Benetti unveiled new details on steel mega yacht Project LIFE this week at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. In collaboration with top industry experts Espen Øino International, Zuretti Design, and Burgess, 279ft (85m) Project LIFE is Benetti’s largest yacht built on an engineering platform. The “House of Yachting” divulged the latest updates on this build during a meeting with yacht brokers and media representatives at the boat show. Benetti originally announced plans for Project LIFE at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2023.
Watch PROJECT LIFE | 85m (278.8ft) | Ready-to-build concept video on YouTube.
Said Federico Ferrante, President of Azimut|Benetti Americas, “We decided to present these latest updates on Project LIFE during the Palm Beach Boat Show, recognizing the Americas as a key strategic market for Benetti. This region continues to show strong admiration for our yachts which increasingly feature advanced content in terms of design and technological innovation.”
Sebastiano Vida, Head of Product at Benetti, said to breathe life into this vision, Benetti collaborated with “some of the world’s top designers and partnered with industry leaders,” noting they are extremely proud of the achievements made.
The Design Vision
Renowned architect Espen Øino is responsible for the yacht’s exterior design and layout, while notable interior designer François Zuretti created the elegant interiors. Brokerage firm Burgess worked with Benetti to ensure the highest standards in technical, operational, and service aspects. The outcome is a next-generation yacht that redefines onboard living with its visionary design, advanced technology, and connection with the ocean.
Project LIFE’s sleek, elegant lines incorporate iconic Benetti features, highlighted by a tall, sharp bow for superior seakeeping and efficiency. Her design maximizes natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows which, along with its high ceilings, enhance the sense of space. Each deck features a unique layout, offering expansive social and entertainment spaces, including a large revolving lounge for versatile options throughout the day.
Vida explains, “With Project LIFE, our goal was to provide varied experiences on each deck, emphasizing social interaction through convivial layouts and versatile gathering areas, all framed by the ocean.”
The Beach Club
A standout feature of Project LIFE is the 886 square foot (270 sq m) beach club area, developed through close collaboration between Espen Øino International and Zuretti Design. “The primary concept behind Project LIFE was to put forward life itself and life close to the water,” said Espen Øino. “It’s a boat that has been designed for life – an active life, a cool life, a relaxed life.
The beach club certainly will provide guests with both a space to relax with stunning views and be active on the water. While protected from direct sunlight, the beach club is bathed in natural light from a glass-bottomed swimming pool on the deck above, adding to the aquatic ambiance. Two 46ft (14m) fold-down side doors on either side of the swim platform create direct access to the sea for a seamless, immersive experience. Ideal for sun-lounging and water sports by day, the space can be transformed into a sophisticated venue for evening entertainment.
The Interior
The 112-square-meter main salon of Project LIFE is a bright, inviting space featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in natural light. Sliding glass doors can be opened to merge the entertaining space with the main deck aft. Warm, wooden floor and ceiling panels balance the cool blue color palette of the interior – a combination that seamlessly blends with the ocean view.
The upper foredeck serves as a private retreat with a 270-degree view of the ocean, enhancing guests’ connection to nature. Equipped with a helipad, jacuzzi, and plush lounging areas, this space provides an exclusive sanctuary for relaxation.
At the front of the main deck, six guest cabins feature expansive windows and a plush reading nook, offering stunning sea vistas. The owner’s cabin is a 98-square-meter haven, complete with a versatile room that can serve as a private office or a personalized space. A large ensuite bathroom, complete with soaking tub, is accented with glass and warm wood tones. The adjacent glass-enclosed sky lounge, furnished with cozy sofas, offers a serene spot to take in the sea views.
An open-air dining area graces the bridge deck aft, perfect for both intimate meals and larger gatherings. With its wind-sheltered setting and innovative live-cooking stations, guests can enjoy a unique dining experience while interacting with the chef.
Burgess Senior Partner, Ed Beckett, said clients are more frequently requesting a “holistic yacht design.” Beckett explains, “not only does it need to look great and have a layout that enables a fantastic lifestyle onboard, but decisions taken need to be environmentally conscious… This holistic aesthetic, operational and technical design approach has been a cornerstone of Project LIFE since its inception.”
The Benetti Legacy
To reduce its carbon footprint, Project LIFE features a highly efficient, optimized hull, diesel-electric propulsion with fossil and non-fossil (HVO) fuel technology, POD transmission, and hybrid solar panels to power tenders, toys, and appliances.
Project LIFE represents Benetti’s ‘Steel Legacy’ by underscoring the shipyard’s position as a global leader in steel yacht construction. The vessel emphasizes Benetti’s expertise by blending advanced technology and modern innovations with elegant design to celebrate the luxurious lifestyle on the sea. Through this project, Benetti reinforces its commitment to quality, design, and sustainability, marking a new milestone in yachting excellence.
Watch Benetti Project LIFE | Elysium987 video on YouTube.
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