Italian luxury shipyard Benetti has unveiled Project LIFE at the Palm Beach International Boat Show, its latest prestige project is an 85 metre long steel Giga designed to set new standards in superyacht construction. The choice of Florida as the venue underlines the strategic importance of the US market for Benetti.
Federico Ferrante, President of Azimut|Benetti Americas, emphasised: "This region continues to show great admiration for our yachts." With Project LIFE, Benetti presents exactly what the market currently favours: sleek, elegant lines that blend with characteristic Benetti features, topped off with a high, pointed bow for excellent seakeeping and high efficiency.
The Benetti Project LIFE platform
Project LIFE is based on an engineering platform on which Benetti has realised the largest yacht ever built on this basis. This approach offers owners the opportunity to focus on design and lifestyle aspects while relying on the optimal configuration of technical systems and performance.
Sebastiano Vida, Head of Product at Benetti, explained: "With Project LIFE, our aim was to offer varied experiences on each deck and emphasise social interaction through sociable layouts and versatile lounge areas, all framed by the sea."
Design collaboration in a class of its own
Benetti has put together a team of world-class designers for the realisation of Project LIFE. Espen Øino, who is venturing noticeably further into semi-custom with this project, was responsible for the exterior lines and layout. The renowned designer explained: "The main concept of Project LIFE was to emphasise life itself and life on the water. It's a boat for an active, cool and relaxed life."
François Zuretti, a long-standing partner of Benetti, was responsible for the interior design. Brokerage firm Burgess completed the team and oversaw the operational and service aspects of the project.
Beach club as the centrepiece of yacht life
A special highlight of the Benetti Project LIFE is the beach club, a collaboration between Espen Øino International and Zuretti Design. Two 14 metre long, fold-down bulwark elements and a large bathing platform extend the area to 270 square metres and create a direct connection to the sea.
A special feature is the glass-bottomed swimming pool on the deck above, which allows natural light into the beach club.
Innovative interior design
Sebastien Gey, CEO of Zuretti Design, explained the interior concept: "Project LIFE is a new vision for new owners. We have tried to soften the boundaries between the interior and exterior - or make them disappear completely. We have used very organic shapes to create this continuity, but also to give the feeling of being in a cocoon."
This approach is particularly evident in the 112 square metre main saloon, where floor-to-ceiling windows draw the eye to the sea. The six guest cabins at the forward end of the main deck also benefit from generous windows that provide natural light and sea views.
Luxurious suites on the Benetti Project LIFE
The owner's suite of the Benetti Project LIFE is a 98 square metre oasis of calm that continues in the skylounge - a glazed room with comfortable sofas. For additional privacy, there is the upper foredeck with helipad, where a whirlpool and lounge areas await.
The aft bridge deck is designed as an open-air dining area that is suitable for both intimate dinners and larger parties. A special feature is the live cooking set-up with two separate outdoor stations. Here, guests can watch the chefs at work.
Sustainability and technical innovation
Ed Beckett, Senior Partner at Burgess, emphasised Project LIFE's approach: "Clients are increasingly looking for a holistic yacht design. Not only does it need to look great and offer a layout that allows for a fantastic lifestyle on board, but it also needs to make environmentally conscious choices."
Accordingly, Benetti Project LIFE utilises a diesel-electric architecture with pods and is designed for non-fossil fuels, including HVO. An advanced direct expansion HVAC system reduces energy consumption by up to 60 per cent compared to conventional chilled water solutions, while state-of-the-art solar panels generate clean energy and charge the electric tenders and toys.
Technical data Benetti Project LIFE
- Length: 85 m
- Material: Steel (hull), aluminium (superstructure)
- System: Diesel-electric with pods
- Fuel: Designed for non-fossil fuels, including HVO
- HVAC system: Direct vaporisation
- Energy generation: Solar modules
- Beach club: 270 square metres
- Main salon: 112 square metres
- Owner's suite: 98 square metres
- Upper foredeck: Helipad, whirlpool
- Bridge deck: Open-air dining area
- Guest cabins: 6 (on the main deck)
