For crew, location is everything. From simple logistics, faultless agent services and a quality shipyard to crew hospitality and events, there are various factors to consider when choosing a berth.

Amico & Co, based strategically in Genoa, are top of the list for many crew who return for a number of reasons. Located between the French and Italian Rivieras, Genoa is at the heart of the Mediterranean and has developed itself into a superyacht hub – and it is easy to see why.

The bustling city is steeped in cultural and historical heritage, surrounded by the Ligurian Alps and many outdoor activities, boasting a delicious food scene combined with a cosmopolitan nature at heart. While the location itself is key, Amico takes a holistic approach – delivering excellence through their refit and maintenance services, as well as providing a gateway into the city, facilitating first-rate amenities, while organising multiple events for crew in the area.

Whether a yacht is in a winter refit period or not, contractors are always called upon for various jobs on board. Amico has maintained close relationships with all maritime companies based in and around the city that have consistently built positive reputations with returning yachts.

It is no wonder crew such as Chief Stew Lauren Fitzgibbon of M/Y Apogee, Chief Engineer Lovre Kolega of a 38-metre motoryacht and Chief Stew Egle Bukeviciute of M/Y Roe are happy to return.

“A lot of the companies we found have already worked with yachts, which makes it easier for us, and Amico has a large range of suppliers, so it is straightforward to get plenty of quotes for any job that needs doing on board,” says Fitzgibbon.

Kolega explains: “Amico has great facilities and suppliers on hand based in Genoa, making it easy to source the specific engineering parts and spares we need. There is strong support from the local manufacturers due to Genoa’s merchant shipping ties and its long-standing maritime history.”

Locations can understandably come with language barriers, but Amico overcomes these smoothly for crew. “As I don't speak Italian, sometimes language barriers can be an issue, but Amico’s project managers translate extremely well, understand what we need and articulate that to our contractors. Our project manager has been amazing and so helpful in our eight-month refit,” says Fitzgibbon. Bukeviciute echoes this sentiment: “They [project manager] were always there translating, explaining and finding the best ways to reach the results we wanted.”

Amico’s project managers also ensure that the shipyard’s and contractors’ work results in little disturbance to the day-to-day running of the yacht. “While we were based in Genoa, we had a burst fire main, which Amico sorted out extremely quickly with minimal disruption to the crew. Their services are of a high standard and being in the Waterfront Marina makes it so easy to have any last-minute work scheduled in,” says Kolega.

It isn’t all work and no play for crew, however; downtime is extremely important. With varying standards of services and activities on offer for crew at marinas globally, it is refreshing for crew to relish Amico’s remarkable facilities.

“The shipyard is well run, has efficient security and great facilities. The Waterfront Marina has a gym and basketball court, and the Amico team are always organising crew events such as crew Olympics, wine tasting etc.,” says Fitzgibbon.

“In terms of crew benefits, Genoa has a lot to offer. We can go snowboarding and hit the ski slopes in the winter, and there are lots of vineyards around to visit,” says Fitzgibbon. Bukeviciute continues, “The Waterfront Marina facilities for the crew was one of the most important things during our winter period; the gym, yoga studio, outside barbecue area, football, paddle and tennis were very much appreciated by every crew member on board.”

“Genoa is a great city with plenty to do on the weekend, and there is always something going on, plus many restaurants and bars to choose from. Amico also has a concierge service that can recommend activities and book anything you need,” continues Kolega.

This local knowledge is vital for crew and can make life a lot easier when sourcing services, both personal and for the yacht. Amico has a dedicated team in their experienced concierge department, seeking specialists to help crew from anything from transportation, laundry and accommodation to local information such as shopping and nightlife.

“The concierge at Amico has a wealth of knowledge and is extremely helpful in booking any appointments for our crew. It is easy for us to get personal appointments such as doctor’s, hair and beauty,” Fitzgibbon says. “The Amico concierge has been super-helpful and switched on, always helping, advising and organising things for us when we need them,” adds Bukeviciute.

New locations can be an ongoing headache for crew provisioning, from sourcing specific produce to particular engine spares and high-quality deck products. Sometimes crew find they are not in a location long enough to familiarise themselves with the best options and agents. However, Amico take on this role successfully in Genoa, providing exhaustive lists of suppliers and provisioners for every yacht need. 

“Genoa is in a perfect location – Italy has great food and wine, and provisioning is affordable and easy. With its proximity to France, it also gives us the opportunity to purchase from both countries, making it even easier to get all the high-end items we need,” explains Fitzgibbon.

“I was based in Genoa during a winter period, and I was happy that I could get everything I needed easily for our crew while being based here,” says Bukeviciute.

Alongside the activities found within Genoa, logistical ease into and out of the city is also paramount for crew. “Having the airport close by is a big plus for us as it means crew can easily reach home for a weekend or longer trips,” adds Bukeviciute.

The choice of location rarely falls to all crew members. When an area not only showcases superior quality facilities to aid the running of the yacht but also provides exciting downtime opportunities in a compelling city alongside marinas full of entertainment, activities and services, it is easy to see why crew are happy to return to Amico in Genoa.

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