BENETTI: NEWS FROM THE SHIPYARD

BENETTI: NEWS FROM THE SHIPYARD Q1 -2015

– FB801 M/Y VICA (50m), ready to weigh anchor in Livorno mid-March
– FB264 (63.5m), launched in Livorno
– FB267 M/V SURPINA (56m), to be delivered late March 2015

FB801 M/Y VICA – 50m – hybrid technology, fibreglass and aluminium M/Y VICA – almost 50 metres long – the first Benetti yacht built with hybrid technology: a fibreglass hull with an aluminium superstructure. The sculptural and flexible qualities of aluminium lend themselves to client customisation. It is a decidedly Mediterranean vessel featuring spacious exteriors, large decks both to the bow and stern of the upper deck, as well as an enormous sun deck. M/Y VICA ensures “comfortable” hull performance (practically vibration free and silent) thanks to a special elastic connection between the engines and prop shaft.

The exteriors have large full-height windows and also three removable panels – a unique VICA feature. The first panel is astern and on the side for hauling in and launching the tender; the second is at the swimming platform; and the third is at the lower deck, enabling the lobby – usually a closed space – to be opened up. In addition – unusual for a boat of this size – the retractable stair that leads down to the water, exclusively for the boat owner’s personal use.

The interior layout includes four guest cabins on the lower deck, the boat owner suite towards the bow on the main deck, and an additional cabin on the upper deck. The 12-member crew shares 6 cabins on the lower deck. The interiors were designed for a home-like feel, except for the foyer with its impressive wrought iron stair. Cherry is used throughout in both glossy and satin finishes (for the cabins) with rosewood detailing. The lighting design is quite evocative, featuring LEDs and an alabaster column lit from the inside using white point dynamic brightness controls.

FB264 – “home on the water” intimate and priceless FB264 is a 63.5-metre by 11-metre steel and aluminium yacht. It is 100% custom and exclusively for private use. The vessel is designed as an honest to goodness “home on the sea” starting with the internal layout: apart from the saloon on the main deck there are no large common spaces but rather small, intimate ones. Only the finest materials are used – such as a Galuchat headboard. The simplicity of the intimate spaces is offset by the extreme complexity of the workmanship. There are many metal inlays, transparent glass drawers, and other elements that required highly sophisticated woodworking skills, a complex undertaking even for the expert craftsman at the shipyard.

FB267 – M/Y SURPINA – 100% Italian classicism
M/Y SURPINA – a 56-metre by 10.8-metre yacht with an instantly striking profile. The aesthetic impact of the exteriors is the direct result of the boat owner’s functional requirements. Unlike most Benetti yachts of this size, the stern areas of the main and upper decks are not open. Instead, they are glazed with large windows that hide the main deck living area and the upper deck gym adjacent to
the boat owner suite. The interiors are classic Italian. The layout includes seven guest cabins plus the boat owner suite. The atmosphere is warm without being heavy, with wood contrasting with white carpet and marble, for an intimate and relaxing environment. Foremost among the materials is the elm root paneling with mahogany, walnut, and rosewood detailing. One of the yacht’s hallmarks is
the “precious” period furniture requested by the boat owner – each piece with its own history and a celebration of Italian craftsmanship.

Performance is assured with two MTU 12V 4000M53 1340 kW engines, for a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a fuel economy speed of 12 knots.