Benetti Key Yacht Launches for 2020
In spite of the challenges and vicissitudes of 2020, this year Benetti launched 16 yachts and will continue to make a splash in 2021. The Global Order Book reviewed 179 shipyards worldwide, where yachts over 24 metres in length are being built, and identified Azimut Benetti as having a 12% share of the market in this segment based on the 821 projects analysed, and has a lead over the second ranking shipyard of 16% in terms of number of projects and 432m in LOA - the equivalent of 18 24m yachts. This recognition takes on a special meaning in light of the unique difficulties faced over the last 12 months on account of the Covid-19 pandemic. During 2020 the Benetti Group responded quickly and effectively to a complex situation, and most importantly continued to invest steadily in the development of new products and maintained the positive outlook of the brand.
Some of the key launch highlights of 2020 were the Benetti Oasis 40M, which sold 12 units just two months after the debut of the first Benetti Oasis 40M, ‘M/Y Rebeca’. This glamorous yacht embodies Benetti’s new lifestyle concept that amplifies contact with the water and the vibrancy of life on board. The yacht is a perfect combination of Italian refinement and classic British lines, with an exterior drawn by RWD perfectly enclosing interiors by New York-based Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture that create a relaxed and informal comfort reminiscent of an elegant open space New York loft. In its 40m of length the yacht offers a spectacular multifunctional beach area, 90 sq m of open space just a few steps from the water. Designed to take her owner and guests on adventures, the Oasis 40M also has a glamorous side that offers big outdoor spaces for socialising, parties, and open-air living.
Another launch to celebrate was Benetti’s Diamond 145. This new Class Category flagship at 44m represents the perfect marriage of tradition and innovation. With a fibreglass hull and gross tonnage of 469 tonnes, the Diamond 145 boasts five cabins sleeping 10 guests, and accommodation for a crew of eight plus the Captain. This project has proven to be popular with experienced owners who are aware of onboard necessities, such as generously-sized spaces not only for the owner and guests but also for the crew, minimal noise levels, and high-quality build standards aligned with the yard’s traditional design culture.
FB272 M/Y Luminosity was another record breaker, being the largest hybrid electric yacht to be built to date, and featuring over 800 sq m of exterior glass wrapping around the main decks to produce unparalleled views of the ever-changing landscape. The gigayacht’s spectacular exterior design was a collaboration between Zaniz Jakubowski, RLD, and Giorgio M. Cassetta while the Interior design for owner, guest areas and crew spaces were conceived and developed by Zaniz Jakubowski. FB272 complies with the Passenger Yacht Code classification and can host up to 27 guests in 12 suites. Above the wheelhouse there is a secluded private deck that leads towards the certified helipad that can accommodate a Bell 429 helicopter.
Benetti’s President, Paolo Vitelli says, “We are proud to have delivered another giga yacht in our ‘giga season’. M/Y Lana is an example of Benetti excellence and outstanding quality. Uniquely stylish, she is an icon for ‘Made in Italy’. From her well-proportioned exterior to her sumptuous interior, this gigayacht was designed entirely by the Benetti in-house design teams.” It is no coincidence that M/Y Lana won the ‘Yacht of the Year’ award in the category of boats over 270 ft (82m) during the last edition of the World Yachts Trophies organised in Cannes 2020. The standout features on this yacht include diesel-electric propulsion, a large swimming pool, helipad, spa and plenty of toys and tenders to make her one of the most exciting yachts on the scene.
Azimut|Benetti’s leadership is the result of the Group’s historical assets and the company’s ongoing research into innovative approaches to everything from engineering to design, combined with the drive to introduce cutting-edge technology, financial solidity and, last but not least, a close-knit global distribution and assistance network - as well as the ability to anticipate owners’ expectations, which include a growing concern for sustainability issues. For the 21st year running, the highly reputed Global Order Book 2021 confirms that the Azimut|Benetti Group is the world’s leading builder of superyachts, beating the other players by a large margin and reporting a total length of 3,521 metres and 100 projects.