Itajaí was the highlight of the Bombarco Nautical Excellence 2019 award, considered the Oscar of the nautical market in Brazil. In its territory, the municipality houses three shipyards with the best boats in the country. In addition to recognizing the quality of the local workforce, the award also reinforces the city's title of Capital of Santa Catarina for Naval Construction and Nautical Tourism.

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The award took place in São Paulo (SP), last week. Of the six trophies in dispute, companies based in Itajaí got five. The Italian shipyard Fibrafort won awards in the Fun category, with the boat Focker 242 GTO, and in the Family category, with the vessel F 420. Azimut won in the Luxury categories, with the boat Azimut 62, and Yacht, with the vessel Azimut Grande 27 Metric. The NHD shipyard won Boat of the Year with the NHD 270.

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In Brazil, more than 100 national and international shipyards work in the manufacture of sports and recreational vessels. In Itajaí, today there are more than 10 companies operating in the sector.