Italy

A. Bottino Design

Most yacht builders are based along the coast, where access to the sea facilitates construction, testing, launch and delivery, making <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a> an exception. Located in Erbusco, near Brescia, in the heart of Italy’s Franciacorta region, the yard is far from the water. This landlocked area is better known for vineyards, yet tucked away among the Lombardian hills, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a> produces high-performance sailing yachts and tenders.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382597/image/large-5054c1746d1856362af2f89762d43d1f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382597">Founded in 1987, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a> has always specialised in sailing yachts and has delivered a number of projects in this segment, the most recent being, the 23.95‑metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/15794" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Corsara23.95m (78'7&quot;)Maxi Dolphin s.r.l.2025">Corsara</a>, which was handed over to her owner earlier this year.SuperYacht Times Features Writer Enrico Chhibber spoke with Luca Botter, CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a>, to explore the origins of the shipyard, its continued focus on sailing yachts, and the projects currently underway.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382591/image/large-084b0b069366f402286a7b0a753e83cd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382591">From sailing passion to yacht building“It all began with Vittorio Moretti’s passion,” recounted Luca Botter. “He was the founder and head of the company, and I used to race with him. In 1987, he decided to build a 73-foot sailing yacht designed by Bruce Farr. For five or six years, we competed together in the Maxi World Championship.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382593/image/large-ef423e78ddcc6a729136cdf35be95c7d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382593">That experience gradually evolved into a more technical interest in yacht construction, initially focused on racing sailing yachts. “In those early years, most shipyards were using vacuum-infused resin and epoxy resin under vacuum,” Botter recalled. “Carbon fibre either did not exist or was not yet in widespread use.”<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a> adopted a different approach from the outset, choosing to build with carbon fibre and epoxy resin using Sprint/Prepreg technology. The materials are stored at minus 18 degrees Celsius and already contain the precise amount of resin, allowing for tight control over weight and performance. After lamination, the components are vacuum sealed and post-cured at 84 degrees Celsius in the shipyard’s 40‑metre oven. For the late 1980s, these processes were considered advanced for the sector.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382607/image/large-c063da2d66cf918397dd397684737ff8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382607">A turning point came in 2016, when Moretti stepped back from the business to focus on his other ventures, particularly in wine and construction. By that point, Luca Botter was already a shareholder, having been closely involved in the yard’s development.“I had stepped away for a period, but then returned, eventually taking over the company,” Botter explained. “I did not want to manage things alone, so I asked Giovanni Pizzatti, also an engineer, to join and take charge of the production side.”With Moretti shifting his focus to his wine business full time, Botter assumed full responsibility for the shipyard. “That is how the current structure of the company was formed,” he said. “Even though ownership changed, we haven't altered our direction.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382598/image/large-ca5f7ec96cb4bde6da09db4a0c310705.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382598">Inland production and its implicationsOperating from an inland location imposes certain logistical constraints, particularly in terms of transport. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a>’s facility in Erbusco spans 2,700 square-metres and is technically equipped to construct advanced yachts, but the limitations lie in moving large vessels to the coast.This has a direct impact on yacht size. With 30.5-metres being the practical upper limit, the yard typically works within a range of 15.2 to 25.9-metres. “Building a 30.5-metre yacht is a significant undertaking and requires a different level of organisation, both in the yard and the technical office,” said Botter.In terms of production capacity, the shipyard can usually handle one yacht in the 24.4 to 27.4-metre range alongside another between 18.3 and 19.8-metres. “Beyond that, we do not take on additional projects at the same time,” Botter explained.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382615/image/large-c71a9d8a99d055101472293234945148.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382615">Every yacht is built as a one-off. Even when two vessels fall within the same size bracket, their configurations are never the same. “We built two yachts at 18.9-19.8-metres , both designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A. Bottino Design (Company)">Alejandro Bottino</a>, and they were completely different,” said Botter. “Each owner brings a unique vision.”Clients typically engage the yard from the earliest design phase. If they arrive with a naval architect already selected, the yard works collaboratively, if not, a designer is chosen together. From there, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a> manages the development process through to delivery, ensuring each yacht is built for its intended use, &nbsp;whether cruising, racing, or a blend of both.While some clients prioritise performance and others comfort, “the general trend is towards fast cruisers,” Botter notes. “They offer strong sailing characteristics while retaining a high level of liveability.” That trend is mirrored in size expectations. “Most new projects start at 24.4-metres.. It has become the new entry point for many of our clients.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382686/image/large-e4d2119441718a7e05c5ec2a2e1c272b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382686">Beyond sailing: tenders and chase boats&nbsp;While <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a> is best known for its full-custom sailing yachts, the shipyard occasionally constructs tenders and chase boats, though normally in connection with existing projects. Past examples include a 15.5-metre tender for the 36-metre sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2528" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Viriella36.0m (118'1&quot;)Maxi Dolphin s.r.l.2001">Viriella</a>, a 21.3-metre motorboat built in-house, and a chase boat for a 70-metre superyacht. “We have built yachts of 15.2, 15.5 and 16.2-metres, as well as some motorboats for our 22.9-metre model and a 21.3-metre model of our own,” said Botter. “But we do not have the facilities or logistics to build motor yachts beyond 24.5-metres, nor is that part of our future plans.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382592/image/large-b1edf84300ed59bbbfb58506aae6c400.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382592">Alongside the production of sailing yachts, tenders and chase boats, the yard considered the possibility of developing a more standardised motorboat, but ultimately decided against it. “We were born as a custom builder, and that is what we know how to do,” Botter explained. “Even when we tried to keep things simple, using the same colours and layout, no two boats were ever the same. One had two cabins, another had a higher superstructure, others had different engines or finishes. In the end, we realised we are not structured for serial production. That is not what we do.”What comes nextFollowing the delivery of the 23.95-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/15794" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Corsara23.95m (78'7&quot;)Maxi Dolphin s.r.l.2025">Corsara</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a> is now building another sailing yacht of the same length, scheduled for completion in 2026. The exterior design and naval architecture have been developed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6261" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Botin Partners Naval Architecture (Company)">Botin Partners</a>, while the layout and technical detailing are being carried out in-house by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a>’s design office.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/364997/image/large-02b7edf53d126fcffd1ea0d91d226c46.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/364997">“The owner wanted to create a distinctive interior atmosphere,” said Botter. “So we brought in a Milan-based design duo to translate those preferences into a bespoke interior concept.” The selection of materials, colour palette and finishings has been shaped through close collaboration with the owner. This level of personalisation differs from the shipyard’s 17.7-metres. sailing yacht currently under construction, where the entire interior design is being developed internally by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a>’s technical team.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/376488/image/large-36c1bfdac98ffd0cec87e1b887d1e0f0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/376488">While its inland location presents logistical challenges, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1419" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maxi Dolphin s.r.l. (Company)">Maxi Dolphin</a> has adapted its operations accordingly, transporting yachts by road to coastal ports for launch and sea trials. Rather than expanding into areas that require different infrastructure or production models, the shipyard has chosen to remain focused on what it knows: the construction of full-custom sailing yachts built to individual specifications.&nbsp;

Maxi Dolphin: A landlocked builder of custom sailing yachts

SYT speaks with Maxi Dolphin CEO Luca Botter about the shipyard’s origins, its focus on custom sailing yachts, and the latest projects in build.