Heritage: Story of an Italian Excellence

HERITAGE

Italian excellence since 1873.

From the imagined to the tangible, Benetti presents an inimitable reverie that has been able to charm the celebrity elite worldwide. The portrait of Prince Rainier III with Grace Kelly on the Benetti Gabbiano in the bay of Monte Carlo remains iconic. Not forgetting the notes of Queen’s song titled Khashoggi ’s Ship, voicing Freddy Mercury’s experience on board M/Y Nabila, the most famous yacht of her time.

SAILING BACK TO THE ROOTS OF ITALIAN EXCELLENCE

The origin of the Benetti shipyard dates back to the foundation of two of the most ancient Italian shipyards: the one of Fratelli Benetti founded in Viareggio in 1873 and the Fratelli Orlando shipyard founded in Livorno in 1866.

1873 - Foundation of the Benetti shipyard in Viareggio. Since then, the shipyard has launched over 100 sailing vessels.

Founded in 1866, the Fratelli Orlando shipyard in Livorno is one of the oldest in Italy. The Morosini Slipway saw the launch of the huge battleships that made the Italian Royal Marines great at the end of the 19th century.

Inside the Livorno Shipyard where in 1896, the Lumiere brothers filmed for one of the first times in the history of Cinema: the launch of the “Varese” battleship.

BENETTI CHARMES THE CELEBRITIES’ ÉLITE

The fame of Benetti as a boutique shipyard for global élites.

Benetti Gabbiano stands out in the bay of Monte Carlo: the elegance of the Italian shipyard seduces the whole world.

In 1961 Benetti switches from wood to steel and invents the Luxury Motor Yacht: the success goes beyond the wildest imagination of its founders.

The Luxury Motor Yacht as an emblem of comfort, technology and top quality – it is another great victory for the Italian shipyard.

M/Y NABILA, THE MOST FAMOUS YACHT OF HER TIME

A legend, its character is a genuine eye-catcher for outstanding personalities, cinema and arts.

In 1979, Benetti launches the 86 meters M/Y “Nabila", built on commission by the Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi, who wanted to build the world’s most luxurious and modern motor yacht.

In the early 1980s Sean Connery as James Bond triumphs in “Never Say Never Again”: some scenes from the movie are filmed right on board the “Nabila”.

Even Freddy Mercury contributes to make the “Nabila” famous worldwide. The song “Khashoggi’s Ship”, included in Queen’s “The Miracle” album, tells of the legendary parties on board.

CHANGE FOR GROWTH: THE MODERN IMPULSE OF PAOLO VITELLI

A new dynasty takes over the company.

After 111 years of the family-owned business, in 1985, the Azimut group, owned by Paolo Vitelli, acquires the Benetti Shipyard.

In 1998, Benetti introduces the Luxury Pocket Yacht. The first model alone, the Benetti Classic, sells more than 150 units.

With the Luxury Pocket Yachts, Benetti surrounds the seas. The Vitelli family brings the Italian shipyard back to the top of the international yachting world.

M/Y REVERIE, EVERYTHING EXTRAORDINARY

A new challenge, a new victory. Benetti continues to promote the yachting avant-garde.

In 2000: Benetti launches M/Y Reverie, 70 meters of extraordinary excellence, thanks to the innate elegance of its exterior lines designed by Stefano Natucci.

A floating palace that offers any comfort, like a Hammam, a barber saloon and a full techno equipped gym. Every journey becomes unforgettable.

Unique and extraordinary. Inside, a wood oven for pizzas and a huge bronze bell take place. Benetti, once again, makes every dream possible.

TAKE A JOURNEY INTO
BENETTI’S PRESTIGIOUS HISTORY

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BENETTI TODAY

Building the most beautiful, reliable, technologically advanced and innovative yachts. And providing assistance anywhere, and at anytime. That is our mission.

Paolo Vitelli, AZIMUT|BENETTI Group Chairman – Giovanna Vitelli, AZIMUT|BENETTI Group Vicepresident

Benetti has always been a family-owned shipyard. It has been able to ensure the company’s stable and continuous growth over decades with this strong family background, preserving the founder’s values and philosophy. Up to reach the excellence that made Benetti Yachts famous all over the world.

Pioneering technology, important design collaborations, highest quality standards and the iconic elegance, became Benetti’s trademark; helping the shipyard to maintain its past, present and future leadership.

Above all, Benetti has always embraced new challenges. Thanks to its courageous attitude, Benetti became the only family-owned shipyard that launched 3 giga yachts in 100 days. What challenge will come next?

Paolo and Giovanna Vitelli. Benetti is still one of the only family-owned shipyards in the world.

The three MEGA sisters sailing towards America in a once in a lifetime runway: M/Y Spectre 69M, M/Y Seasense 67M and M/Y II•II 63M.

Benetti’s Giga Season: building 3 Giga yachts over 100 meters in parallel and launching them in just 100 days, it sounds like an epic tale, made possible only by audacity and supreme determination.

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