Benetti launches 107m ‘FB277’
The vessel’s launch signifies the beginning of the shipyard’s ‘gigayacht’ season…
Benetti celebrated the launch of M/Y FB277 today. At 107m, the vessel is the largest yacht built in Italy by a private shipyard. This yacht is the first of three 100m-plus vessels (or ‘gigayachts’) expected from the shipyard in the coming months.
FB277 was designed by Benetti and built in collaboration with Imperial Yachts, who were responsible for the project management during the build and will be the yacht managers of the vessel. Discussing the collaboration, Julia Stewart, director at Imperial Yachts, explained why this vessel is an important project for the company. “FB277 marks an important step in Imperial history by being one of the most exclusive vessels available for charter… We are proud to give birth to a successful superyacht, and we look forward to seeing her sporty, roaring lines cruising along the seven seas.”
The yacht boasts a contemporary and minimalist design, with features such as a hammam, a large swimming pool and a spacious beach club. Delivery of the yacht is expected to be in summer 2019.
As will be illustrated in The Superyacht New Build Report, published next year, Benetti delivered 32 yachts in the 40-60m size range between 2014 - 2018, the largest producer in this area of the market. The shipyard’s foray into the larger section of the market is an indication of its focus on diversifying its portfolio and expanding its place within the industry. The shipyard reports that it has invested over 15 million euros in its facilities in order to build these larger vessels, including two new steel structure sheds in its Livorno shipyard.
“Today, Benetti is the only private shipyard in Italy and one of very few anywhere in the world, with the capacity and capabilities to build yachts over 80m long. This gigayacht puts Benetti on the map for building yachts of over 100m,” said Franco Fusignani, CEO of Benetti. “With this launch, we recognise the first essential step in strengthening our brand in order to offer the same outstanding high-end vessels we are already known for in the megayacht sector, to the gigayacht sector.”
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