Brazilian technology, associated with the Fittipaldi brand, pioneers the nautical industry
The articles written by the PÚBLICO Brasil team are written in the variant of the Portuguese language used in Brazil.
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Ghinis Boats, a company founded by Jorge Ghinis, 58 years old, a Brazilian living in Portugal for six years, is investing in a shipyard to build boats in Europe, focusing on technology for the nautical market. One of the company’s differentiators is a patent that uses aluminum (replacing fiberglass and steel), allowing it to increase the area of medium-sized vessels.
The company entered into a strategic partnership with the former Formula 1 driver Emerson Fittipaldi77. The investments planned for the project are in the order of 2 million euros (R$ 12 million), which Ghinis plans to raise in Europe and the United States. Plans estimate that, within three years, sales will reach 150 units per year.
The patent registered by Ghinis Boats allows the positioning of outboard motors, increasing the useful space of the vessels by up to 70%, which offers a considerable advantage over traditional designs. The project also contributes to a significant reduction in vessel operating costs.
Due to the use of 100% recyclable materials and the technological development of outboard engines, which have seen great progress in the last ten years compared to inboard engines, the entrepreneur estimates an overall saving of 15% on boats, compared to the competition.
According to Ghinis Boats, the aluminum used in boats is lighter, more durable and resistant to corrosion, compared to more traditional materials, such as fiberglass or steel. These characteristics make it ideal for leisure and sports boats, in addition to facilitating maneuvers and ensuring more efficient and safe navigation.
Strategies and innovation
The partnership with Emerson Fittipaldi, a motorsport legend with two world titles in Formula 1, is a strategic point for Ghinis Boats in conquering the European market. The collaboration includes the development of a specific line of boats, which will bear the Fittipaldi surname, adding the prestige and tradition of the pilot to the Ghinis brand.
“With the Fittipaldi seal, we have the possibility of selling around 15 units per year of this line alone, which reinforces the diversification and attractiveness of our products”, says Ghinis.
Ghinis Boats is betting on capital contributions from investors. The company has already raised more than US$50,000 (47,500 euros or R$285,000) through its campaign on Wefunder, one of the largest advertising platforms. crowdfunding of the United States. This investment not only represents a promising opportunity in the nautical sector, but can also make it possible to obtain an E-2 visa for the USA, in addition to the Startup Visa for Portugalwhich becomes an additional advantage for the company to attract more investors. The amount represents the first phase of attracting investments by Ghinis Boats and serves to expand the brand.
The global market for recreational vessels is estimated at US$16 billion (15.2 billion euros or R$91.2 billion), with projections for continued growth in the coming years, especially in Europe and North America.
The company’s project includes the installation of a base in Portugal. Ghinis Boats receives mentoring from Pedro Nunes Institute (IPN), from the University of Coimbra, which offers strategic support and guidance for the company’s development. IPN is recognized for its prominent role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The company is also incubated at Startup Portimão, an innovation and entrepreneurship center in the Algarve, which offers strategic support for the brand’s growth in the European market.
