Benetti Americas has been operating for a year and the company used the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to update the industry on its progress.
Eight of Benetti’s 18 sales in 2015 were made to American customers. Hull No. 1 of the Mediterraneo 116 is slated for delivery to an American client next year.
The company brought the Veloce 140 from the fast-displacement range and the Delfino 93 Ocean Drive to the Fort Lauderdale show.
In South America the market is increasingly vibrant, the company said. In Mexico and Brazil, after years of consolidated interest in luxury yachts, clients are discerning in evaluating capabilities.
Other countries, Colombia, Peru and Chile, though still inexperienced and needful of nautical culture, are beginning to show an interest in the Benetti brand, the company said.
Florida plays an important role in yachting for South American clients, and the company said the opening of Benetti Americas in Fort Lauderdale last year was strategic. The team offers five resources divided into two services, two post-sales and one marketing.
Benetti continued to strengthen its presence in the American market by participating in 2015 boat shows.
The company said it will debut two boats in February at Yacht Miami Beach, formerly known as the Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach — the Vivace 125, the entry-level yacht in the fast displacement Line, and the Chrystal 140.
