It's undeniable that Italian shipyard Benetti has been a trailblazer in the yachting industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation for centuries since its launch in 1873. As the shipyard celebrates its 150th anniversary, recent revelations at the Monaco Yacht Show 2023 spotlight how Benetti continues to shape the future of yachting. Collaborating with some of the world's foremost yacht designers, Benetti unveiled a series of superyacht designs that not only reflect its rich heritage, but also respond to the ever-evolving market trends.
“All the novelties announced during the Monaco Yacht Show are the result of a long journey to always improve our offering to clients and to pursue our mission of creating cutting-edge yachts for a demanding market,” says Marco Valle, CEO of Azimut|Benetti Group. “To do so, we chose to expand the brand's collaborations with some of the greatest names in yacht design.”
Connecting the interior and exterior like never before
While the design mantra of 'connecting the interior with the outside world' is familiar in the realm of modern yachting, Benetti has elevated this market trend with its innovative Veranda Deck™ concept. "If we think of the new generation of owners and the market trends that adapt to their needs, we notice that they are increasingly looking for deep contact with the outdoors and nature," explains Valle. “This was the starting point for Benetti’s innovative Veranda Deck™ - a new concept which reinterprets the main deck lounge, opening the space completely on three sides and creating a continuous environment between the lounge and the stern.”
This innovative design was proposed for the first time on the Motopanfilo 45M. With exteriors penned by RWD and the interior and exterior decks designed by Lazzarini Pickering Architetti, this concept transforms interiors into exteriors, offering a new way to enjoy boundless views and contact with the surrounding world.
A new concept of superyacht exploration
The innovative 37-metre Voyager line by Benetti served as the inspiration for the esteemed B.YOND line. Elevating this celebrated range, Benetti introduces the new B.YOND 55M - a vessel that strikes a balance between the traditional superyacht and an extreme explorer yacht. Crafted by Igor Lobanov, this 55-metre addition to the Voyager line signifies a commitment to providing owners with diverse onboard experiences during extended journeys. Tailored for adventurous individuals with a passion for discovery, the B.YOND 55M allows for circumnavigation of the globe without compromising the pleasures of yachting. The design philosophy extends across each of the five decks, meticulously tailored for distinct purposes while maintaining a commitment to privacy and intimacy for both guests and crew.
"The aim of this new project is to provide for more activities on board," notes Valle. “To achieve this, the concept of "fluidity" in the layout design was introduced by an innovative approach to the positioning of the stairs and the creation of new spaces inside the yacht.”
Enhancing life on board
At the core of superyachting lies the essence of social life - a shared experience of quality time with loved ones. Recognising this, Benetti introduces Project LIFE, an 85-metre concept meticulously crafted to redefine life on board, offering unparalleled spaces for social interaction and creating memorable moments with family and friends.
"The new Project LIFE stems from the idea of creating a new way of living life on board," says Valle. “Here, a new kind of social entertainment has been created, with large convivial areas and reconfigurable meeting places on each deck.”
World-famous designers Espen Øino and Francois Zuretti joined forces in the creation of Project LIFE. The exterior, designed by Øino, offers various different lifestyle zones across each deck. Zuretti's interior choices create a perfect balance between colours and the surrounding environment, with expanded openings allowing natural light to enhance the spaces and the continuously moving landscape.
The green route
Benetti reaffirms its commitment to more eco-friendly yachting with a concrete approach to reducing emissions. Nearly the entire range now offers hybrid or diesel-electric propulsion, paired with high-efficiency hulls to significantly reduce consumption and CO2 emissions.
“Azimut|Benetti Group's journey to reduce emissions began over 20 years ago: an act of great foresight by founder Paolo Vitelli, who strongly wanted R&D to focus on developing solutions to reduce CO2 emissions and who had the courage to invest in this direction before the market was mature," says Valle.
As part of its progressive decarbonisation strategy, Benetti has signed an agreement with Eni Sustainable Mobility for the supply of HVOlution, a biofuel produced with 100% renewable raw materials. The test program, conducted in the summer of 2023 on the Azimut Magellano 60, recorded a well-to-wake reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 80% compared to a yacht of similar size powered by fossil fuel.
"The shipyard aspires to remain a leader in the luxury yacht industry by adopting advanced technologies and developing yachts that reflect the highest standards of quality and design," adds Valle. "Indeed, the latest projects presented represent a step in this direction, demonstrating the company's commitment to staying abreast of emerging trends."
For more information on Benetti’s new design concepts, contact the shipyard today.
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