Among all the possible settings to discuss innovation, the traditional Conero Regatta might not be the first that comes to mind. Yet this year, it became an unexpected stage — one that sparked great curiosity and engagement.
This is the story of how the event unfolded, with SailADV leading the conversation on the future of smart yachts.
It all began with Giovanni Palamà, a sailing veteran, who opened a lively discussion on how technology and data are transforming the world of yachting.
Few examples, but powerful ones — clear and effective metaphors.
Like that of a labyrinth: when you don’t know which direction to take, you need a compass.
And data, when properly interpreted, clearly show the way forward.
That image perfectly captures the essence of what SailADV is building through D.gree and its network of brands.
D.gree collects and processes data, and through its AI-first deterministic platform, creates meaningful connections between users, allowing them to access and interpret information in a truly useful and transparent way.
Data remained at the heart of the entire conference, which later featured Leandro Agrò, Chief Product Officer, joining live from Palo Alto — the place where innovation often happens first.
Agrò took the audience on a fascinating journey through the world of artificial intelligence, exploring what’s already possible today and what’s yet to come.
With his human-centric vision, he showed how AI can make yachting smarter, more sustainable, and more connected.
Captains, Shipyards, Scientists in the Audience
The audience — a diverse mix of captains, shipyard representatives, and researchers — followed with keen interest, eager to understand the scope and impact of the D.gree Project and the broader wave of innovation sweeping the industry.
The presentation by General Manager Attilio Mucelli helped “dot the i’s”:
Italy today stands as the world’s leading yacht manufacturer.
The data prove it — but they also reveal a deeper transformation: the age and expectations of yacht owners are changing, and with them, the entire market.
Being ready — with cutting-edge products that deliver the highest possible experience — is the real challenge for shipyards.
Safety, performance, and above all, prediction are now the cornerstones of innovation.
Safety and Prediction: Charting the Course Ahead
Safety and predictive capability go hand in hand.
Today, no action at sea can be taken without considering both.
As explained by Professor Roberto Pierdicca from the Polytechnic University of Marche, geospatial data play a pivotal role in this transformation — connecting digital intelligence with the physical world, from shipyards to open waters.
To conclude: Giovanni Palamà, founder and experienced sailor, shared his vision in a short video with its own perspective.