BENETTI GIGA SEASON: CHAPTER ONE

Yesterday in Livorno Benetti has successfully launched FB277, a 107 meters motor yacht, the biggest ever built in Italy by a private shipyard. Powered by a diesel electric propulsion system, the yacht’s interiors and exterior have been designed entirely in house by Benetti and managed by Imperial, acting as Owner’s Representative, Build Supervisor and Yacht Manager of the vessel. The giga yacht has a hull constructed in steel and a superstructure of aluminium. She features a large swimming pool on the Sun Deck, a grand piano, a Spa with hammam, massage room and gym and a touch and go helipad. Her maximum beam is 15.2 meters and she has a full load displacement of 3,300t.

The giga yacht “FB277” is a stunning creation of epic proportions. From the exterior, her elongated and linear profile, emphasized by balanced ribbons of glazing, speak to the admirer of contemporary and minimal design. Her strong plumb bow is businesslike and rooted in the practical need to tackle swelling seas with ease and comfort. Here also, a vast helicopter pad makes for uncomplicated landings. To the stern each gently staggered deck ends in graceful sweep downwards.

In terms of guest facilities, “FB277” covers all the bases, adding delights guests might not have even thought to indulge in during their seafaring adventures. On the Wheelhouse Deck the master cabin is a sumptuous full beam size, flanked by identical port and starboard balconies leading on to vast dressing rooms and an interconnected bathroom. The Upper Deck saloon, aft of this suite, is perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day, listening to the grand piano or watching a movie on the private sofa. On the Main Deck, seven huge VIP cabins, each with a large bathroom, are placed forward of the spacious main dining and saloon area. A mesmerizing spiral staircase with a full height inner atrium intersects each deck. Half of the Lower Deck and some space on the under Lower Deck has been set aside for generous amounts of crew accommodation.

A spacious beach club has access to the sea on both sides of the beam, as well as to stern, creating a huge connection with nature. The ship’s connecting spa area is equipped with a gym and a hammam and massage room. Large areas of deck satisfy the sun lovers: the top deck features seating and sun pads for those who favour a view, whilst the Sun Deck accommodates dining areas, more sun pads and a huge pool that can hold about 21,000 liters. More outdoor seating is found on the Wheelhouse Deck and aft on the Main Deck.

Delivery of the yacht is expected to take place in Summer 2019.

Of the launch Benetti’s CEO Franco Fusignani says, “We are thrilled to see the launch of this beautiful giga yacht. The first of three currently under construction in parallel in Livorno. “FB277 is, in reality, more beautiful and impressive than we could ever have possibly imagined. With this launch, we recognize the first essential step in strengthening our Brand in order to offer the same outstanding high-end vessels we are already known for in the megayacht sector to the giga yacht sector. Today, Benetti is the only private shipyard in Italy, and one of very few anywhere in the world, with the capacity and capabilities to build yachts over 80 meters long. This giga yacht puts Benetti on the map for building yachts of over 100 meters. We would like to thank the city of Livorno for its help in achieving this tremendous milestone.”

Julia Stewart, Imperial Director: “FB277 marks an important step in Imperial history by being not only the first and biggest superyacht ever delivered in Italy by a private shipyard, but also being one of the most exclusive vessel available for charter from Summer 2019 and beyond. “FB277” is a major milestone for our industry, by her extraordinary proportions, her impressive high ceilings on both exterior and interior sides and the fantastic amenities she is carrying. From an impressive Beach Club with Hammam to her giant pool on Sun deck, through her touch-and-go helipad and her versatile, tasteful 7-cabins layout, “FB277” represents the utmost luxury for all superyacht passionates looking after a tailor-made charter journey. We are proud to give birth to a successful superyacht, and we look forward to seeing her sporty, roaring lines cruising along the seven seas.”

Benetti’s Giga yacht construction programme, which includes the two other giga yachts in build and due to be launched in the next few months, has been the subject of major investment at the shipyard. An ambitious business plan has prompted financial input of more than 15 million euros in infrastructure, organisation, safety and security, to overcome the challenges presented by building such giga yachts. The development by Benetti of the Giga yacht construction programme has also required the creation of a special team of experts in this specific type of project. Expansion at the Livorno shipyard, in the form of two new generation steel structure sheds, have enabled Benetti to massively increase its productivity.