The Return of a Legend: What the Experts Are Saying About the Bellini ASTOR 36
After a remarkable 50-year hiatus, Bellini Yacht has returned to new boat production, and the marine media has taken notice. The ASTOR 36, our flagship model marking this historic comeback, has received enthusiastic coverage from leading yachting publications and reviewers. Here’s what they’re saying about this elegant Italian sportscruiser.
A Heritage Reimagined
Multiple publications have highlighted the significance of our return to boatbuilding. In the 1960s, Bellini was renowned for producing wooden runabouts that rivaled the legendary Riva brand. Now, after decades focused on restoration and maintaining classic yachts, we’ve channeled that craftsmanship into something entirely new.
Motor Boat & Yachting featured the ASTOR 36 with a video tour, describing it as “a born again beauty” that brings “trademark glamour” back to the market. The publication notes the serious pedigree behind the design, with styling by Brunello Acampora of Victory Design and input from none other than Norberto Ferretti himself.
A Head-Turner at First Sight
Powerboat & RIB magazine’s comprehensive review, titled “A Mediterranean Dream in Dorset,” captures the immediate impact the ASTOR 36 makes. At the 2025 British Motoryacht Show at Swanwick Marina, their reviewer describes the yacht as standing out from every other craft on display. The striking appearance, high topsides, folding balconies, and modernistic styling created what they call a “head turner” that embodies sophisticated social boating in the sun.
Remarkably, the review notes that the ASTOR 36’s price point came in almost £100,000 less than several British-built open RIBs of shorter waterline length—exceptional value for what they describe as a “substantial, twin diesel-powered Italian beauty.”
Design Excellence That Stands Out
Reviewers have been particularly impressed by the ASTOR 36’s visual impact and attention to detail. YachtBuyer’s comprehensive review calls it “a very sharp-looking piece of design” and praises the sleek, automotive-quality spray-painted finish that sets it apart from traditional gelcoat boats.
The clean lines and neat profile have earned consistent praise, with Motor Boat & Yachting noting how the design successfully mixes “classic retro proportions with sophisticated modern detailing.” This isn’t just about looks—it’s about creating a yacht that honors our heritage while embracing modern aesthetics.
Functional Innovation
The ASTOR 36’s deck layout has garnered particular attention for its clever functionality:
The Drop-Down Balconies: Featured as standard equipment, these fold-down balconies extend the beam to over 6 meters when deployed, dramatically opening up the aft cockpit. YachtBuyer notes these “open up the aft cockpit beautifully” and can be enhanced with optional carbon fiber poles and rope rails for a beach club atmosphere.
Powerboat & RIB experienced these balconies in action during their sea trial, reporting that with the gunwale balconies deployed, the deck span reaches an impressive 6.5 meters. Combined with the rope guard lines, this creates what they describe as “every inch the consummate entertaining platform” that comfortably accommodates at least ten people with “generous servings of space to spare.”
Versatile Sunpad System: The adjustable sunpad backrests have impressed reviewers with their simple pivot mechanism. Pull them forward to extend sunbathing space, or flip them over to create forward-facing seating when underway. Motor Boat & Yachting highlights how this design allows “the middle row can face forwards underway” while the back becomes “the headrest for an extended aft sunpad.”
Clean Stern Design: The inboard engine configuration clears the stern of outboards, providing a full-beam bathing platform that reviewers consistently praise for maximizing usable space.
An Interior That Exceeds Expectations
While styled as a fast day boat, the ASTOR 36’s interior has surprised reviewers with its weekending capabilities. YachtBuyer describes stepping into the cabin as revealing “a beautifully finished space” with excellent headroom—over 1.8 meters in much of the area.
The publication notes: “There’s a sense of occasion here that most 36-footers simply don’t deliver.” Features like the bulkhead-mounted TV, overhead hatch with blackout cushion, and LED feature lighting create what they call a “boutique apartment feel.”
Motor Boat & Yachting describes the lower deck as “more spacious than we expected,” with an island bed forward and useful storage throughout. They particularly appreciate that there’s “a useful amount of space around the island bed forward,” making it genuinely comfortable for overnighting.
The Ultimate Social Boat
Powerboat & RIB’s day-long evaluation at Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour demonstrated the ASTOR 36’s prowess as an entertainment platform. During their anchored afternoon, the crew enjoyed al-fresco lunch around the galley table while others took advantage of the “super-sized swim platform” for swimming and paddleboarding.
The reviewer observed how the ASTOR 36 creates the impression of being significantly larger than its actual dimensions. At 11.30 metres overall with a 3.93-metre beam, the yacht achieves spacious attributes by “cleverly maximising every available space without compromising either comfort or style.”
The accommodation proved practical as well as luxurious. The review notes that the two well-appointed double-berth cabins with separate bathroom and shower facilities would make guests “feel completely at home overnighting” over a long summer weekend. The easy companionway access with good handrails and abundant grab points throughout the boat contribute to excellent on-deck security.
Quality That Shows
A common theme across reviews is the superior build quality and finishing. Motor Boat & Yachting specifically notes that “the lacklustre finishing and over zealous use of mastic that often betrays new boatbuilders are refreshingly absent.”
YachtBuyer observes that “there’s a quality to the detailing that reflects the builder’s history” in restoration and classic boat craftsmanship. The review highlights features like color-coded speakers, integrated deck lighting, and clean finishes throughout.
Powerboat & RIB reinforces this assessment, noting that when relaxing aboard, “the detail and quality of the Astor’s interior are evidenced all the more.” The review attributes this excellence to the extraordinary partnership between Norberto Ferretti, founder of the Ferretti Group and renowned leader in luxury yacht design, and Brunello Acampora, the internationally acclaimed designer whose Victory Design Italia has shaped the vessel’s form and every feature.
Performance and Practicality
With engine options including Volvo Penta diesels (D4 300hp or D6 400hp) or twin V8 petrol engines (350 or 380hp), the ASTOR 36 offers flexibility for different boating preferences. YachtBuyer reports a top speed around 35 knots with the D4 diesels and comfortable cruising in the mid-20s—”the range most owners will sit at day-to-day.”
The powered engine hatch, controlled from the helm, provides excellent access to the clean, well-organized engine bay. There’s even space to fit a gyro stabilizer if desired.
Real-World Performance Excellence
Powerboat & RIB’s full-day sea trial in Dorset waters provided extensive real-world testing of the ASTOR 36. Their reviewer describes the helm position as “an absolute pleasure, with everything falling nicely to hand, no visibility issues and a very secure and comfortable seating set-up.”
At 25 knots with the Volvo Penta D4 engines, they found the yacht’s optimum cruising pace, noting the boat’s responsiveness and sporting characteristics. The review emphasizes that while the D4-equipped boat delivers excellent cruising performance, those seeking higher speeds could opt for the big-block petrol engines, which the hull is fully capable of handling.
The manoeuvring particularly impressed the reviewers. Despite the yacht’s size, they successfully navigated tight marina confines and even executed a challenging right-angled turn in a space barely longer than the boat itself, using the bow thruster and dual throttle controls to berth perfectly without incident.
The Verdict
YachtBuyer concludes their review with high praise: “The Bellini Astor 36 is a very nicely executed weekender – easy to run, smartly laid out, and with just enough style to stand out.” They describe it as achieving a balance that’s “not always easy to strike” between serving as “a fast day boat” while having “the comfort for overnighting.”
Their final assessment? “A quietly confident return to the market – and a well-judged one.”
Motor Boat & Yachting shares similar enthusiasm, calling the ASTOR 36 “a welcome return to Bellini’s glamorous 1960s roots” and noting they have “high hopes for it” based on first impressions.
Powerboat & RIB’s conclusion captures the transformative experience the ASTOR 36 delivers. Their reviewer describes the yacht as a “magic carpet” that transported their party to what felt like “some foreign idyll” being experienced “in 5-star luxury.” The review emphasizes that the boat delivers on its promise as “a day boat par excellence”—a vessel that maximizes space and engineering design while convincing owners “she’s a good deal bigger than she really is.”
Where to Learn More
The ASTOR 36 has been featured across multiple platforms:
- YachtBuyer offers a detailed written review with video tour showcasing the deck layout, interior, and features
- Motor Boat & Yachting published a comprehensive video tour and article highlighting the yacht’s return to Bellini’s heritage
- Powerboat & RIB featured an in-depth sea trial review titled “A Mediterranean Dream in Dorset,” documenting a full day testing the yacht in real-world conditions from Mudeford to Poole Harbour
- Barcheamotore.com featured the ASTOR 36 as the debut model of the reborn Bellini Yacht brand
- Multiple boating platforms including YachtWorld, itBoat, and Ouryachtworld.com have covered the launch
The ASTOR 36 made its official debut at the prestigious Cannes Yachting Festival 2024, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Bellini Yachts. With plans for larger models including a 46, 58, and 60 in the pipeline, this is just the start of our return to boatbuilding excellence.
The Bellini ASTOR 36 represents more than just a new model—it’s the revival of a legacy. We invite you to explore the reviews, watch the video tours, and discover why experts are welcoming our return to the market with such enthusiasm.