Refit and repair yard Lusben has revealed the first images of its 52-metre refit project Solafide, after eight months ashore at the shipyard in Viareggio, Italy.
Formerly known as Vianne, the Benetti motor yacht was first delivered in 1995 and now sees significant changes to her interiors and engine room.
Solafide’s maintenance work was supervised by Lusben with interior restyling by Yachtique, a division of Azimut-Benetti. A team of almost 100 were involved in the refit, in collaboration with the yacht crew.
The new décor is inspired by nature, including a carpet hand-cut to emulate waves and muted white and ivory tones on the walls. Materials and finishings were chosen according to the wishes of the owner, while still retaining trademark, traditional Benetti elements. This includes the preservation of the original furniture, interior architecture, and ribbed oak wood, balanced with brand-new, hand-worked raffia details.
The owner’s cabin has also been refreshed in a similar style, featuring raffia details and delicate wall coverings in a pale colour palette, accentuating the dark brown, leather-weave headboard.
The owner’s bathroom and VIP cabin bathrooms have been rebuilt completely, incorporating Carrara marble slabs hand-picked by the owner. The marble has been laser-cut to create a ribbed look which complements the existing ribbed finish of the oak wood. Outdoors, Yachtique has opted for a classic maritime feel, including a two-tone chevron texturing in grey and white.
Solafide’s refit has also enhanced her performance, with efficiency improvements to the onboard systems and engines, as well as a reduction in noise pollution. The owner’s specific request for an upgraded engine room system has resulted in the motor yacht being fitted with zero speed electric fin stabilizers by CMC Marine, new generators and engines, and a new air conditioning system.
“As work progressed, the owner was very enthusiastic and receptive to our ideas and decided to add to the list of work initially agreed,” explained Lusben site director Paolo Simoncini. “The credit for this goes to the entire work team and to Gianluca Maggiorelli, who coordinated the project managers and, despite the delicacy of the yacht, was able to put the owner’s wishes into practice and complete work according to the planned timeline.”
Solafide completed her sea trials in May and has now been redelivered to her owner.
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