The Cultured Day Boat Brand You Haven’t Heard Off…Yet
This is Bellini Yachts, a cultured, tenured Italian builder who made its name in the restoration of classic Rivas.
From Riva Restoration Superstar to Creating a DNA of Its Own, Meet Bellini
In 2021, as the Ferretti Group took the helm of a plateaued Riva and operations stirred back to life in Sarnico, a chance reconnection unfolded along the shores of Lake Iseo. Norberto Ferretti—newly relocated to man the rebuild and living just steps from Bellini Marina—crossed paths with Romano Bellini, a meticulous craftsman already renowned for refinishing the timeless classics built decades ago by Ferretti’s recent acquisition. At a time when aging gelcoat finishes were blemishing far too quickly, Romano made a bold promise to help Norberto achieve Riva’s potential: he would personally repaint a Riva until the result met the standard the shipyard deserved. One boat became proof of concept. A valuable friendship was forged.
Over the next 20 years, the Bellini name would branch off into different verticals of the marine business, only to return back to its roots, building boats under its own name. That project, Bellini Yachts, recently welcomed Ferretti as a member of the board for was is sure to be an impressive entry into the competitive day boat landscape.
How Bellini Got Its Name
Founded by Battista Bellini on Lake Iseo, Italy, Bellini started building boats under its own name all the way back in 1960. By 1982, Battista passed away and was succeeded by his young son Romano, who led the charge in building the family’s reputation the hard way: preserving some of the most iconic Riva cruisers ever made. The family’s shipyard in Clusane evolved into one of the world’s premier restoration houses, even working with famous artists like Britto and Mr. Brainwash on one-of-a-kind collaborations. No matter where you turn in the Bellini ecosystem, art & culture are in view.
In 2024, the business’ third generation rebooted its original calling with Bellini Yacht, translating painstaking revival of classic yachts into a vision of their own. Currently, the company builds two sizes, 36 and 58, each flaunting subtle hints of a Riva-inspired past. But that’s not all, plans for both larger and smaller projects are in the works, with next larger launch in Cannes 2026.
There’s So Much Competition, Why Is Bellini Any Different?
Fair point, but its important to see beyond the fiberglass you’re buying. Sure, you may love the design DNA, the hard top integration, the falling sides or even the colors they choose for the prototype. These are fantastic emotional reasons to fall in love with a new launch. But Bellini offers something deeper. True heritage, builder quality and a structure ready to scale are all checkmarks in this new brand. Remember Norberto Ferretti’s friendship with the Bellini family? He’s on the board.
Oh, and one other thing. We finally have a quality Italian builder whose prices are reasonable. Sidebar with me for those details.
The Models
Bellini is currently in build of a 36 and 58, with a 68 launching in Cannes 2026 and various additional models in the works.
Astor 36
The Astor 36 is Bellini’s calling card: a 36-foot walkaround with the brand’s signature purity—a simple layout with excellent finishes and a well orchestrated lower cabin (very similar to the Pardo 38). With gas or diesel power stern drives, the 36 is fit for all lakes and most ocean formats as a premium day boat. Its quite rare to get a full-size sunpad, dining table, bar and comfortable helm in a a36-footer. Usually, brands are giving up at least one of those features in their smallest offering. But Bellini was creative in their layout, hinging the helm seats forward (while at anchor) to reveal usable bar space in the center cockpit.
For collectors, there’s also a very Bellini twist. A limited Astor 36 by contemporary artist Daniel Arsham. Custom palette, monogrammed faux‑teak, a bespoke digital helm interface and an insane custom-painted hardtop lead the charge in this one-of-a-kind collaboration. Watch the project teaser here. It’s a reminder that, no matter where you turn in the Bellini ecosystem, art & culture are in view.
Overall Length: 36 feet
Beam: 11 feet 8 inches
Fuel Capacity: Approximately 581 gallons
Fresh Water Capacity: Approximately 132 gallons
Black Water Capacity: Approximately 87 gallons
Maximum Passenger Capacity: 14
Hull Construction: Fiberglass
Astor 58
The Astor 58 is a simple scale-up of Bellini’s Astor 36 with a little more flavor. For one, I think this might be the best hardtop I’ve seen, and I’ve written blogs dedicated to hard tops. Interiors bring the brand’s sand‑stone‑light palette into three cabins (master forward, VIP en‑suite, plus a twin) and the brand is open to discussing how your preferred lower level would be laid out, especially American boaters. There’s one thing I am growing to love most about the Bellini projects; every inch of the boat has a finishing touch. When the sidewalls fall into the sea, the exposed panel is finished in a carbon plate. And something so small as the slim interior panel of a door frame is offered as an area to paint an accent color or inlay a unique material. When a brand goes this deep to create unique build moments for its owners, it builds a fantastic trust in the overall quality of the build, the operation and the entire customer experience.
Overall Length: 58 feet
Beam: 16 feet 5 inches
Draft: 4 feet 7 inches
Displacement (Approx.): 50,000 lbs
Fuel Capacity: Approximately 880 gallons
Fresh Water Capacity: Approximately 211 gallons
Black Water Capacity: Approximately 105 gallons
Maximum Passenger Capacity: 20
Hull Construction: Fiberglass
Is Bellini yet another newcomer who falls flat?
I don’t think so, and here’s why.
Restoration is arguably more challenging and detail-oriented than building from scratch. Instead of building from a blank canvas, you’re forced to work within parameters set by your predecessor. Installing your preferred hinge, hatch or hardtop is much easier than working within someone else’s lines to bring what’s worn back to glory. And doing it with respect to the period of a classic Riva adds an abundant layer of complexity not many have the systems to deal with successfully.
The introduction of the new Bellini Yachts takes the metaphorical regulator off the restoration engine. 40+ years of painstakingly working within boundaries is now released, and they can build from a blank canvas.
Wajer, Pardo, Vanquish, VanDutch, Fjord, and More… Why Buy Bellini?
The Dutch have generally controlled day boating for the last 15 years. Pardo (as an Italian builder) has taken a sizable chunk out of that market, but no other Italian builders have supported their efforts. Bellini is the first to do so, and do it will significant quality. Through using the same designers as the Tecnomar for Lamborghini project, the interior and exterior styling utilizes extreme precision and finishing we have yet to see on an Italian day boat.
If you are an early adopter, an Italian yacht lover, and/or someone who just can’t justify footing a $4m+ bill for a Vanquish VQ58, Bellini answers your call. Contact us for exclusive build pricing and delivery times on the next Bellini build slot.
READY TO OWN A PIECE OF THE BELLINI LEGACY?
Bellini is brand new to the United States with only 2 units in American waters. Get in early while prices are fantastic compared to similar builds in this quality-class.
Contact Reed Nicol for exclusive Bellini new-build pricing, delivery times and service planning.
For additional contact options:
Call Reed directly at 305-908-1504 or email Reed@RNMarine.com
About the Author
Reed Nicol is a licensed yacht broker with experience in all corners of the marine industry. He’s worked as an executive and sales director in yacht manufacturing and distribution, has structured commercial charter operations, and designed and executed notable refits. Read more about Reed’s marine journey, his love of helping 1st time boaters and his entrepreneurial spirit here.
Reed Nicol [Licensed FL Yacht Broker #11926]
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