Each week we spotlight one of the world’s finest yachts for charter. This week, BOAT takes a closer look at King Benji, the 47-metre delivered by Dunya Yachts in 2024. Striking in acid-blue and packed with adventure-ready amenities, the yacht is no ordinary explorer. With wild interiors, a sky-high crow’s nest, and a toybox fit for thrill-seekers, she’s built for unforgettable charters this season...
With an all-essential blend of fun and refinement, King Benji is a striking vessel recognisable by her acid blue hull and huge aft deck. The charter yacht has a plethora of features to suit all charter groups with versatile spaces – encompassing everything from ocean-themed cabins, an intimate crow's nest and seating around the Teppanyaki grill to a dual-temperature Jacuzzi and extensive toybox to keep guests entertained. At just one year old, King Benji is ready to take on any adventure for 10 guests this season.
Named after the owner’s beloved pet dog, King Benji boats fun and playful interiors with a tropical decor such as aquatic walls, bamboo ceilings, and rattan chairs. Her explorer credentials are hinted at through her Gregory C. Marshall exterior style – and, ultimately, she offers an aquatic adventure playground for the entire family to enjoy.
Key Features
LOA: 46.7m
Builder: Dunya Yachts
Year: 2024
Guests: 10
Cabins: 5
At the heart of the design brief was the need for flexible spaces and opportunities for socialisation. For a yacht boasting robust explorer capabilities, the layout and amenities had to accommodate guests intending to spend extended periods on board, thereby necessitating versatility and various dining options. To achieve this, the yacht features contrasting areas, ranging from the light-filled beach club to the more intimate, atmospheric sky deck. The dining areas are also designed to offer an engaging experience, with an open-plan galley, a breakfast counter, and an outdoor Teppanyaki bar.
As guests enter the main saloon, the adventurous theme of King Benji will come alive with its driftwood table, textured walls, and rattan chairs. The floor-to-ceiling windows on either side can be slid open, seamlessly merging the interior with the outdoors
The upper deck is reserved for the owner (or principal charter guest) and includes a private saloon and cabin adorned in botanical greens, embracing a jungle theme.
A top choice for wellness charters, there are hot and cold plunge pools at the bow where guests can kick off their day with the Wim Hof approach. A vertiginous crow’s nest makes another great hang out space, as the yacht is stabilised with a Naiad fin system, King Benji's crow’s nest is accessed via a comfortable ladder with solid handrails from the bridge deck. An inflatable water slide and climbing frame amidships is another display of King Benji’s fun side. There is also a 10-tonne crane on board and a 12-metre Nor-Tech tender for fun out on the water.
The owner was determined to make King Benji as flexible as possible, which meant keeping her below 500GT. This means no requirements for pilots in certain locations, allowing for spur-of-the-moment decisions to cast off any time of day or night.
Life on board King Benji
Led by Captain Grant and his enthusiastic crew, the onboard experience primarily revolves around fun and adventure. The well-loved 'King Benji Olympics' provides young guests with an exciting challenge against the crew as they participate in a variety of water and yacht games. For more educational charters, King Benji can support a range of school projects and educational opportunities, as well as offer a chance to develop water confidence skills.
As a certified dive master, Captain Grant guides certified guests on scuba diving adventures and provides patient, attentive snorkelling instruction and exploration with King Benji's four new SeaBobs.
Accommodation is across five individually designed guest cabins, each with its own ocean-themed feature wall. The arrangement includes a mix of twin and double configurations and the owner’s deck cabin, which has a panoramic cabin and private deck.
A swim platform and a series of floating structures extend from the stern, promising enjoyment for individuals of all ages. One of these floating structures is even equipped with a golfing setup that turns the aft deck into a driving range. Here, you can practice your swing by launching seaweed-based King Benji logo golf balls towards the hole, providing a treat for the fish if your aim is off.
Where will King Benji be cruising?
King Benji is available for charter with Cecil Wright with a weekly rate from €250,000. She will be cruising the Mediterranean.