BENETTI: NEWS FROM THE SHIPYARD Q1 -2015
– FB801 M/Y VICA (50m), ready to weigh anchor in Livorno mid-March
– FB264 (63.5m), launched in Livorno
– FB267 M/V SURPINA (56m), to be delivered late March 2015
FB801 M/Y VICA – 50m – hybrid technology, fibreglass and aluminium
M/Y VICA – almost 50 metres long – the first Benetti yacht built with hybrid
technology: a fibreglass hull with an aluminium superstructure. The sculptural
and flexible qualities of aluminium lend themselves to client customisation. It is a
decidedly Mediterranean vessel featuring spacious exteriors, large decks both to
the bow and stern of the upper deck, as well as an enormous sun deck. M/Y VICA
ensures “comfortable” hull performance (practically vibration free and silent)
thanks to a special elastic connection between the engines and prop shaft.
The exteriors have large full-height windows and also three removable panels – a
unique VICA feature. The first panel is astern and on the side for hauling in and
launching the tender; the second is at the swimming platform; and the third is at
the lower deck, enabling the lobby – usually a closed space – to be opened up. In
addition – unusual for a boat of this size – the retractable stair that leads down to
the water, exclusively for the boat owner’s personal use.
The interior layout includes four guest cabins on the lower deck, the boat owner
suite towards the bow on the main deck, and an additional cabin on the upper
deck. The 12-member crew shares 6 cabins on the lower deck. The interiors were
designed for a home-like feel, except for the foyer with its impressive wrought
iron stair. Cherry is used throughout in both glossy and satin finishes (for the
cabins) with rosewood detailing. The lighting design is quite evocative, featuring
LEDs and an alabaster column lit from the inside using white point dynamic
brightness controls.
FB264 – “home on the water” intimate and priceless
FB264 is a 63.5-metre by 11-metre steel and aluminium yacht. It is 100%
custom and exclusively for private use. The vessel is designed as an honest to
goodness “home on the sea” starting with the internal layout: apart from the
saloon on the main deck there are no large common spaces but rather small,
intimate ones. Only the finest materials are used – such as a Galuchat headboard.
The simplicity of the intimate spaces is offset by the extreme complexity of the
workmanship. There are many metal inlays, transparent glass drawers, and other
elements that required highly sophisticated woodworking skills, a complex
undertaking even for the expert craftsman at the shipyard.
FB267 – M/Y SURPINA – 100% Italian classicism
M/Y SURPINA – a 56-metre by 10.8-metre yacht with an instantly striking profile.
The aesthetic impact of the exteriors is the direct result of the boat owner’s
functional requirements. Unlike most Benetti yachts of this size, the stern areas
of the main and upper decks are not open. Instead, they are glazed with large
windows that hide the main deck living area and the upper deck gym adjacent to
the boat owner suite. The interiors are classic Italian. The layout includes seven
guest cabins plus the boat owner suite. The atmosphere is warm without being
heavy, with wood contrasting with white carpet and marble, for an intimate and
relaxing environment. Foremost among the materials is the elm root panelling
with mahogany, walnut, and rosewood detailing. One of the yacht’s hallmarks is
the “precious” period furniture requested by the boat owner – each piece with its
own history and a celebration of Italian craftsmanship.
Performance is assured with two MTU 12V 4000M53 1340 kW engines, for a
range of 5,000 nautical miles at a fuel economy speed of 12 knots.
