Andrea Merloni, the Italian businessman behind successful consumer goods companies in Italy, loved yachting. In fact, he loved it so much that he commissioned Audace from Cantiere delle Marche to live upon most of the year. A fatal heart attack last November interrupted his plans to modify the yacht to better suit his needs. However, his family had Audace refitted at Lusben to honor him.
Merloni took delivery of Audace in 2019, a 140-footer (42.8-meter) with five decks. She combined the rugged construction he wanted for travels far from his residence of Ibiza, along with liveaboard luxury. Simultaneously, he wanted a megayacht where the alfresco and interior areas delighted important guests, and welcomed them in ways sequestered from his private spaces.
Among the plans his family carried out was a lengthening. They did so with the input of Merloni’s representatives at Floating Life as well as the yacht’s original designer, Studio Sculli. Now, Audace measures 153 feet (46.6 meters), thanks to bow and stern modifications. Interestingly, the extra waterline length boosts her performance, too. She now reportedly sees a top end of 17 knots, versus 15.8 knots, and 20-percent lower fuel consumption.
Since Merloni loved entertaining, the family had Audace refitted only modestly outside. The alfresco areas were already ample, capable of welcoming 60 people for dinner. Therefore, the only real change was the bar areas, specifically to benefit the crew in serving. Although, the megayacht did gain a telescopic passarelle for boarding ease.
Inside, meanwhile, two new elevators serve, respectfully, the guests and the crew. Additionally, a new stairway links the owner’s suite to the lower deck. Further in the owner’s suite, the soles are heated. Finally, the suite’s furnishings reflect darker colors for a level of sophistication, rather than the previously predominantly pale one.
The family had Audace refitted over the course of 16 months at Lusben. At her relaunch, they, the craftspeople, and the rest of the teams involved paid tribute to the late Merloni. All the boats in the adjoining marina sounded their horns in tribute, too. Following delivery in May, the family will cruise to Ibiza for yet another final ceremony.
Cantiere delle Marche cantieredellemarche.it
Floating Life floatinglife.com
Lusben lusben.com
Studio Sculli studiosculli.com
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