Italy, a nation synonymous with exquisite design and masterful craftsmanship, is home to one of the marine industry's most esteemed yacht builders: Maxi Dolphin Boatyard. Since its inception, the company has carved out a distinct niche, renowned for its dedication to high-performance sailing and motor yachts, meticulously crafted with advanced composite materials.
The Origin Story
The Maxi Dolphin shipyard was founded in 1987 by entrepreneur Vittorio Moretti, driven by his profound passion for the sea and boats. His vision was to create vessels that blended cutting-edge technology with unparalleled elegance. The company's very first launch was the MD73 Carmen, a custom maxi-yacht designed by the legendary Bruce Farr. This 73-foot sailing yacht was not just a symbol of the shipyard's ambition but was also raced by Moretti himself, setting the precedent for Maxi Dolphin's commitment to performance from day one.
History and Evolution
From its earliest days, Maxi Dolphin quickly established itself as a leading reference point for custom-built yachts. The 1990s saw the shipyard expand its output to include a series of one-design boats, further solidifying its presence in the racing and performance sailing world. A significant development in the company's evolution was its foray into motor yachts, marked by the birth of the Maxi Dolphin 51 Power in 2008. While already famous for its luxurious sailing yachts, this expansion demonstrated the yard's versatility and commitment to advanced engineering across different vessel types. Key leadership figures, such as Luca Botter, who has been involved with Maxi Dolphin since its founding, stepped into the role of CEO, with Giovanni Pizzati as technical director, guiding the company's trajectory.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Maxi Dolphin has cultivated a sterling reputation in the marine industry for its unwavering pursuit of performance, luxury, and bespoke craftsmanship. They are particularly known for building custom and semi-custom luxury sailing and motor yachts primarily in carbon fiber composite, often reaching lengths of up to 36 meters. Their core philosophy revolves around blending beauty with state-of-the-art technology, focusing on creating lightweight boats with simple, reliable systems that precisely meet the owner's desires.
The shipyard's identity is intrinsically linked to its extensive collaborations with some of the most celebrated naval architects and designers in the world. This impressive roster includes names like Bruce Farr, Germán Frers, Luca Brenta, Mark Mills, Botin Partners, and the Finot-Conq duo. For instance, the MD75 Karma, a high-performance cruiser, was designed by Mark Mills and earned the "Best Sailing Yacht" award at The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2020. Alejandro Bottino also contributed to their portfolio, notably with the MD62ab, a semi-custom design offering options like a reverse bow and canting keel. Their expertise in vacuum-laminated carbon fiber sandwich construction, cured in their 40-meter oven, underpins the lightweight yet robust nature of their vessels.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Maxi Dolphin has launched numerous iconic models that underscore its legacy of innovation and performance. Beyond the inaugural MD73 Carmen, the shipyard has produced over 200 boats, though its core business remains dedicated to building custom one-off creations. Notable models include the MD62 and MD75, which marked Maxi Dolphin's significant entrance into the semi-custom market. The MD51 Power stands out as their first successful motor yacht, highlighting their diverse capabilities. Other models like the MD38, designed by Botin Partners, emphasize a blend of performance and sophisticated design in a more compact size. The shipyard has consistently focused on delivering technology, craftsmanship, and elegance, ensuring a unique experience for every owner.
The Builder Today
Maxi Dolphin continues to operate from its base in Erbusco, Brescia, Italy, maintaining its focus on high-end custom and semi-custom yachts. Luca Botter serves as CEO, overseeing the company's operations, with Giovanni Pizzati as the technical director. The shipyard appeals to discerning owners who seek exceptional performance, advanced technology, and bespoke luxury in their marine vessels. Maxi Dolphin's commitment to custom projects means they cater to clients who desire a yacht tailored precisely to their specifications, ensuring a unique ownership experience. The brand's emphasis on high-quality construction, particularly with carbon fiber, and collaboration with top naval architects ensures that Maxi Dolphin yachts remain at the forefront of marine design and engineering.
