Bellini Yacht is expanding its model range with the Astor 38, a 38-foot yacht for sporty owners. The Italian manufacturer developed the model from a customer project. Francesco Castellacci, professional racing driver and 2011 FIA GT3 European champion, commissioned the shipyard to build a yacht that incorporates elements from motorsport. The one-off Astor 38 PISTA became the series version, which will be available from September 2026.
From one-off to series production
The collaboration between Castellacci and Bellini Yacht began with a concrete idea: the racing driver wanted to transfer the precision and control from motorsport to a yacht. At the time, the shipyard was already working on a new model in this size class. Both concepts were incorporated into the project. The result was the Astor 38 PISTA, a one-off with clear references to the race track. The yacht is painted in a silver-red metallic colour inspired by Castellacci's Ferrari LMGT3 Evo. A teak deck and the inscription PISTA characterise the boat's exterior.
Bellini Yacht uses bucket seats in the cockpit, as they are known from racing cars. Carbon fibre details reinforce this impression. The steering wheel has a red centre insert. The seat covers are modelled on the Ferrari Daytona upholstery. Yellow markings emphasise moving parts, such as the front anchor or the sun lounger at the rear. The windscreen frame is painted in Giallo Modena, a bright yellow colour. Together with the red waterline, this creates the colour scheme of classic racing cars.
Series version with a family focus
The series version of the Astor 38 retains the basic sporty design, but is aimed at a wider audience. According to the shipyard, the hull is designed to provide stability at high speeds. The cockpit layout adopts ergonomic principles from motorsport. In contrast to the one-off, the series has two cabins at the stern. This layout makes the yacht suitable for families. The interior combines contemporary design with functional requirements on board.
Technical alignment
The Astor 38 joins Bellini Yacht's model range, which currently includes the Astor 36 and Astor 58. Both models were launched in 2024 and 2025. The shipyard is working with designers Brunello Acampora and Norberto Ferretti and is planning yachts up to 24 metres in length. The Astor 38 is intended to close the gap between the existing models.
The one-off Astor 38 PISTA will be exhibited at the Cannes Yachting Festival from 8 to 13 September 2026. There, interested parties will be able to see the concept on which the series version is based. The regular Astor 38 will also be available to order from September 2026.
About Bellini Yacht
Bellini Yacht is a subsidiary of the Bellini Group and has been listed on Euronext Growth Milan since 2023. The company specialises in the design, development and production of yachts. The parent company Bellini Group was founded in 1967 and is based on Lake Iseo in northern Italy. Further information: Bellini Yacht
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
