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Behind every old shipyard lies a story of gestures, technical choices and industrial gamble. Ranieri International is one of these Italian builders, born far from the great industrial basins, but rooted in a strong maritime culture. From its base in Calabria, the company has accompanied the evolution of yachting, from family fiberglass boats to today's ranges designed for an international market.
The early days at Soverato, when everything depended on mechanics
The Ranieri story began in Soverato, on the Ionian coast of Calabria, in the late 1960s. Pietro Ranieri, the eldest member of the family, started a craft business focused on motorcycle servicing. His interest in mechanics soon led him to the nautical sector, selling and servicing marine engines and small boats.
At this time, yachting was gradually taking off in the Mediterranean. Needs were simple, but uses were multiplying. Pietro Ranieri, joined by his brothers, broadened his field of activity and turned to construction. A few years later, the first fiberglass boats rolled out of the workshop.
In 1970, the craft became a fully-fledged company with the creation of La Motonautica F.lli Ranieri srl. The yard laid the foundations for what was to become a structured family group.
Boating as a response to a need for freedom
In the 1970s and 1980s, pleasure boating developed rapidly. Boats became a means of escape, but also a place for sharing. Motonautica F.lli Ranieri was part of this dynamic, proposing affordable units designed for family use, without sacrificing the highest standards of craftsmanship.
The shipyard's philosophy is based on a balance between lines, seaworthiness and robustness. Each model is built to last, with a focus on ergonomics and versatility. This progressive approach enables the company to build up a loyal customer base, while refining its technical know-how.
A family business still at the helm
Unlike many shipyards that have come under industrial or financial control, Ranieri remains a family-run business. Even today, Pietro Ranieri personally oversees all phases of the production process. He is supported by his sons, Salvatore and Antonio, who are involved in design, production and overall management of the company.
This organization ensures continuity in technical and industrial choices. Decisions are not disconnected from the field or from actual use. Intergenerational dialogue plays a central role in the evolution of the range and in adapting to market expectations.
Soverato, a locally rooted industrial base
Over the decades, the shipyard has grown without leaving Soverato. Today, the production site covers more than 35,000 m², plus a 12,000 m² marine base in the Gulf. Keeping the industrial heart in Calabria is a strong strategic choice.
A large proportion of components are produced in-house, around 80% according to the site. This level of integration gives us direct control over quality, as well as the ability to adapt quickly when developing new models. Hulls, fittings and assemblies are all designed with global coherence in mind.
The generational shift and international openness
The arrival of the new generation marks a strategic turning point. Without breaking with its founding values, the company embarked on a process of differentiation. Investments were made not only in materials and manufacturing processes, but also in standards and international brand perception.
In 2008, this evolution led to the creation of the Ranieri International brand. The aim is clear: to offer ranges capable of meeting the expectations of a variety of markets, while retaining a strong Italian identity.
Range diversification and new brands
With this in mind, Ranieri International launches several distinct lines. Semi-rigids appear with the Cayman brand, introduced in 2014. They meet a growing demand for multi-purpose units, suitable for touring as well as sporting or light professional use.
In 2016, the Next range was launched. It marks a new generation of boats, in terms of design, hull architecture and fittings. These models reflect the shipyard's evolution towards more accomplished units, incorporating today's standards of comfort and equipment.
A global presence built up gradually
Today, Ranieri International is present in over 30 markets. This presence is based not only on a network of distributors, but also on the ability to adapt models to local regulatory and cultural constraints. However, the company retains a centralized production base, guaranteeing consistency in manufacturing.
This international presence does not eliminate the company's original roots. Industrial choices remain guided by a logic of control and continuity, rather than by a race for volume.
Between heritage and contemporary navigation
Ranieri's history is closely linked to that of Mediterranean yachting. From small family boats to today's units, the company has kept pace with changing usage without abandoning its core values. The relationship with the sea, navigation and the long term remains at the heart of its approach.
In a sector often subject to the effects of fashion, Ranieri International moves forward at its own pace. And it is perhaps this constancy, rather than rupture, that explains the longevity of the Calabrian shipyard in the European and international nautical landscape.
