Yacht builders like to up the ante on their competition. So, too, do some yacht buyers. But upping the ante on yourself? The owners of Illusion V have done just that. Experienced cruisers who have previously owned finely detailed megayachts, they commissioned Illusion V to be even grander in many ways.
The owners previously cruised aboard another Benetti, christened Illusion (now known as Wild Orchid). Delivered in 2010, she measures 149’6” (45.6 meters). According to the captain of Illusion V, with a new baby on the way, the owners decided a bigger boat better suited their lifestyle.
Launched as Illusion I and renamed Illusion V a few months later, this 188’6” (57.5-meter) megayacht bears a 35-foot (10.8-meter) beam. Green & Mingarelli Design ensured that the owners’ guests as well as charter guests would experience an atmosphere of opulence even from the exterior decks.
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High-gloss black walnut strikes a strong contrast against tones of white and cream infused in silks, parchment, travertine marble, and abundant Lalique crystal, the latter in the form of sculptures, furniture insets, and lamps. The decor theme that’s most noticeable aboard Illusion V, though, is the rose motif seen here. It’s repeated on the front of bars (in Lalique crystal), in pillows, in the carpeting, on headboards, and in stone in the main foyer. (Surely, no red wine will be consumed inside Illusion V.)
Large seating and relaxation areas invite guests to spend time together in the saloon, as elsewhere. Note, too, the bar just visible forward of the seating area. Deep windows to each side make the area extra light and bright.
Alfresco dining is the order of the day aboard many a megayacht. Illusion V makes it easy for large parties to enjoy still-intimate dinners just aft of the skylounge. The same area is ideal for Sunday brunch or big family breakfasts. A dumbwaiter makes the job of the crew (13 in total) easier in that respect.
The sundeck makes outdoor dining even more attractive. Guests can escape the heat of the day here yet still enjoy cool breezes. They can head straight back to the sunpads or the hot tub when they’re finished, too. No need to head below decks at any point for a drink: A bar is conveniently located out by the hot tub, too.
What megayacht would be complete without a beach club? Illusion V has a fold-down transom like many projects these days. A stowable dining table can be set up here. (Unfortunately for the crew, the dumbwaiter doesn’t come down to this level, though a service elevator does.) The same platform allows guests to board one of the best collections of watertoys around. To wit: snuba and scuba gear, fishing gear, inflatable toys, PWCs, and a Jetovator and Flyboard. (A Jetovator is a hydro-powered flying seat, akin to the water-powered jetpacks but with a hose attached to a PWC. A Flyboard employs a wakeboard attached to the firehose-like thruster. Both are increasingly popular, for good reason.)
Of course, even sun-chasing charter yachts can’t guarantee sunny skies every day. The private cinema aboard Illusion V makes for a good cloudy-day escape. It can double as a seventh stateroom if needed.
From the intricately detailed decor to the attention to sound and vibration attenuation, the owners lavished attention on Illusion V. Charter guests will get to experience it during her inaugural season in the Caribbean this winter, where she’s available for $350,000 per week.
Leonardo D.Gonzales Jr.
You have a luxurious and best design yacht,it’s amazing,! hope someday I will be one of your crew.How to apply in your company?I’m a Motorman/Fitter looking for a great opportunities!Thank You and God Bless,!
Kind Regards,
Leonardo