About us

Cantiere Nautico Donato was founded in 1963 and is located in the beautiful bay of Caldè on Lake Maggiore.
Donato Albertoli, born in 1909, had the vision to transition from car repairs (Garage Caldè) to the boating industry. In 1963, began the construction of “Cantiere Nautico Caldè”, based on a design by engineer Ravasi from Varese. The idea proved immediately successful, and by 1969, Donato already had to expand, building a second warehouse 300 meters from the main square in Caldè. Just a few years later, in 1971, Donato passed away, and the project prematurely lost its visionary and founding pillar.
After a brief period of reflection, his son Giovanni Carlo decided to leave his job in banking and embark on this new venture, supported faithfully by his wife, Liliana. To honor the founder’s memory, his son Giancarlo decided to rename the shipyard, which became “Cantiere Nautico Donato”. With great enthusiasm and determination, the business continued steadily, achieving rapid success. The following year, the shipyard was expanded with an additional structure to create new storage space for boats. This same spirit endures today with Vittoria and Niccolò, Giovanni Carlo’s grandchildren, who continue the family tradition, carrying forward the legacy of Cantiere Nautico Donato.