Benetti reveals Asia strategies at Singapore Yacht Show 2015
– Benetti Asia increases their presence in the area with two offices in Hong Kong and a solid management team
– Confirmed success in sales over the past five years
– New sales challenge with the FB276, 63 meters on spec, created for the Asian market
Asia is becoming ever more important strategically in the superyacht market. As it’s wealth increases, the area’s overall growth influences the number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) who prefer to invest their time and money purchasing luxury items such as yachts. According to the latest statistics from Cap Gemini and RNC Wealth Management, published in Superyachttimes’s Annual Super-yacht Industry Report, the Asian Pacific continues to be the driving force behind the growth of HNWI’s in 2013. At 17.3% Asia has the highest regional growth, for a total of 4.32 million, and reduces their gap to the leading region, North America, to just ten thousand individuals. This gap should be closed completely in the near future. The combined worth of HNWI’s in the Asian Pacific in 2013 was the equivalent of 14.2 billion USD (+18.2%).
New offices and a new team for Benetti Asia
Based on these important trends and the commercial success over the last five years, Benetti, the world’s leading builder of super-yachts over 24m in length for fifteen consecutive years, has increased their presence in the Far east and APAC to take advantage of the area’s enormous potential. Benetti’s primary office in the Far East is in Hong Kong. Leading the Benetti team is Luigi Adamo, General Manager, with Alberto Giannerini as Service Manager and Natalie Ye as Marketing Manager. Since April 2015 the Benetti Service offices are located in the luxurious Gold Coast Marina. Benetti is therefore able to count on a well prepared and competent team that will permit Benetti to develop their presence in the Regional market, reinforcing their relationships with Owners and their representatives.
Last five years review and new sales objectives
In only five years Benetti sold in Asia “390 meters of super-yachts”: two Delfino 93’ (28m), one Classic 121’ (37m), one Classic Supreme 132’ (40,2m), three Custom of 55m and one Custom of 60m. Contracts for a Classic 121’ (37m), Custom 60m and a Custom 72m are presently at an advanced stage and will probably be closed within the year 2015.
The 63M FB276
One of the vessels currently spearheading Benetti construction is surely the FB276, specifically designed for the Asian market. At 63m the on spec build will be launched in June 2017. Many design solutions are found aboard, adapting the yacht to the tastes of Oriental Owners, not exactly fans of sunbathing and an outdoor life, but who nevertheless appreciate high standards of luxury, comfort and technology. The extended upper deck lounge area, with its own bar, sofas and relax area with Jacuzzi, is partially covered, as is the beach area astern, while keeping everything available for having fun on the water.
But all the yacht’s ambients always keep their visual contact with the sea and the external environment, thanks to the vast windows that outline the exterior profile of the yacht.
The special interior features are found in the Owner’s apartments on the upper deck, with a studio, dressing room and two private lateral balconies, and in the full beam VIP cabin, at the forward end of the main deck, in addition to the other four guest cabins, all with double beds.
A lot of care has also gone into the living areas, considering the possible uses for private parties or work-time happenings, specifically the enormous main salon with a secondary salon on the upper deck complete with a long bar counter.
Luigi Adamo – General Manager Benetti Asia, comments: “ As soon as I was nominated Asian General Manager, the first actions I wanted to undertake were directed towards increased attention to our brokers regional network. It is fundamental to keep them up to date on our products, improving the definition of the brand. Further important steps were to nominate a new head of Service for the Hong Kong office, and the new opening of the Service Office in the Gold Coast Marina. This way, with our strong local presence, we will be able to serve our clients throughout 360°.”
Previous superb vessel deliveries
Among the more recent vessels sold and delivered we would like to note three important milestones: the Ocean Paradise (55m, 2013), a custom with high impact minimal-chic interior styling for a young Singapore Owner; Lady Candy (56m, 2014), another custom for a Chinese Owner; Mingfa (40m, 2014), fifth model of the 132′ Classic Supreme line. Mingfa, with her over length of 40.24 meters, and maximum beam of 8.28 meters, is recognizable for her full height windows along the main and upper decks, providing excellent illumination for the interior decks and a more racy profile seen from without. There are further features that have made the Classic Supreme 132′ very competitive and innovative: the charming balcony for the Owners cabin, a twin Jacuzzi (one forward on the upper deck, the other on the sun deck), and the open air external stairs.
