GPY Marine was born in 1978 between the Tuscan hills to work as a dealer in the Luxury Yacht sector. Then, twenty years ago, GPY lands in its natural location: the marinas. Thanks to the passion and competence of the founder Maurizio Granai, GPY has embarked on a path of continuous growth over the years, becoming point of reference in the nautical panorama of the Mediterranean. GPY is also theSirena Yachts official dealer in Italy. Our guest is the “maestro” of the Mediterranean, Maurizio Granai.
Let’s start with the beginning of the voyage. Can you share with us your passion to the sea and the story behind the founding of your company? What inspired you to enter the luxury yacht industry, and how has the journey been so far?
It began in 1978, almost by accident, by joining as an employee of a fledgling company that marketed small boats and camping items. After a few years, taking the proposed opportunity to join the corporate structure in a decision-making role, I left camping and developed the yachting business. The interest and passion for yachting was a stimulus and a way to fulfill the ambition to become the sole owner of the company, which then matured in the late 1990s. Year after year the results were more and more motivating to arrive, through dealerships of leading shipyards, at the present time.
You are sharing your passion for the sea for over 40 years. What really means for you the GPY Marine?
In the 1980s, the perception of luxury yachts was completely different than it is today, however we started with the dealership of Cantieri GOBBI until the late 1990s, after which we were part of the Azimut family for an additional 15 years. 2015 was the year of change, with Ferretti Group yachts and Sirena Yachts. The results achieved with Sirena Yachts and the exclusivity of the territory since 2022, stimulated us to focus exclusively with Sirena Yachts. It is the significant result of a professional life carried out with dedication, which has given me joys and worries, but without ever making me lack the stimulus to continue with determination. It is the means that led me to the fulfillment of the dream of being able to offer the next generation the opportunity to carry on a project that already had one goal at the beginning, generational continuity. The acronym GPY, Granai Prestige Yachting, was drafted at the time so that it could coexist in both my period and that of John, bearing precisely the family surname.
What unique services and experiences do you offer to your clients that set GPY apart from other dealers? How do you tailor your offerings to meet the specific needs and desires of your clientele?
What our owners can rely on are almost 50 years of experience on the one hand and the innovativeness and resourcefulness of a “young” team on the other; people who in the various areas of the owner’s needs bring suggestions, ideas and trends of today’s various possibilities. From the very first stage of configuration, it is important to understand how the owner intends to use the boat, in order to best advise or suggest the most appropriate opts.
“Italian touch” means in general trends and innovations. What are some of the latest trends and innovations in the luxury yacht industry that you find particularly exciting? How is your company adapting to or incorporating these trends?
The historical period itself offers a multitude of solutions, plus the web and the ease of getting information means that very often owners have a lot of knowledge about current trends. Therefore, in addition to social, of course, we try to attend and visit as many boat shows as possible, in order to understand what is new and absorb it, and then pass it on or evaluate it together with our stakeholders; hardly one solution or new gadget will match the needs of all boat owners. For example, lithium batteries and “Hotel mode,” along with water toys and home automation are emerging a lot.
How did your paths cross with Sirena Yachts?
I would say almost unexpectedly at the time, during a Dusseldorf show a decade ago, even though with Sirena Marine we had known each other for a long time having both had different roles in Azimut Yachts.
In your opinion, what distinguishes a yacht from others in terms of design, craftsmanship, and overall luxury experience? How do you ensure that Sirena’s yachts meet these high standards?
The yachting market has been always constantly changing, staying static anchored to design models, as long as they are successful, does not help either the shipyard or the dealer. So we embraced the Sirena project, because it is something new, something the market is asking for, yachts dedicated to demanding, mature owners. Although not immediately, Sirena Yachts has been able to knowingly apply that touch of luxury that discerning owners desire, and matching luxury interior design and the marine qualities of a boat is certainly not an easy thing to do. What’s more, the possibility of handcrafted customization is a very rare plus to be found in world-renowned shipyards. Second part: Simple, because we know the product and are aware of the state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. After so many periods spent in shipyards, it is immediate to perceive the quality of construction, the processes and materials used, what shipowners usually do not look at but for us is the backbone so that they can create those motivations to be transmitted to the prospect preparatory to closing.
With the growing emphasis on sustainability, how is your company addressing environmental concerns within the luxury yacht market? Are there any new technologies or practices you are adopting to promote eco-friendly yachting?
We have great respect for the environment, we convey to our customers the correct disposal procedures on all occasions, starting with delivery, in the after-sale we try to use environmentally sustainable materials as much as possible and recycled where possible. We use facilities certified to the most stringent environmental standards. We start by directing our customers to the use of lithium batteries, containing the use of generators as much as possible, we try to know, we in the first place, the peculiarities of hybrid motorizations to better communicate them to our prospects. Although the path will not be short, but we believe it is time to start.
Finally let’s think about the vision for the future. What are your aspirations for the future of your company and the Sirena Yachts? Are there any upcoming projects or expansions that you are particularly excited about?
Continuing the path of growth started together. Sirena Yachts, to this day is considered, with full merit, one of the most renowned and well-known builders, with a range that expands and looks good every year. As GPY we have recently embarked on a new adventure by taking a Monegasque company, GPY Monaco sarl, in order to be able to offer more and more assistance and services to our owners and at the same time enter what we believe can be unanimously a “place to be” in yachting.
