Benetti launches Diamonds Are Forever in James Bond inspired event

Last weekend, on Saturday 26th November 2011, the Benetti shipyard in Livorno, Italy, hosted the launch of the 61m Diamonds Are Forever. The event took place approximately six weeks after her pre-launch.

Originally with the official ID Benetti FB253 61m, she was renamed Diamonds Are Forever by her owner, Mr. John Staluppi, a fan of the James Bond saga, which was an ongoing theme throughout the launch.



The yacht’s name shares that of one novel in Ian Fleming’s Bond saga, as well its film adaptaton. The launch included a rendition of the theme tune to the film, as well as an acrobatic enactment of a Bond fight scene, inclusive of the familiar Bond trademark, an Aston Martin, all of which took place infront of the backdrop of Mr. Staluppi’s superyacht, Diamonds Are Forever.

Speeches and presentations were given by Benetti’s CEO Vincenzo Poerio, Chairman Paolo Vitelli, and head of project management Nicola Nicolai.

Customisation to meet the desires and needs of her owner was a key aspect of the design process. Her customisation includes the arrangement of the cabins, location of the wheelhouse, interior décor, and the addition of a top deck above the flybridge, which has created a panoramic deck 12m above sea level.

Her interior consists of two panoramic master suits, with four guest staterooms, a guest elevator to all decks, a full beam sky lounge and vast open and shaded deck areas. The elevator reaches the additional top deck, while the aft of the sun-deck allows for helicopter operations.



The yacht has been built to accommodate twelve guests in six cabins. Four cabins are located on the lower deck, with a split level VIP suite, or second owner’s suite, lies at the front of the main deck, with the master owner’s suite located forward on the upper deck, both of which have a 180º sea view. The owner’s suite includes a hallway which provides seclusion of many different parts that make up the suite: the private study, bathroom, separate toilets, walk-in wardrobe and plus main bedroom. The main deck also includes a fitness room and a relaxation and beauty parlour.

The interior décor and design furnishings are by Evan K. Marshall/Usonia V, a London-based interior specialist who has already designed several yachts for Mr. and Mrs. Staluppi. The interior uses fine Italian marble, onyx, Mardona burlwood, gold leaf, mother of pearl, and marieux crystal.

The 61m Benetti was built with the view to making her a successful charter yacht, and she is due to set sail on her maiden charter voyage in December, and will be available in the Caribbean for the coming season, and in the Mediterranean later in 2012. She has a maximum speed of 16 knots, a cruising speed of 15 knots, and an oceanic range of 4800 nautical miles at 12 knots.





Related Links

Benetti Profile | Benetti Website

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