[ Heritage ]

CARING for BEAUTY
SINCE 1873

 

a pioneering vision

Benetti is the story of a pioneering vision nurtured by a passionate heritage and driven forward by advanced nautical construction know-how.
It is an emblem of enduring beauty and superior craftsmanship, infused with the warmth and flair of Italian artistry, and home to all sea connoisseurs who wish to embark on a journey that began in 1873 and is destined to last.

gigayachts built until today
5
yachts built since 1985
+420
International Nautical Acknowledgements
+100
FOR PRODUCTION FACILITIES
+ 300,000 M2
[ 150 years of history ]

A HISTORY of LIMITLESS PASSION and INNOVATIONS

1873
The year the Benetti journey began

Lorenzo Benetti (1844-1914) purchases the Cantiere Darsena Lucca and founds the Benetti Shipyard. Almost 40 years later, his sons Gino and Emilio take over the family business.

1890
The era of the Best Barque sailing ships

In over 30 years Lorenzo Benetti launches more than 30 vessels, including 5 schooners, 3 tartanes, 13 brigantine-schooners, 8 “navicelli” boats, and 3 cutters.

1921
The Mediterranean’s largest vessel

With a length of 51 meters, the St. George is the largest sailing ship to date. In 1952, she is transformed into a training ship for Navy helmsman students. Today she can be seen on display at the Museum of Science and Technology in Milan.

1941
A steel-hulled diesel vessel pioneer

Constructed by the sons of Emilio Benetti, Maurizio and Bertani, Maria is a ground breaking steel vessel equipped with diesel engines for the very first time in history.

1961
The shift from wood to steel

With the successful debut of the first steel luxury motor yacht, Benetti accomplishes a new construction standard, combining comfort, technology, and superior quality. A winning formula that will charm the noble elite, giving the company iconic status.

1966
Welcome Gabbiano 22M

Following the launch of its first luxury motor yacht Benetti introduces the Gabbiano 22M, which will captivate the attention of personalities as prestigious as Prince Rainier III of Monaco and Grace Kelly.

1977
The noteworthy M/Y El Caran

Chosen by rockstar David Bowie, El Caran is a 39-meter-long classic beauty with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure distinguished by a canoe stern design.

1979
The launch of the extra-luxurious M/Y Nabila

With a length of 86 meters, Nabila is the first and largest gigayacht ever built at the time for Saudi businessman Adnan Khashoggi.

1983
A memorable cinematic moment

Showing off her spectacular beauty in different scenes, Nabila appears in the James Bond film starring Sean Connery, “Never Say Never Again”.

1985
The Azimut | Benetti Group is born

The founder of Azimut Yachts, Paolo Vitelli, acquires Benetti, an event that marks the beginning of a new era for the prestigious Italian shipyard. The Azimut | Benetti Group will go on to become the world’s most extensive yacht and megayacht network.

1989
The song “Khashoggi’s Ship” by Queen

Inspired by the legendary parties he attended on board Nabila, Freddie Mercury writes a song that contributes to making her famous worldwide: “And then we took a holiday on Khashoggi’s ship – well, we really had a good good time they was all so sexy, we was bad, we was blitzed, all in all it was a pretty good trip”.

2003
Amplifying production, empowering the group

Benetti expands its production facilities by acquiring the renowned “Fratelli Orlando Shipyard” in Livorno. Founded in 1866, during its years of activity it supervised the launches of hundreds of warships, commercial ships, and ferries. The House of Yachting is born.

2006
M/Y Ambrosia III, a pioneering milestone

M/Y Ambrosia III 65M is the result of an intensive study and design phase. Commissioned by a loyal Benetti owner, she is the first yacht to be equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system combined with Azipods and underscores customers’ confidence in entrusting pioneering projects to the shipyard.

2011
M/Y Nataly, The first project of a winning collaboration

M/Y Nataly 65M is the result of the first collaboration between Benetti and RWD. The superyacht features lines that will become a classic of the future, and represents the beginning of a successful collaboration.

2016
A hub for the production of gigayachts

The creation of a building hub dedicated to the construction of gigayachts over 80 meters is a bold initiative for Benetti. A real turning point in its history and an important milestone for its future.

2019
The Giga Season

M/Y Lana 107M, M/Y Luminosity 107.6M, M/Y Ije 108M. These are the three gigayachts built simultaneously in less than three years. The Benetti Giga Season marked an historic milestone for the shipyard.

2020
Oasis Deck®, a sea-immersive experience

A true lifestyle concept to be at one with the ocean, the Oasis Deck™ featured on the Oasis 40M is an unprecedented nautical design concept developed by Benetti with RWD. It is a huge success and an iconic element that will define the future of its shipbuilding through yachts such as the Oasis 34M and the B.Now line.

2023
150 years of nautical pride

In 2023, Benetti celebrated its 150th anniversary of shipbuilding heritage. To mark this milestone, it launched its first exclusive mini boat show at the shipyard in Livorno, showcasing twenty of its most notable creations built over time.

INNOVATING the ART of SHIPBUILDING over TIME

Delfino
YEAR
1962
LOA
18.6 M / 61' 00"
Gabbiano
YEAR
1966
LOA
22 M / 72' 2"
Mediterraneo
YEAR
1967
LOA
33 M / 108' 3"
Galu II
YEAR
1977
LOA
52.9 M / 173' 7"
Nabila
YEAR
1979
LOA
86 M / 282' 2"
Golden Bay Series
YEAR
1995
LOA
50 M / 164' 1"
Class 115 stella Fiera
YEAR
1998
LOA
34.95 M / 114' 8"
Reverie
YEAR
2000
LOA
70 M / 229' 8"
Vision 45 Patrizia
YEAR
2002
LOA
44.22 M / 145' 1"
Sai Ram
YEAR
2004
LOA
52 M / 170' 7"
Ambrosia III
YEAR
2006
LOA
65 M / 213' 3"
Nataly
YEAR
2011
LOA
65 M / 213' 3"
Lionheart
YEAR
2016
LOA
90 M / 295' 3"
Metis
YEAR
2019
LOA
63 M / 206' 8"
Lana
YEAR
2019
LOA
107 M / 351' 1"
Luminosity
YEAR
2019
LOA
107.6 M / 353' 0"
Ije
YEAR
2019
LOA
108 M / 354' 4"
Oasis
YEAR
2020
LOA
40.8 M / 133' 10"