The evolution of Benetti has taken another step with the FB801 Vica. The 50m Vica is the first Benetti vessel built using two different techniques: the hull is constructed in fibreglass, while the superstructure is aluminium. The concept of flexible moulding is designed to satisfy client's customising needs.
Vica has a number of unique features. There are three hatches in the hull: the first is laterally placed towards the stern for launching and recovering the tender; the second serves as a bathing platform; the third opens into the lower deck lobby giving air and light to an otherwise closed area. There is also an automatic gangway down to sea level.
Vica’s internal layout is classic, linked by a central staircase that opens onto elegant lobbies that provide access to the rest of the living areas. There are four guest cabins on the lower deck, the owner's suite forward on the main deck, and an additional cabin on the upper deck.
The saloon on the main deck is separated from a more intimate zone with a grand piano, karaoke, an American-style corner bar and sofa, and from another more intimate area with lounge chairs, coffee tables and extra wide plasma TV screen.
Moving to the other decks, there is an ample professional galley to port and the owner's apartment to starboard, featuring a large study, full beam cabin with private terrace with gangway to the sea and two bathrooms and separated by a walk-in closet.
There are four guest suites on the lower deck of Vica, separated by a lobby. Here there is an exterior terrace and separated from the guest area are six cabins for the 12 crew members.
The dining room has room for 12 guests on the upper deck salon and on the same deck there is another guest cabin and forward, the captain's cabin, next to the bridge.
The showpieces of the upper deck are the open air spaces. Vica's foredeck is exceptionally spacious, with an enormous divan and two chaise lounge next to the Jacuzzi. There is another Jacuzzi on the sun deck, surrounded by a large sunbathing area, a luncheon table and a bar. The other leisure area can be transformed into a touch and go superyacht helicopter pad, if required.
In addition to the four decks there is the under lower deck with the engine room, service areas, holds, and laundry.
Vica maintains the classic Benetti configuration, with the fibreglass displacement hull propelled by two CAT C32 Acert developing 970 kW each, a respectable performance for her 498 gross tons. This configuration means Vica has a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots. She can, however, easily reach her top speed of 15.5 knots or cruise at 14 knots with her engines working at 85% of their maximum load.