History of Bellini

Yacht Enthusiasts Since 1960

Two craftsmen inspecting a yact at Bellini

Heritage

In 1960, Battista Bellini, an entrepreneur with a profound passion for the sea and the art of yachting, partnered with Mr. Piantoni of Sarnico to build Sebino-branded boats. The first Sebino facility was established in Paratico and operated until 1962, when Battista sold the property. Later that same year, production of Bellini-branded wooden boats began in Clusane. This venture led to the creation of distinctive and refined models that quickly became hallmarks of quality and tradition.

Over the years, the shipyard produced a significant number of boats, each representing a unique chapter in the Bellini brand’s history. Continuous innovation and a commitment to excellence enabled the introduction of new models—each more advanced and sophisticated than the last—to meet the demands of an increasingly discerning clientele.

A beautifully restored vintage Riva boat speeding across open water, featuring a polished wooden deck, turquoise seating, and an Italian flag at the stern, expertly navigated by a driver
A row of beautifully restored vintage Riva boats on display in the Bellini Museum's indoor showroom, showcasing their polished wood finishes and sleek lines
San Paolo IslandLake Iseo  Brescia

Bellini Classic

Production of Bellini boats ceased in 1973 following the onset of a serious illness that affected Battista Bellini. In 1980, the company suffered a significant loss with the passing of its founder. At just 16 years old, his son Romano Bellini began his professional career. The shipyard then shifted its focus to storage, sales, and restoration of classic boats.

Undergoing significant expansion, the shipyard added four new hangars and a water testing pool, acquiring specialized expertise in restoration and painting processes. This period marked the beginning of the Bellini Classic era, where the preservation and restoration of classic yachts became the centrepiece of the company’s activities.

In 2011, Battista Bellini, the founder’s grandson, initiated digitalisation processes, propelling the company into the modern era and opening new avenues for growth and development.

A woman at the helm of a vintage Riva boat, wearing a swimsuit, with a polished wooden dashboard and classic Italian design elements
Restoration of a vintage Riva boat at the Bellini Museum, showcasing exposed wooden framing and intricate craftsmanship in a workshop setting.
Close-up of a craftsman restoring a vintage Riva boat at the Bellini Museum, using a hammer and chisel with precision on the boat's exterior, highlighting traditional woodworking skills
A craftsman masking off chrome features on a vintage Riva boat at the Bellini Museum, preparing the surrounding wood for revarnishing or restoration.
Close-up of the interior and steering wheel of a restored vintage Riva boat, featuring a polished wooden dashboard and turquoise seating

The Riva Collection Museum

In 2019, Bellini Nautica, under the guidance of Martina Bellini, embarked on extraordinary collaborations with renowned international artists like Romero Britto, Mr. Brainwash, and Xavier Casalta, infusing art and creativity into the heart of the brand. This artistic evolution led to the establishment of the Riva Collection Museum, a dedicated space showcasing a meticulously restored fleet of classic Riva boats. The museum celebrates the rich heritage of Italian yacht craftsmanship and serves as a tribute to the timeless elegance of these iconic vessels.

 

Multiple restored vintage Riva boats with polished wooden finishes on display at the Bellini Museum, arranged in a brightly lit indoor showroom
Interior view of a restored Riva boat featuring a polished wooden dashboard, vintage gauges, and turquoise seating, displayed in the Bellini Museum showroom with additional Riva boats in the background
A collection of restored vintage Riva boats on display at the Bellini Museum, illuminated by natural light through large windows, showcasing their polished wooden finishes

The Rebirth of Bellini Yacht

2023 marked the beginning of a new chapter at Bellini with the recommencement of production of Bellini-branded boats and the launch of Bellini Yacht. Applying all of the experience and know-how developed during decades of restoring the world’s finest vintage craft, Battista Bellini announced a new product line-up and called upon the expertise of Norberto Ferretti, founder of Ferretti Yachts, and yacht designer Brunello Acampora to bring his vision to reality.

A woman at the helm of a vintage Riva boat, wearing a swimsuit, with a polished wooden dashboard and classic Italian design elements
Belliniyachtteam
Interior view of a restored Riva boat featuring a polished wooden dashboard, vintage gauges, and turquoise seating, displayed in the Bellini Museum showroom with additional Riva boats in the background
Close-up of the interior and steering wheel of a restored vintage Riva boat, featuring a polished wooden dashboard and turquoise seating

Sebino Yachts

A Team of Passionate and Knowledgeable People with Vast Marine Experience

Although a new brand in the sector of yacht sales, the company is driven by a team of passionate and knowledgeable individuals with vast marine experience. Sebino Yachts embodies the spirit of the original Sebino Boats brand founded by Battista Bellini, bringing together experts who share a deep love for the sea and a commitment to delivering exceptional quality.

Sebino Yachts has been founded exclusively for the sale of Bellini Yachts to UK clients. Unlike traditional dealers, we are able to sell and deliver a Bellini Yacht anywhere in the world. This provides all UK clients the comfort of dealing with a British business regardless of where they would like their boat to be delivered.