Benetti B.Neos Yacht Series Strives to Simplify Superyacht Ownership

Each of the semi-custom superyacht series from Benetti offers owners and guests different advantages. Some emphasize expandable beach areas, for instance, while others push interior volume to literal new heights. The newest, the Benetti B.Neos yacht series, which includes the B.Neos 40M, is different. As Giovanna Vitelli, the Azimut-Benetti Group chair, explains, “Today’s owners seek a return to what truly matters,” including peace of mind. “We rethought the entire ownership experience to remove complexities and bothers.”

What immediately sets the Benetti B.Neos 40M yacht and her future sisters apart is integrated technology and systems. Home automation systems like the ones owners may have at home, for example, unite disparate devices into a voice-controlled network. Augmented reality and artificial intelligence help the crew do their jobs while simultaneously let them stem off issues. Smart glasses and/or tablets let them essentially see what’s going on behind panels and more. The crew aren’t the only ones who can learn about situations before they become big problems for the 133-footer (40.6-meter), either. A central data hub sends real-time operational information to Benetti’s headquarters. With the crew, Benetti technicians can troubleshoot.

Next, hybrid propulsion and genset-free operations are standard, as is specific training for the crew. Benetti’s Crew Academy provides hands-on education about how the Benetti B.Neos yacht’s hybrid system and stabilization systems operate. This way, no one faces a learning curve on day one. The hybrid setup offers the same advantages as others, including silent and emission-free enjoyment at anchor and diesel-electric fuel efficiency at certain speeds. Together with the home-automation systems, the megayacht should consume 30-percent less in comparison to traditional yachts of this size according to Benetti.

Simplified technical and operational matters are one part of the “complexities and bothers” solutions. So, too, are turnkey services through Yachtique, the Azimut-Benetti Group’s interior-design division. It supplies everything from cutlery to linens and accessories. Benetti ultimately brings each of these together under what it calls Yacht as a Service (YaaS), a five-year benefit.

Wrapped around all of this is sailing-yacht-inspired styling from Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design. The Benetti B.Neos 40M yacht shows off a sleeker, more low-slung profile. “The focus remained on balanced proportions and a constant dialogue with the environment,” McKeon explains. He especially uses a lot of glass and low bulwarks “so that, whether you are seated or moving about the yacht, the connection with the sea is never interrupted.”

Similarly, FM Architettura wants the owner and guest experience inside to be interruption- and complexity-free. “Central to this is openness, with ‘whole spaces’ that unite people and offer stunning, unobstructed views from the aft to the galley,” says the studio’s Francesca Muzio. Benetti calls the galley aboard the B.Neos 40M yacht the Family Kitchen, since it’s akin to how many residences have open plans that include the kitchen. Of course, for more formal dining preferences, a sliding glass partition can separate the galley and living areas.

FM Architettura envisions pale woods, glass, and tactile yet non-fussy treatments for a homier feel throughout the interiors. Owners can still select their preferences, though will be pleasantly surprised by one further layout change. The master suite is an apartment-like space on the upper deck, since the wheelhouse is forward on the main deck. Conveniently, the suite is in proximity to stairs leading to the observation deck atop the yacht, featuring a sunpad.

Finally, since no superyacht is complete without a pool these days, the Benetti B.Neos yacht series has one. A glass-enclosed, indoor-outdoor lounge, the Sea Atrium, is a cozy connecting space to watch the kids splash or just get out of the sun. Notably, it has nearly 8-foot (2.4-meter) headroom, looking and feeling airier. It’s Benetti’s way of reinventing the beach area for simplicity of enjoyment.

Benetti benettiyachts.com

FM Architettura fm-arch.it

Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design malcolmmckeonyachtdesign.com