Founded in 1969 at the initiative of the country’s main shipyards, the Argentine Chamber of Boat Builders (CACEL) is a non-profit entity that works for the development and promotion of the sector, the growth of tourism and a nautical culture.
Based in San Fernando (National Capital of Nautical), it is a member of Icomia, (International Council of Associations of Nautical Industries).
CACEL is a necessary link with the state authorities that legislate, tax and promote light shipbuilding. The Argentine Naval Prefecture maintains close contact with the authority that regulates and controls shipbuilding debates and negotiates with union groups and actively participates and consults with the country’s nautical entities.
Currently, CACEL represents the entire spectrum of Argentine nautical activity, bringing together shipyards, boat manufacturers, service providers, naval commission agents, insurance promoters, importers, etc., representing this business chamber to all the activity. The Chamber provides its associates with assistance, guardianship, information, representation, national and international statistics, and advice on labor and commercial matters.

The development and promotion of exports is a permanent objective, encouraging and advising partners to increase day by day the presence of the Argentine Nautical Industry abroad (especially on the occasion of the main International Shows, exhibitions, etc.).
Aware of the value of statistics and communication, CACEL prepares and broadcasts different reports related to the development of the sector, both in the domestic market and abroad, where the presence of our products is increasingly frequent.
Investigations, promotional, journalistic, and image campaigns are also promoted, aimed at the broadcasting of the nautical activity.
Among its many activities, CACEL periodically organizes the traditional Argentine Boat Show, the highest nautical event in our region. The Salon has been part of the World Boat Show Calendar since 1983.
On the other hand, CACEL also holds the National Nautical Forum, an event in which all those interested in the activity analyze problems, propose solutions and discuss a better nautical future.

The Board of Directors is designated annually (and by halves) by the Assembly, and is made up of: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Treasurer, Pro-Treasurer, 12 Members (Holders and Alternates),3 Account Reviewers (Holders and Alternates). The Assembly is made up of the representatives of the associated companies, who approve the Balance Sheet, and appoint 50% of the authorities for a period of 2 years.

Currently, the Board of Directors is made up of:

1st Holder Member Natalia Avila (Canestrari Hnos.)

2nd Holder Member César Espigares (La Holando)

3rd Holder Member Carolina Segue (Segue Barcos)

4th Holder Member Jorge Farré (Baron)

5th Holder Member Gustavo Ast (Nautiglass)

1st Alternate Member Jorge Larré (Klasse A)

2nd Alternate Member Darío Curátola (Arcasu)

3rd Alternate Member Rodolfo Jaichenco (Astillero Riviera)

4th Alternate Member Jerónimo Gómez Pércaz (Itsas)

5th Alternate Member Maximiliano Grimoldi (Costanera Uno)

6th Alternate Member Nicolás Tanoni (Astillero Tecnao)

7th Alternate Member Roberto Regnícoli (Astilleros Regnícoli)

1st Auditor Susana Chornichan (BAB)

2nd Auditor Marcelo Zanovello (Zanovello Barcos)

3rd Auditor Alejandro Mooney (Mooney Embarcaciones)

ARGENTINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION

Having been born on the banks of the Río de la Plata at the beginning of the 20th century, our Nautical Industry has had a rich history as well as important growth and development. Back in those days, the first shipyards were set up in the area, their founders being mainly European immigrants who applied their knowledge, skill and experience in the construction of wooden boats. As a result, sailboats, cruises, and boats of outstanding elegance and quality, began to sail our waters.

With the appearance of the Reinforced Plastic construction (GRP) in 1960, and thanks to serial production, the Argentine Nautical Industry reached maturity, allowing massive public access to sailing sports, especially since the 1980s. In the 1990s, production reached an average of 7,800 units per year and, currently, the total number of registered vessels exceeds 140,000.

The level of quality production in our country is really high. This has been evidenced by international recognition of the boats that have been exported for 25 years, and the achievements of our athletes worldwide.

All the titles harvested by these sportspeople are an indissoluble part of a nautical industry in which the manufacturing process is a fundamental pillar.

Currently, our Industry is well- prepared, and mature enough to cope with all kinds of demand: From vessels for transport, cargo, tourism or sports use, to commercial fishing, security or defense. From an Optimist to a great Cruise, the Argentine ship clearly has export quality.

The sector is made up of more than 120 construction companies for sailboats, cruises, motor boats, inflatables, specific equipment and all the necessary services for the production and maintenance of a wide variety of vessels. It offers a capacity of more than 700,000 m2 and employs more than 7000 people, directly and indirectly.

The Nautical Industry is present throughout Argentina, but its epicenter is undoubtedly concentrated mainly in a radius of 30 km, in the northern area of Great Buenos Aires, encompassing the districts of Escobar, Tigre, San Fernando, San Isidro and Vicente López.