Francesco Montanella introduces Kora Marine, the new official Azimut Yachts dealer in northwestern Italy

A model that combines international experience with local expertise to redefine service in the high-end yachting sector

After an international career that saw him lead the Asian market for Azimut Yachts, Francesco Montanella has returned to Italy with a clear vision: to redefine the concept of service in the high-end yachting sector. With Kora Marine, founded in 2025 and now the official Azimut Yachts dealer for Northwest Italy, he introduces an approach that combines rigor, a culture of hospitality, and personalized attention to the client, placing not only the boat but also the owner’s experience at the center.

Kora Marine

After serving as Sales Manager for Asia at Azimut Yachts, what prompted you to return to Italy and found Kora Marine in 2025?

My experience in Asia was extremely formative, both professionally and personally. It is a dynamic, demanding market that teaches you to work to high standards and to develop quick decision-making skills and strategic vision. At a certain point, I felt the desire to bring this wealth of experience back to Italy, to a context I know well and where I still see ample room for growth, especially in terms of processes, reliability, and professionalism in managing client relationships. Kora Marine was born precisely from this idea: combining an international approach with a deep knowledge of the local market, placing the quality of service and the relationship with the owner at the center.

How much did your background in the automotive industry and high-end hospitality influence the development of Kora Marine’s identity?

The automotive industry taught me to combine relationship management with rigorous processes, commercial discipline, and a focus on performance. High-end hospitality, on the other hand, showed me how important details are and the overall experience of every person who chooses our service. Kora Marine was born from the fusion of these two approaches: a structured and reliable service where the quality of the relationship and the owner’s personal experience remain central.

Kora Marine stands out for its highly personalized approach. In practical terms, what does it mean today to offer a truly tailor-made service to a boat owner?

It means starting with the person. Every boat owner experiences their boat in a unique way. Our task is to support them and build the experience around their habits and preferences, making every detail truly bespoke.

Azimut Genova

What are the new models from Azimut Yachts, and which ones are generating the most interest among your customers?

The best thing about representing Azimut Yachts is being able to draw on a range of collections capable of meeting a wide variety of needs and lifestyles, while always offering a distinctive balance of innovation, design, and performance. The latest addition, the Seadeck, stands out for its highly innovative and sustainability-focused approach, introducing new concepts of onboard livability and a more authentic connection with the sea. The Grande collection represents the flagship range, featuring yachts over 26 meters, designed for owners seeking ample space, maximum comfort, and onboard solutions typical of the superyacht segment. The Magellano line is dedicated to lovers of long-distance cruising: yachts designed for efficient and stable navigation even on extended voyages, thanks to hulls engineered to optimize fuel efficiency and range. The S line embodies the brand’s sportier spirit, combining sleek lines, high performance, and refined interiors for those who desire dynamic sailing without sacrificing comfort. Finally, Atlantis represents the most compact and versatile range: sporty, agile yachts with a contemporary design, ideal for more casual and immediate use, without compromising on quality and the pleasure of sailing.

SEA READY promises a worry-free boating experience from day one. How did this “all-inclusive” vision come about, and what makes it unique in the high-end yachting sector?

SEA READY stems from a very simple observation: true luxury today is time. Many boat owners want to enjoy their boat “without a care in the world.” We have therefore created a bespoke service where we take care of everything: from preparing the yacht to operational management, right down to insurance and crew details. It is not simply a service, but an approach that makes the boat immediately ready to use: a complete experience designed to be enjoyed from day one.

Kora Marine

Kora Marine operates in a strategic region that includes Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Valle d’Aosta. What kind of clientele do you attract in this area?

We encounter a very discerning clientele, often already accustomed to high standards in other luxury sectors. This entails an ever-greater attention to detail, but at the same time offers great opportunities for those who can provide a truly distinctive service, meticulously crafted in every aspect. These are people seeking not just a product, but a complete experience, where professionalism, quality, and personalized attention make all the difference.

Your project places a strong emphasis on building a community: how central is the concept of belonging in the world of yachting today?

It is increasingly central. Yachting is not just about ownership, but about experience and sharing. Creating a community means giving owners the opportunity to enjoy moments, relationships, and experiences that go beyond the boat itself. It is an element that strengthens the bond with the brand and transforms a client into a true ambassador.

Kora Marine
Calata del Porto, 9, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure, Genova
Tel: +39 3403916269
Email: info@koramarine.it
koramarine.it/contatti