A nearly three-decade-old megayacht spent eight months undergoing a major makeover. An extensive work list for the Solafide yacht refit has given this 171-footer (52-meter) more updated looks and technology, simultaneously preserving much of her original ambience.
The megayacht changed hands in early 2021, when her name was Vianne. Remarkably, until that point, she had just one owner since delivery in 1995. Her original name was Tommy. That owner collaborated with Terence Disdale for a striking interior design. For instance, a window-pane-patterned overhead mimicked the pattern of the sole in the main saloon, via wood inlays. More wood inlays characterized the intimate skylounge, where a large compass rose took center stage. An abundance of wood appeared throughout the yacht, in fact, in zigzag patterns, angled patterns, and traditional vertical patterns, both underfoot and overhead, too.

The current owner took the yacht to Lusben, which belongs to the Azimut-Benetti group, last year to start the redesign process. He worked with Yachtique, the interior-design division of Azimut-Benetti, to ensure the look and feel was more modern. Simultaneously, and quite importantly, he wanted to do so without destroying the novelty of the initial décor.
The signature overhead designs in oak and oak wall paneling therefore remain, as do a number of furnishings. Yachtique accentuated the oak with ribbed detailing and added raffia, too. Fabrics and leathers in soft whites and ivories also line walls. Overall, a natural look and feel sets the scene, especially with hand-cut carpets mimicking waves in some rooms, like the master suite.

Speaking of that suite, the majority of the transformation during the Solafide yacht refit impacted it. All of the woods and marbles are now different. For instance, the owner selected Carrara marble, and the Yachtique team laser-cut ribbed detailing in it reminiscent of the ribbed oak. The suite further has a rich brown headboard with woven leather. Raffia features prominently in the decor as well. Additionally, the guest staterooms on the lower deck gained refreshed looks, primarily an alternating cotton and linen herringbone theme in grey and powder blue.
Notably, the owner wanted the Solafide yacht refit also to include a number of technical changes. For instance, he requested zero-speed stabilizers, a new air conditioning system, new gensets, and new engines. (The original powerplants were twin 3,000-hp Deutz-MWMs.) All of the mechanical systems now comply with up-to-date emissions regulations, plus of course operate more efficiently.

The worklist for Solafide was, by Lusben’s admission, challenging. Altogether, the shipyard says the tasks typically would take a year and a half to complete. Paolo Simoncini, Lusben Viareggio site director, notes, “As work progressed, the owner was very enthusiastic and receptive to our ideas and decided to add to the list of work initially agreed. We nevertheless delivered on time while ensuring the highest standards of quality and attention to detail.”
Gianni Paladino, Lusben’s commercial director, feels confident the owner will return for further significant work in the coming years, too. “We can’t wait to be able to continue this collaboration, not least because this storied Benetti yacht is absolutely captivating,” he says.
Lusben lusben.com

More About the Solafide Yacht Refit
LOA: 170’6” (52 meters)
Beam: 29’2” (8.9 meters)
Draft: 9’8” (3 meters)
Guests: 12 in 5 staterooms
Engines: not available
Range: 3,500 nautical miles at 14½ knots
Builder: Benetti
Stylist: Stefano Natucci
Naval Architect: Benetti
Interior Designer: Yachtique
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