Once in a great while, designers, builders, and craftsmen put their collective talents to task with extraordinary results. They deliver more than promised. They exceed every expectation. They delight those that opted in.
Benetti, RWD, and Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture have recently made every existing 40-meter yacht excruciatingly envious with the unveiling of their forward-looking disruptor, Rebeca. First of her kind in the Oasis lifestyle concept series, Rebeca may also be the first to prompt younger buyers to seriously consider a purchase, and inspire the serial yacht-owner to revise the current situation.
What Makes It So Different?
Many contemporary yacht designs claim to offer seamless connections to the outdoor environment. Rebeca, however, takes that promise and raises the stakes. From the expansive 90 square meter beach area with folding wings and terraced privacy of the deck and main salon, to the sleek curve of the twin, carbon fiber armrest helm station podiums with ceiling-mount screens, all surrounded by a full-height, 180-degree view from the wheelhouse, creature comforts are geared to full joy while on board.
At first blush, Rebeca presents the athletic body styling of an explorer yacht. Upright bow, vertical windscreen, long stern line, glints of steel along the perimeter of glazing, and gently rounded curves suggesting a no-nonsense approach. The inside story is that of a posh minimalist fitted with luxurious materials, made and polished to a level of perfection exhibited only by that which comes from superb craftsmen.
What is truly genius, however, is the way Rebeca removes visual and physical barriers to an unbroken horizon line of the sea. The view from the stern’s infinity pool overlooks the edge of the flush deck to a three-sided view of blue. Up a couple of steps to the beach terrace, with sun pads and a C-shaped sofa, the view continues uninterrupted. Three more steps up to the outdoor main deck and main salon, and surprisingly, the clear view to the sea remains, unbroken by deck furnishings and other physical noise. So well thought through, the plan is deceptive in its simplicity while brilliant in its execution.
Additionally, there are features like the air filters for closed interior spaces that clean and refresh the air six times per hour, adjusting air quality to meet oxygenation, humidity, and temperature specifications. And the elastic couplings with thrust bearings that hush engine decibels and minimize vibrations. And FSC-certified teak decking. The list is long.
We’ll get to more details in a moment, but all this cutting-edge design and technology is Benetti embracing Obviettivo 50. Literally translating to “Target 50,” it really points to Benetti’s mission: deliver yachts that use the highest technology and construction standards to build a reliable product that is capable of maintaining good looks and functionality, serving owners for a mind-blowing lifespan of 50 years. That seems nigh-on impossible, but reserve judgment until after you’ve explored the whole yacht. This is a game-changer in the eyes of many.
The Main Deck
Beginning at the stern, the full-beam beach deck is clean and level, with one edge of the infinity pool in clear view. The seven square meter surface overlooks the first level of the beach area with nothing but horizon. Imperceptible but quite functional, a central swim stair transforms, moving down into the water to allow swimmers and divers easy access when lowered. When raised, it is a flat, stable surface that allows guests graceful entry and exit when tenders pull up. The function encourages excursions without worry.
The infinity pool is 7 square meters of port to starboard surface, heated and fitted with a hydromassage system. The freshwater pool sends its water to a separate tank where it is regularly collected, filtered, and again put to use. To both port and starboard, a two-step stair leads up to the next level, where a pair of wings spread out to expand the beach area to 90 square meters, usually a generous space only found on 60-meter yachts or larger.
On this level, a central sunbed and a C-shaped sofa just aft of the pool and lower deck, have a wonderful view of the sea. The first hints of minimalistic posh begin here, and are carried throughout the yacht, emphasizing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The use of similar style furnishings, upholstery, muted colors, and lush materials of marble, teak, rosewood, and white lacquer keep the theme on all four decks. A large hatch door sits to starboard, flush when closed, allowing access to smaller water toys when opened.
To both port and starboard, three steps lead to the main deck salon, where two curved white sofas offer guests a gorgeous view of the sea, stepped just enough to maintain sightline
