Pershing Yachts Powerhouse Visits Phuket’s Lee Marine
Nada Serafini, PERSHING’s Head of Sales & Marketing flew from Italy recently to visit the new Lee Marine International Marine Brokerage offices at Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket. Known as the Pershing powerhouse, Nada shared her years of knowledge with the Lee Marine team, whilst updating them on the latest design – Pershing 5X – soon to be launched. About Lee Marine’s new offices, she says, “this is a reunion point giving new energy and synergy to the Team. Congratulations.”
Her movements are swift yet precise. She absorbs all she sees in each moment. Nada Serafini’s full-senses are wholly engaged, it is suspected nearly 24/seven. From a school of thought that remains so basically important, Nada pursues communicating to Pershing’s worldwide distributors: ‘Know your product, know your client’. And who better suited than someone so passionate and knowledgeable about the products?
Due to some difficult family circumstances 25 years ago, when Pershing was a toddler, Nada literally knocked on doors till she was given a job. It turned out to be an opportunity for an exciting professional life.
Starting as a Pershing Personal Assistant to 3 bosses, her duties spanned from answering phones to ordering overseas parts and collaborating with management. Her possession of 5 languages assists greatly. Some may think that yacht building is a man’s territory and a woman may not fit in this industry. However, Nada relates that “when you are selling such a dream, such an experience as a Pershing, at the end of the day, the woman is usually the decision maker.”
In her quarter century aboard Pershing, she can truly say there has never been a moment of boredom. Fresh stimulus, new targets abound. “The world is not saturated with Pershing – indeed it is still blossoming”, declares Nada and adds, “thanks to all dealers, management and clientele who are the ones using and pushing Pershing for better, for more.”
Nada thrives on the design and build excitement believing that, “the best boat is the next one. Draw on the experience and knowledge from the previous ones, connect with team, listen to the clients’ needs and wants.” This is the next and newest challenge. An iconic example Nada recalls, was in 2000 when the Pershing 88 was launched. She approached the Pershing founder Tilli Antonelli, telling him she felt he had a problem. With such a beautiful boat, how would he ever top this? Then came the Pershing 115, the brand’s flagship for years. Stunning!
Pershing buyers are themselves distinguishing. STOP BOATING START PERSHING is their new tagline. As a verb, Pershing declares its spirit of speed, luxury and performance. Developed around adrenaline, not just the boat performance, but around the cult of the Pershing brand buyer. The purchasers, generally entrepreneurs aged mid-thirty plus are looking forward to feeling the high of the ensuing challenges. The buyers have started with nothing, yet are building a future. This is synonymous with the Pershing history.
Named after MGM-31A Pershing missiles (John Joseph, ‘Black Jack’ Pershing), these yachts have always been pioneering innovation. An example for all is a gas turbine powered Pershing 70 back in 1991. At the core of Pershing yachts, is ‘speed with the utmost comfort possible,’ says designer Fulvio de Simoni. You cannot sell speed alone. Pershing is performance, combined with lightness, quickness and comfort. Nada’s Pershing experience highlights that, “you increase your holiday time with a Pershing, since they move fast. You get there fast, therefore your relax time is more – or simply because you know you can.”
One of the latest Pershing projects, the 5X was announced at the Cannes Yacht Festival earlier this year. Five were sold from the renderings. Its worldwide debut will be at the Ferretti Group Monaco preview at the beginning of September l 2016 Her fifty-four foot length is a prime example of a big-small boat fitting the criteria that Pershing owners have suggested. The full-beam master cabin spanning the stern’s width with maximum clearance is one result. In the 5X, this is a very much sought-after feature requested by Pershing owners, while attracting new clients. New wings and a door from the saloon to cockpit is seen for the first time in a 50 footer.
In this size of a boat, more time, design and revisions occur to maximise the space effectively and get every detail just right. Exploring new products and suppliers, yet maintaining Pershing’s signature silver colour and the same DNA is key to creating the next, best boat. The Pershing 5X is perfect for Phuket. Lee Marine is pleased to be the Thailand Distributor for Pershing and the Ferretti Group brands.
When asked if she ever considered another working opportunity, Nada Serafini replied, “My blood is silver. I think to the top only – something which projects me to extraordinary. And besides, Pershing spoils me.”
Nada is a rare bird these days in this fast-paced, changing world. This is a woman any company would desire to have on their team. Well done Pershing. Well done Nada Serafini.