When Italian Heritage Meets Modern Functionality
In the world of superyachts, choosing the right tender isn’t just a practical decision—it’s a statement. And few vessels make that statement quite like the Bellini ASTOR 36. After a 50-year hiatus from new boat production, the Bellini family has returned with a craft that embodies everything a discerning superyacht owner should want in a chase boat.
A Pedigree Worth Noting
The Bellini name carries serious weight. In the 1960s, this family-owned Italian yard built wooden runabouts that rivalled Riva in style and performance. When founder Battista Bellini fell ill in the early 1970s, production ceased—but the legacy endured through decades of restoration and storage work. Now, a new generation has reignited that flame, and the ASTOR 36 is their triumphant return.
The design pedigree alone sets this vessel apart. Styled by Brunello Acampora of Victory Design with input from Italian yachting legend Norberto Ferretti, the ASTOR 36 carries the DNA of Mediterranean boatbuilding royalty.
he Perfect Dimensions
At 11.3 meters (37 feet) LOA with a 3.9-meter beam and a shallow 0.7-meter draft, the ASTOR 36 occupies a sweet spot for tender operations. It’s substantial enough to handle open-water crossings with confidence and accommodate up to 10 guests in genuine comfort, yet nimble enough for beach approaches, marina manoeuvring, and deployment from larger vessels.
That shallow draft is particularly valuable for superyacht tenders—it opens up anchorages, coves, and beaches that would be off-limits to deeper-hulled alternatives.
Performance That Delivers
With twin Volvo Penta V8 petrol (350hp or 380hp) engines or the option for diesel (D4 300hp or 320hp), the ASTOR 36 can exceed 35 knots. In fact, in twin 380hp petrol trim the ASTOR 36 can exceed 42 knots. For a tender role, this means quick transfers between mothership and shore, the ability to keep pace during cruising relocations, and enough reserve power to handle unexpected conditions.
The 700-liter fuel capacity provides meaningful range, while the well-engineered hull delivers the stability and efficiency expected of serious Italian craftsmanship.
Designed for the Role
What makes the ASTOR 36 genuinely suited to tender duty is its walkaround layout and space optimisation. The centre console configuration provides 360-degree access for boarding, line handling, and passenger management—exactly what you need when ferrying guests.
Standard folding balconies on port and starboard add 2.1 meters to the effective beam when deployed, creating an extraordinary swim platform and connection to the water. For superyacht guests accustomed to the finer things, this detail alone elevates the tender experience from transport to destination.
The generous cockpit with deep coamings provides a safe, comfortable space for guests, while optional carbon fibre stanchions with rope fencing add both security and visual sophistication.
More Than a Day Boat
Unlike many tenders that sacrifice accommodation for deck space, the ASTOR 36 offers genuine overnight capability. Below deck, you’ll find a forward island bed and a compact double berth, plus a full bathroom with separate shower. This transforms the vessel from simple shuttle to an independent explorer—perfect for guests who want to break away for a night in a secluded cove or for crew transfers that run late.
The Aesthetic Advantage
Perhaps nothing announces your superyacht’s character quite like the tender alongside. The ASTOR 36’s spray-painted finish (rather than gelcoat) and six signature colour configurations—Ice, Ocean, Forest, Sand, Rock, and Earth—offer distinctive options that can complement or tastefully contrast with any mothership’s livery.
The Sand configuration, with its pastel hull and orange waterline, exemplifies what Bellini calls “whispered luxury”—understated enough for old money, distinctive enough to turn heads in any harbour.
The Verdict
The Bellini ASTOR 36 represents something increasingly rare: a vessel built with genuine craftsmanship by people who understand the heritage they’re carrying forward. It delivers the performance, space, and sophistication that superyacht owners expect, wrapped in a design that honours 60 years of Italian boatbuilding excellence.
Starting from approximately £450,000, it’s a significant investment—but for those who understand that every detail of the superyacht experience matters, the ASTOR 36 isn’t an expense. It’s an extension of the lifestyle.
The question isn’t whether the Bellini ASTOR 36 is the perfect superyacht tender. The question is whether you’re ready to own a piece of Italian maritime history.