioni, the Arco Naturale, Marina Piccola bay and in many other enchanting locations.

The Yachting Gala also provided an opportunity to celebrate their partnership with Rolls Royce and its futuristic Azipull Carbon 65 pod propulsion system, which has already been fitted to the Benetti Vivace 125’.

So after Rio De Janeiro, Viareggio, Cannes, Monte Carlo and Portofino, the voyage through the world of glamour and unique yachts continues against the theatrical backdrop provided by Capri, where the culture, joie de vivre, passion, colours and scents of the Mediterranean blend together into a style that has been setting fashion trends the world over for decades.

The Azimut|Benetti Yachting Gala is a sort of private boat show for the Group’s top clients, designed to give them the chance to admire all the latest novelties launched on international markets at the Cannes, Miami and Dubai boat shows: Azimut 66 Fly, the new icon in its category; the innovative Azimut 72 Fly, with a superstructure made entirely from carbon fibre; and Azimut Magellano 66, the latest model in the long range Italian style collection.

Plus Azimut Grande 95RPH, which made its debut last season, and two Benetti yachts in the Fast Displacement line, Benetti Vivace 125’ (38 meters) and Benetti Veloce 140’ (42 meters).

Ashore, beautiful women guests in particular were the protagonists of an enthralling Capri Experience, with presentations and demonstrations by Carthusia, the celebrated perfume house, short trips to discover the hand craftsmanship of famous sandal designer Emanuela Caruso and guided tastings of the original ‘Limoncello from Capri’.

Other Yachting Gala partners of excellence and paladins of Italian luxury and style were on hand to provide courtesy cars, organise spirited wine tastings and offer relaxing beauty sessions to the ladies present.

Guests also had the chance to spend precious hours in every sense with storied jewellers, who took them on a remarkable voyage of discovery to explore this fascinating world of precious gemstones. An exhibition of vintage clothes from round the world and a cocktail party also proved to be a great hit with guests.

Tours were organised to discover the island’s natural and cultural attractions, taking visitors both inland to admire the medieval churches and wonderful views, as well as to Anacapri, to enjoy the spectacular gardens and breathtaking view from Monte Solaro, in addition to excursions to the Grotta Azzurra.

The social highpoint was the gala event on Saturday night, staged at La Canzone del Mare with its spectacular seafront terrace looking out over the Faraglioni. The evening began with a warm and elegant welcome for guests offered by a tarantella folk dance group, followed by dinner and entertainment. The combination of delicacies from Capri, the exclusive setting, live entertainment and gourmet areas inspired by the famous atmosphere of the Amalfi coastline were a resounding success with guests.

The traditional parade of Azimut and Benetti yachts, illuminated by a magical light show, was followed by fireworks which gave the signal to start the festivities at Anima e Core, the iconic Capri night club with a cult following where the dancing went on into the early hours of the morning.