ZAR Formenti, a leading Italian inflatable boat manufacturer, was established in 1979. Its journey began in Chiari, a municipality in the province of Brescia, Lombardy, Northern Italy, under the innovative leadership of Piero Formenti. Piero, with his passion for nautical design, revolutionised the market with his unique concept of creating inflatable boats with unrivalled design, performance and comfort. Through state-of-the-art techniques, ZAR Formenti infused style with durability against severe marine conditions to create a series of boats that cater to a range of uses, from leisure to professional.
The brand's rise to fame was marked by their 'Zar' series, the company's hallmark collection, which boasted extensive use of space for comfortable navigation. The semi-rigid inflatable boats were combined with fibreglass hulls for optimum sturdiness. This distinctive feature led the brand to become a symbol of Italian elegance and versatility on the sea, helping establish ZAR Formenti as a global player.
Fast forward to the present day, ZAR Formenti continues to evolve in its original location, Chiari, by investing in advanced technology, research and development, and rigorous quality checks. From outboard engines to the launch of their first luxury yacht, the ZAR 79 SL, ZAR Formenti is as committed today as it was more than 40 years ago, to pushing the boundaries of nautical design and functionality. Today, the company is helmed by Piero's son, Stefano Formenti, who continues to uphold the family legacy of producing extraordinary and well-regarded boats known and used worldwide. Despite its expanding international presence, ZAR Formenti remains deeply tied to its roots, reflecting its authenticity and pride in its pioneering Italian craftsmanship.