Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo has raised more than €500,000 for Fondazione Sanlorenzo as part of a charity auction held at the La Spezia shipyard earlier this year (Saturday 18 May). The foundation, which CEO Massimo Perotti established, aims to support the small island communities of Italy through scholarships and research programmes that are designed to improve local social, economic and cultural initiatives.
The auction was held as part of the shipyard's EDays 2024, an exclusive event for clients, dealers and journalists to visit the shipyard and tour a fleet of Sanlorenzo and Bluegame models. This year's theme was "The Blooming Garden" and as well as sea trials and yacht visits, there was also food and refreshments served all day in a relaxed, garden-style setting.
As well as networking, EDays 2024 also included the launch of the brand new 50Steel, the yard's first fuel cell-powered superyacht. Named Almax, the yacht was christened with a customary champagne bottle and lowered into the water. Clients were then able to tour the yacht freely, discovering her split-level design and low-profile open beach club.
In the evening, the gala dinner invited more than 700 clients and guests to enjoy a three-course meal in the unique setting of the construction shed alongside the superyachts, where there were elaborate floral arrangements and a live orchestra.
The auction component of the evening was hosted by Christie's and lots up for grabs included a yacht charter experience on board the new 50Steel and the opportunity to join the 37th America's with the 10-metre Bluegame challenger, American Magic. The evening concluded with a drone show and tours on board the 50Steel.
Massimo Perotti said the numbers of people in attendance was "impressive" and he was touched by all the donations to Fondazione Sanlorenzo, a charity that is very dear to his heart.