Homecoming Voyage

by | Last updated May 21, 2025

Homecoming Voyage: The Bellini Astor 36 Finds Her Summer Home

There’s something magical about bringing a boat home. Last week, we had the pleasure of guiding our stunning Bellini Yacht Astor 36 from Swanwick Marina on the Hamble to her summer residence at Avon Marina in Christchurch. And we weren’t alone – a potential client joined us for the journey, eager to experience firsthand what this Italian masterpiece could deliver.

A Personal Connection

As the Director of Sebino Yachts, this journey held special significance for me. My father is from the very lake where the Bellini Astor 36 is built, so bringing this magnificent yacht to British waters was a moment of immense pride and satisfaction.

I’ve known Battista Bellini, the CEO of Bellini Yacht, for many years, and it’s been extraordinary to witness his vision come to life. With Bellini Yacht only founded in 2024, Sebino Yachts is honoured to be among the founding dealers in this great adventure. There’s something deeply meaningful about connecting my family heritage with this new chapter in luxury boating.

Left to right: Oliver Lanza (Sebino Yachts), Battista Bellini (CEO Bellini Yacht), Romano Bellini (President Bellini Nautica) 

Putting Her Through Her Paces

The Solent provided the perfect testing ground for showcasing the Astor 36’s capabilities. We alternated between leisurely cruising and opening up the throttle for some exhilarating 35-knot sprints that had everyone on board grinning from ear to ear.

“I’m completely blown away,” our guest admitted as we sliced through the water with remarkable stability. The deep-V hull design from Victory Design proved its worth, delivering on every promise of comfort, stability, and efficiency – even when we pushed her to perform.

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Bellini x Sandbanks

A Picture-Perfect Moment at The Needles

One of the day’s highlights came when we paused just off The Needles. With the sun warming our faces, we demonstrated the yacht’s automatic balcony system, transforming our already spacious deck into an even more impressive entertainment area.

The sight of this handcrafted Italian beauty framed against one of Britain’s most iconic coastal landmarks was genuinely breathtaking – a perfect marriage of Mediterranean craftsmanship and British maritime heritage.

Bellini Astor 36 at The Needles
Bellini Astor 36 at The Needles

Performance That Exceeds Expectations

Numbers don’t lie, and the Astor 36’s performance figures tell an impressive story. The twin Volvo Penta D4 300 diesel engines complement the yacht’s character beautifully, offering responsive power exactly when needed.

At a comfortable cruising speed of 25 knots, we recorded fuel consumption of just 37 litres per hour – translating to a potential range of up to 500 nautical miles. That’s remarkable efficiency for a yacht of this calibre and opens up exciting possibilities for longer journeys. Island hopping around the Balearics or a cross-Channel trip to France? The Astor 36 handles these distances with ease.

A Warm Welcome Home

As we approached Avon Marina, we were greeted by an unexpected but welcome sight – an excited crowd had gathered to welcome the Astor 36 to her summer home. The yacht certainly made an impression, her sleek lines and poised stance drawing admiring glances as we moored.

The Astor 36 will be based at Avon Marina throughout the summer months, where she’ll be available for client sea trials and special events. We’ll be publishing dates soon, so if you’re interested in experiencing this remarkable vessel for yourself, watch this space!

After our journey from the Hamble to Christchurch, one thing is abundantly clear – the Bellini Yacht Astor 36 isn’t just a beautiful boat. She’s a performance powerhouse wrapped in Italian elegance, ready to make every journey an unforgettable experience.

 

By Oliver Lanza

Director