The Legacy of Bellini Yacht – From the 1960s to today

In few know this: Bellini Nautica, now specialized in the production of Bellini-branded boats, the sale of luxury yachts, the restoration of vintage Riva models, and the provision of a wide range of services for boats, was founded in 1960 as a true shipyard. Established under the fortunate star of the Dolce Vita – that very year, Fellini’s film made its debut in cinemas, giving rise to a fabulous collective imagination – the company was led by master shipbuilder Battista Bellini and produced its own collection of fine Bellini motorboats made from mahogany and cedar.

The Bellini shipyards, nestled like a jewel in an ancient textile mill on the shores of Lake Iseo, crafted impeccable wooden vessels by hand, whose charm soon set sail from the small village of Clusane, navigating towards the dazzling stages of major international boat shows. The craftsmanship of the boats, the quality of the woods used, and the incredible precision with which they were built quickly made them highly sought after. Not surprisingly, the shipyard’s slogan was “Safety, elegance, perfection.”

In the 1960s, Bellini shipyard immediately distinguished itself for its artisanal quality and elegant design. Among the most iconic models produced until 1982, when production ceased, are names like Condor, Jonic, Atlantic, Atlantic Super, Iseo Super, and Astor, as well as two fiberglass models: Rex and Mediterranee. During this period, approximately 700 vessels were built, many of which are still located around the world and owned by passionate boaters.

Browsing through the Bolaffi Catalog of Yachting from the 1960s, still preserved in the company’s historical archives, one can discover the secrets of each historical model signed by Bellini.

The Jonic motorboat, for example, was described as ideal for “giving sports enthusiasts the thrill of speed,” designed to carry six people and immortalized in all its 5.20 meters of length with a model on board wearing an audacious bikini for that era.

The Astor from the 1960s perfectly embodied the values of Bellini shipyard. With a length of 6.65 meters and a width of 2.17 meters, it was equipped with a Chris Craft 283 V8 engine producing 185 HP. The Astor was designed to offer high performance without compromising comfort, reaching a maximum speed of 72 km/h. The Iseo Super model was also highly coveted; at 8 meters long and equipped with a powerful twin engine, it was described as “the pearl of the sea: maneuverable, comfortable, robust, and fast.” Finally, the Atlantic presented itself to enthusiasts as a superb specimen that encapsulated all the experience of the shipyards.

The name “Astor” comes from Latin and means “hawk.” This model not only represents the excellence of shipbuilding but also gave its name to the first model of Bellini Yacht, the ASTOR 36.

Battista Bellini was not just a boat builder; he was a visionary who believed in the importance of quality and craftsmanship. His dedication left an indelible mark on the family business. Even after production ceased in 1982, Bellini models remained in the collective memory of many enthusiasts. Historical boats were exhibited in Genoa, Paris, Zurich, Hamburg, and Milan. The most famous models – Condor, Jonic, Atlantic, Atlantic Super, Astor, and Iseo – are still cherished today as true works of art.

Today, Battista Bellini’s legacy as a boat builder lives on through Bellini Yacht, which continues to produce high-quality vessels while keeping alive the innovative and artisanal spirit that has characterized the history of the shipyard. With a new vision for the future and an expanding international sales network, Bellini Nautica is preparing to write a new chapter in its story within the world of boating.