Benetti presents FAST 125’ M/Y SKYLER

Skyler is the third unit of the Benetti Fast range, equipped with an AZP C65 propulsion system, the most technologically advanced on the market, and will be delivered to her owner in June 2017.

With a length of 38.1m and a beam of 8.3m, built in composites and carbon in Benetti’s Viareggio shipyard, the Fast 125’ is a four deck semi-wide body yacht with a total of 5 cabins. The sporty exterior was designed by Stefano Righini using an expanse  of horizontal windows to accentuate the yacht’s streamlined look. Another key feature is a remarkable central element in the side of the superstructure that covers the access stairway to the upper deck. Her luxurious interior was designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon, based on the “Air” configuration, one of the three interior style options that Benetti offers to their Fast 125’ owners. The owner, an experienced yachtsman, requested many custom touches such as  widespread use of loose furniture from famous design brands such as Glyn Peter Machin, Sutherland, Minotti and Meridiani.

Rolls Royce Azipull propulsion system

Skyler is equipped with the new generation propulsion system designed by Rolls Royce specifically for the Fast 125’ family: the Azipull Carbon 65 (AZP C65). The Azipull is a high performance, lightweight, steerable thruster that uses carbon fibre throughout, even for load carrying parts. This innovation has substantially reduced the propulsion system’s weight. and allowed for a better vessel layout while maintaining high propulsion efficiency and easy maintenance. The system offers excellent manoeuvring capabilities both in navigation and while docking.

The yacht is also equipped with a joystick on the bridge for easy and safe docking. Another notable feature of Skyler’s propulsion system is its “stay on spot” technology that keeps the boat in a position entered in the GPS without mooring or anchoring. This too can be controlled by the joystick.

“Efficient and lightweight propulsion is key to reducing the environmental impact of a modern yacht,” said Vincenzo Poerio, Benetti CEO. “We have been working closely with Rolls-Royce on a journey towards an optimised propulsion system for our new line of megayachts. The successful result of this collaboration has been confirmed: Skyler is the third unit of this series to be built and other three are under construction”.

AZP C65, the first thruster in this range, is designed for a power rating of 2 MW, and is fitted with a fixed pitch, pulling type propeller that faces vessel forward. The driveline is designed with two spiral bevel gear sets, installed in a supporting structure that insures optimum load carrying capacity in all operating conditions. The thruster is steerable via a hydraulic system that is integrated into a compact bearing arrangement and installed in a patented, propose built hull structure. An Automation and Control system, based on Rolls-Royce Marine’s Common Controls building blocks, has been developed to match the new thruster. Total weight of the each thruster is only 2800 kg (dry).

Another advantage offered by this innovative propulsion system is the Fast 125’s quiet ride: thanks to the Azipull’s reduced weight, the engine room can be placed farther aft leaving the guest cabins quiet and vibration-free. The Fast 125’ was awarded the RINA Comfort Class classification, certified proof of how silent and smooth her ride is.

Skyler, as per the entire Fast 125’ range, has a revolutionary D2P_Displacement to Planing ® hull form with wave piercer bow that allows the owner to use the yacht in displacement mode with low fuel consumption at low speeds and in planning mode at higher speeds. Both modes allow complete comfort aboard and the yacht has a remarkable maximum speed of 22 knots.

The Fast 125’ series’ excellent performance is also due to the lightness of the hull and a superstructure built in carbon fibre and epoxy resins. This intelligent combination makes the yacht a 40% lighter than a similar boat built with traditional materials and lighter weight equals improved performance.

Exterior areas

The exterior of Skyler has four distinct areas devoted to the sea and on-board living. The beach area on the lower deck has its own bar and is completely dedicated to enjoying the sea. The laterally opening garage leaves the aft area free for guests and the can accommodate a tender and two jet skis.

On the upper deck astern the owner requested a very luxurious handcrafted teak dining table that is 2m in diameter and has steel and glass details. This beautiful table makes this area one of the most stunning aboard the yacht. Forward on this deck there is a lounge with a custom seating solution that is over two meters long and almost five wide. There is also an area for relaxing with two huge sun pads and a pool.

The sun deck is an area entirely dedicated to relaxing. It’s equipped with a bar with Glyn Peter Machin bar tools, two L shaped sofas and a dining area with custom furniture signed by Minottii.

Skyler’s interior configuration has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. These include a master suite, 3 double cabins and a twin cabin with a third pullman bed. There are crew quarter for 7 to assure full service for a luxurious on board experience.

Interior design

The interior, designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon in collaboration with Benetti’s in-house design team, is simple, contemporary and clean to leave the natural elegance of the precious natural materials used in the décor intact. The interior finishings feature glossy ebony, Thai wood and Tanganyika frisé wood. The ceilings are finished in a variety of leathers and all metal in the interior- be it taps, inserts or other details- is glossy nickel, a constant that adds unity to the whole. It was also very important for the owner that living aboard his yacht be a pleasant tactile experience: all materials used in the flooring and the handrails have been chosen to offer the most pleasant and luxuriously soft tactile sensations.

The lower deck has four guest cabins: two VIPs with “super queen” sized beds, a double, and a twin cabin with a pull out Pullman bed. Tanganica fries wood is used throughout and contrasts with ebony table tops, doors and accents. Each cabin has a different coloured leather ceiling with leather accents repeated in walls, upholstery and inserts. The colours chosen are aqua, acid green, lavender and blue. The carpeting is especially soft and is wonderful to walk on barefoot as per the owner’s brief.

The lower deck layout also enjoyed major benefits from the instalment of the new propulsion system. The system’s reduced dimensions allowed for an engine room placed well aft so that more room was left for the side-opening garage with space for an almost 6m tender and two jet skis. Additionally, having the garage between the engine room and the guest area keeps the cabins better isolated and especially silent. The yacht has crew accommodations for 7 to ensure a relaxed and luxurious time aboard. The crew area is fore on the lower deck and has three double en-suite cabins and a large crew mess.

The stairwell that leads to all decks is entirely lined with leather that has been backed with a special lining to make it even softer.

On the main deck, the saloon is especially bright and luminous thanks to a generous use of glass that lets natural light flood into the light-toned space. There is a liberating sense of space in the saloon. Here, Benetti has created a real continuity between inside and outside, thanks in part to the huge floor-to-ceiling picture windows. Tanganyika frisé wood walls and chromed nickel inserts contrast nicely with glossy ebony table tops and details. Loose furniture by top international design firms is used generously here such as Meridiani and Holly Hunt couches and poufs. The custom dining table can seat ten and was made by Dakota Jackson. The dining area flooring is in wood that has been specially backed with foam to make it feel soft underfoot.

The full beam owner’s cabin picks up many motifs from the main saloon such as the ultra soft carpeting. A large dressing area with his and hers closets leads into the cabin where Minotti furniture features. Spectacular features are two opening side balconies, one port and one starboard. The opening mechanism can be operated by remote and these are lovely private spaces for a quiet breakfast or cocktail. The two bathrooms, one with a shower and the other with a bathtub, are entirely lined in onyx and feature polished nickel taps.

The galley is also on the main deck and was tailor made on the owner needs – who loves to spend some time in this area – with a central island and a custom marble table.

The upper deck sky lounge has a comfortable seating area aft with couches, a marble and onyx bar and a 75” screen. Loose furniture is by Meridiani, Minotti and Holly Hunt. There are also a wellness area and gym, a day head and the Captain’s cabin on this deck. The Captain’s cabin has direct access to the wheelhouse that features dual pilot’s seats and leather and rosewood couches.

Engines and performances

Powered by 2 MTU (12V 2000 M94) 2,636hp diesel engines and propelled by her two Azipulls, Skyler is capable of a top speed of 22 knots, and comfortably cruises at 17.5 knots. With 30.000 litre fuel capacity she has a maximum range of 1.540 nautical miles at 12 knots, a considerably wider range compared to the standard of the Fast 125’ series. Her water tanks store around 4,000 of fresh water.

ROLLS ROYCE AZIPULL 65C – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Weight:

The weight of the inboard part is approximately 1150kg while    the weight of the underwater part is approximately 1650kg including propeller. The buoyancy in seawater is about 990kg, which makes the effective weight of the underwater part approximately 660kg when the vessel is afloat.

Vessel sizes:

The AZP C65 is aimed for fast yachts with a typical size of 100-150 feet as well as passenger vessels and workboats. For yacht applications, the rated input power is 2000kW at 600 propeller rpm.

Main units:

The thruster is made up of two main units:

• The hydrodynamically optimised underwater unit comprising the lower gearhouse with spiral bevel  gear  transmission,  shaft seal and a fixed pitch pulling
• The inboard unit that contains the thruster mounting flange to the vessel hull, the upper spiral bevel gear unit, and the hydraulic steering with the patented bearing arrangement.

Installation & service:

The unit is easy to install with a minimum of connections and alignment work and is installed to the vessel in one piece. When it comes to service, routine maintenance is restricted. For extended interventions, fast service exchange of thruster main unit(s) is the philosophy, facilitating the highest availability of the vessel platform.