Benetti has a new model line, Fast Displacement, using what it calls a D2P hull design. This makes the Italian shipyard the latest megayacht builder to embrace a version of the fast-displacement hull form.
Until now, Benetti has focused on displacement and semi-displacement yachts, built on a custom and semi-custom basis. While both hull forms have their advantages, the fast-displacement hull form combines the strengths of the two. In brief, it offers the efficiency of a full-displacement design with the higher speeds of the semi-displacement design. Of particular importance, it further burns less fuel throughout the speed range, not just at more leisurely performance figures. Benetti’s CEO, Vincenzo Poerio, says that clients have been asking for yachts capable of cruising efficiently at speeds higher than the usual best cruise (typically around 11 knots or so for yachts in the sizes that it builds).
You might recall that Heesen Yachts is employing fast-displacement hull forms on a few projects. It was the only megayacht builder doing so. The Azimut Benetti Group Research and Development division worked with Stefano Righini, the builder’s longtime design collaborator, for the hull. It blends elements of round-bilge (full-displacement) designs with ones of planing designs. Benetti terms the design D2P, a.k.a. Displacement to Planing, for this reason. It further adds a bulbous bow much like a wavepiercer. Furthermore, Benetti tapped the expertise of Rolls Royce in employing its Azipull propulsion system. It uses azimuthing pulling props, not conventional azimuthing thrusters. They suit megayachts, commercial vessels, and more prioritizing speeds exceeding 20 knots. Benetti says the overall D2P design should boost efficiency over conventional planing hulls by about 30 percent.
The Fast Displacement line falls under the Benetti Class range of megayachts from 93 to 145 feet, and thus far includes two models. They are the F-125 and F-140, each so named for their LOAs in feet. The sporty-looking F-125, shown here, will be the first to splash, anticipated to premiere at the Cannes Boat Show next September. She’s all-fiberglass, and a trideck design. Hulls number one and two already sold; the same is true for the F-140, though her final features are not yet set. (The F-140 was initially the Azimut Grande 140. However, the Azimut-Benetti Group has capped Azimut’s upper end at 120 feet, thereby moving the 140 into Benetti’s offerings.)
The F-125 bears interior design by Redman Whiteley Dixon, who have created three different decor packages and 15 different general arrangements, allowing buyers a great deal of flexibility and therefore customization. The decor packages are named Air, Land, Sea. Journalists at the press conference where the F-125 was unveiled today got a sneak peek at just the Air design, emphasizing light tones. As for the 15 general arrangements, buyers can select a layout with the galley below decks vs. on the main deck, or with guest staterooms located in different areas, and more. Of course, features megayacht buyers and guests typically enjoy, like an open sundeck, a beach club, and good-size windows along the main deck, will be aboard.
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