The Baglietto Shipyards are one of the great milestones of Italian and international shipbuilding, an exceptional reality that, since the mid-19th century, has been able to carve the history of world boating, becoming one of the undisputed “bigs” in the industry.
Today, a giant in the market, Baglietto seems a reality far removed from that of its early days, made up of small Jolas, spears, pure racer and even seaplanes, and yet, the two realities contain each other, with one key fundamental point, the production turnaround of the second post-war period.
In fact, first the Island Series and then the Metric Series were born here , giving way to Classic Boats of excellence and a growth that would lead expeditiously to today’s success.
Cantieri Baglietto & Classic Boats
In 1841, Pietro Baglietto, the mastermind behind the beginning of it all, was born in Varazze. In a small orchard 100 meters from the sea he would be the one to found the shipyard, starting with small rowing boats and then, in 1876, arriving at the big debut: the cutter Rosy, for Count Ponza of San Martino, an early success.
In 1890 the concession for the shipyard on the beach and everything takes off giving direction to a shipyard of growing success.
In 1906 he will launch the largest motor yacht (with auxiliary sail) then ever built (22.6 m), giving the impetus, in 1908, to the founding of the actual shipyard: S.I.A.M, Società Italiana Automobili Marittime. Another exceptional creature was born during this period, a hydroplane developed with engineers from the Aeronautical Engineers, forerunner of what would become the modern hydrofoils, as well as the starting point for the shipyard’s other activity: seaplanes.
Nothing could be further from what one might imagine today….
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Baglietto Shipyards: 1900-1945
It was 1911 when the shipyard passed from father to son, with Bernardo Baglietto taking the reins, assisted by his older brother Giobatta.
The impetus of the Great War would soon be felt here, with production focusing on the manufacture of MAS (Silurian Armed Motorboats) and Seaplanes.
A huge incentive for research and experimentation.
The end of the conflict finally offers a period of pure experimentation, with the myth of speed taking hold.
Baglietto will produce racing hulls, with exaggerated hulls and improbable power for the time.
Every world championship and speed record, for a long time, would seem to be able to be his alone.
These were also the years of “marine cars” (small motorboats), boats and large private yachts, and sailboats for the elite, all research and excellent craftsmanship that would soon, however, spill over into a second world war.
Cantieri Baglietto: the unforgettable Metric Series
Having passed the critical phase of re-conversion, from wartime to civilian, the 1950s were a turning point for Baglietto. Indeed, the shipyard ventured into the construction of recreational motorboats intended for the public, experimenting with the innovative marine plywood, developed for the military sector in previous years.
Thus was born the Islands Series, with the legendary Elba (its history here), Capri, Ischia (its history here), Majorca and Menorca. Success. The lines are new and eye-catching, breaking with tradition and soon becoming a status symbol.
In 1962 the Ischia are at the first International Boat Show in Genoa, exaggerated success, it is the turning point.
The 1960s reach their peak and Baglietto experiences one of its most successful moments, both in terms of quantities produced and the quality and sophistication of its products.
Credit is due to the new creation, a cult: the Metric Series.
The Baglietto 18M is here the most iconic hull, the most luxurious boat then ever made by the shipyard.
The planking is still traditional, but it marks the turning point: everyone wants one.
Production, given its success, will be converted for serial.
Thus is born the 16.50M, made of marine plywood and even strong with prefabricated interiors.
It is the future coming.
A new trend is born: less curvy shapes, sharper cuts, fly-bridges… The 16.50M is truly the game-changing icon.
The entire metric series, including the 20M, will immediately become a cult, so popular with owners that a total of 196 units are built, with prominent elements among the principals: Rainier of Monaco, Peter Sellers and Virna Lisa.
Success was exorbitant, and the market wanted more and more: the 1970s thus brought lighter alloys, aluminum, and large custom, with its zenith in the Ischiai 80 in the following decade. Then, all of a sudden, the oil crisis, the crisis and the sale of the business.
But not undoing for the shipyard, as we well know, today stronger than ever.
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