As the year 2025 dawns, Codecasa Shipyards marks an extraordinary milestone—200 years of continuous operation under the stewardship of the Codecasa family. This bicentennial celebration underscores a legacy of craftsmanship and tradition in the heart of Viareggio, Italy's storied shipbuilding hub.
Founded in 1825 by the pioneering shipwright Giovanni Battista Codecasa, the shipyard has withstood the test of time, including the challenges of the Second World War. Under the leadership of Giovanni's descendant, Tistino Codecasa, and later his sons Ugo and Sandro, the family business thrived during the 1960s, a golden era of Italian maritime prowess. Initially specializing in sailboats, the yard expanded its repertoire to include over 50 vessels by 1946, ranging from fishing boats to luxury motor yachts.
The leadership baton passed to Fulvio Codecasa in 1973, who introduced innovative strategies that propelled Codecasa Shipyards onto the international stage. The transition towards building luxurious motor yachts alongside workboats marked a significant diversification in the company's offerings. Fulvio’s vision was further expanded with the involvement of his daughter Fulvia and her sister Elena in 1985, along with their spouses, who helped perpetuate the Codecasa legacy into the new millennium.
Throughout these two centuries, Codecasa Shipyards has launched numerous notable yachts such as the Entrepreneur and Casabella, which grace American waters, and the 62-meter Luisella, the largest yacht built by Codecasa to date. The yard continued to innovate with the introduction of aluminum fast yachts in the early 2000s, a testament to their adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
Growth has been a constant theme for Codecasa Shipyards. The expansion in Viareggio includes multiple facilities such as the Ugo Codecasa Shipyard and the CodecasaDue, established in 1982. Later, the Codecasa Tre and a modern facility in Pisa were added, enhancing their capacity to build larger vessels.
The clientele of Codecasa Shipyards reads like a who’s who of luxury yacht ownership, featuring names like Giorgio Armani, Leonardo del Vecchio, and Stefano Gabbana. This illustrious list underscores the yard’s reputation for quality and exclusivity.
Codecasa Shipyards remains a testament to the enduring values of quality, loyalty, and family leadership, continuing to innovate while respecting the rich heritage of its founders. As they celebrate this significant bicentennial, Codecasa is not just a shipyard; it is a legacy of maritime excellence passed through generations.
The enduring success of Codecasa Shipyards over 200 years is not merely about building yachts but about forging a legacy that combines tradition with innovation, making a mark on the world stage of luxury seafaring.