Heritage: Story of an Italian Excellence

HERITAGE

Benetti is one of the oldest builder
of luxury motoryachts in the world.

Founded by Lorenzo Benetti in 1873, the company started its business with the production of wooden boats for the local and international market.

Gino and Emilio Benetti succeeded their father in 1914. They renamed the shipyard to Fratelli Benetti and became famous in the Mediterranean region and beyond.

After the Second World War, the market for wooden sailing vessels crashed completely and Benetti switched its production to pleasure crafts made of steel. Then, in the early 1960s, Benetti shipyard produced the first luxury yachts.

Since 1980, the fleet enlarged including big motor yachts in the 30 to 60 meters range and beyond, not least the world’s famous 86-meter-yacht “Nabila”.

In 1985, the well-known and Turin-based ship building company Azimut Spa acquired the Fratelli Benetti. They introduced a new management and transformed Benetti into today’s modern and technologically advanced shipyard, that still treasures their traditional values as well as their passion for fine craftsmanship.

GLAMOUR

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

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.

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 Marine great at the end of the 19th century.

Inside the Livorno Shipyard, in 1896, the Lumiere brothers made one of the first filming in the history of Cinema: the launch of the “Varese” battleship.

In the 50s-60s, Royal families and prominent personalities of the international scene choose Benetti: the elegance of the Italian shipyard seduces the whole world.

BENETTI CHARMES THE CELEBRITIES’ ELITE

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

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.

In 1979, Benetti launches “Nabila”, built on commission by the Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi. With its 86 meters in length, it is the first megayacht built by the Italian shipyard.

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

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

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

Even the Queen contribute to make the “Nabila” famous worldwide. The song “Khashoggi’s Ship”, included in their “The Miracle” album, shares the legendary parties on board.

After 111 years of family owned business, in 1984 Fratelli Benetti Shipyard goes bankrupt. A year later the Azimut group, owned by Paolo Vitelli, acquires it.

CHANGE FOR GROWTH: THE MODERN IMPULSE OF PAOLO VITELLI

A new dynasty takes over the company.

In 1998, Benetti introduces the Luxury Pocket Yacht. Only the first model, 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.

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

M/Y REVERIE, EVERYTHING EXTRAORDINARY

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

A floating palace that offers any comfort to meet any need and to make guest’s stays unforgettable, among them a Hammam, a barber saloon and a full techno-equipped gym. The interiors are designed by the famous English designer John Munford.

Unique and extraordinary. Inside, a wood oven for pizzas and a huge bronze bell take place. Benetti, once again, for what is impossible he makes possible.

Delve deeper into the
Benetti Yachts’s long history

All images

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 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.

Innovative technology, important collaborations with the world of design, highest quality standards and the iconic elegance, became Benetti’s trademark, helping the shipyard to maintain its leadership among the high-end producer of yachts for sophisticated owners in the past, present and future.

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

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

Towards new horizons. M/Y Seasense, M/Y Spectre e M/Y II.II are en route.

Four giga yachts are ready to lead Benetti to the next challenge.

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