Each week we place a spotlight on one of the world’s finest superyachts for charter. This week, BOAT takes a look at 49.9-metre Fantasea, a new addition to the charter fleet and a fine example of why Benetti’s B.Now series is a roaring success…
Following the delivery of the first hull in 2021, Benetti’s B.Now series has proved remarkably successful. Now just three years down the line, Benetti has sold more than 20 units of the 49.90-metre series, with 13 more under construction at the shipyard in Livorno.
Having been delivered in the first quarter of 2023, Fantasea is the third hull in the B.Now series, following her sisterships Iryna and Birubi. She’s a fine example of why this series is a resounding success, not just for private use, but for charter too, which is why we take a look at Fantasea as the Charter yacht of the Week.
Key Features
Penned by British design studio, RWD Fantasea’s exterior is intrinsically well-balanced and defined by sweeping windows and fluid lines. A strong emphasis has been placed on the connection of indoor and outdoor spaces, achieved through panoramic windows and open planned spaces.
A key feature (and one of the ways this feeling of fluidity is achieved), is the open 36-square-metre beach club, accessible from the main deck. The space comprises a steam room and "sea saloon" as well as a fully-fledged hammam. Here guests can slip directly into to the water through an unfolding shell door that forms an overwater balcony starboard. In fact, wellness is an important feature of Fantasea, comprising not only an impressive spa but a gym set-up too which is stocked with treadmills and weights.
Her aft deck is defined by an impressive infinity pool – a focal point of her stern and key to the yacht’s profile. While the pool is large for a 50-metre, it has been positioned in a way which doesn’t encroach on the spacious aft-deck lounge area, which has two sofas and a coffee table. The primary alfresco dining space on board is on the upper deck aft, where lies a rectangular table along with more lounging space – perfect for enjoying late-night digestifs in comfort.
Why Fantasea is the perfect charter yacht?
When Benetti outlined the pillars for this revolutionary series, a key feature was the need for long-distance travel; Benetti’s modern-day owner makes the most of remote working. In this vein, a high-performing yacht with a shallow draft and propulsion system that can go the distance was developed by P.L.A.N.A Design in collaboration with the Azimut Benetti Research & Development department. The result is a range of 4,500 nautical miles allowing the yacht to travel for weeks without returning to port for refuelling. Playing into this is also the reduced noise and vibration, allowing for a more serene experience while chartering for longer periods.
Kitted out with fun in mind, Fantasea features an impressive toybox which is brimming with Jetskis, gadgets and an inflatable docking station. While she may look remarkably elegant, special attention has been paid to fun and entertainment on board, a great choice for families. In the spacious bow lounge, you’ll find an impressive open-air cinema setup for movie nights under the stars.
Accommodation on board is for 11 guests across six cabins. The master cabin spans the entire 9.2-metre beam and benefits from its own private al fresco terrace. Three doubles and one convertible twin are found on the lower deck, with an additional single cabin on the upper deck to starboard.
What’s special about Fantasea?
Having been delivered in the first quarter of 2023, Fantasea is a new entry to the charter fleet, and remains in immaculate condition. Her spaces are light, elegant and airy, with lots of entertaining and relaxing spaces throughout. Interior themes, however, are welcoming and relaxed rather than opulent or ornate.
Unlike the first B.Now 50, Iryna, the design team opted for a more pared-back theme for Fantasea, focusing on a refined coffee-and-cream colour palette with diffused lighting, curved furnishings, and plenty of wood and other natural materials throughout. Soft blue tones are placed throughout the interiors adding to the calming aesthetic. The meld between interior and exterior spaces is composed beautifully, and the open plan approach of interior living spaces such as the main saloon are flooded with natural light.
Fantasea is available to charter with Royal Yacht International with a weekly rate from $320,000.