Benetti 50m Superyacht Iryna

First, the answer: three to four years. Now, the question: how long does it take, on average, to build a custom superyacht? Time waits for no man. Those who subscribe to that philosophy and are in the market for a new superyacht may want to have a look at the Benetti B.Now series of customizable yachts.

Azimut/Benetti Group is one busy yacht builder, which is a very good thing. In fact, for the 21st concurrent year, Azimut/Benetti has been named the world’s leading builder of superyachts, according to the 2021 Global Order Book, for their 100 projects over 80 meters, boasting a total length of 3,521 meters. One consequence of the company’s full build schedule is that new yacht buyers have to join a rather long queue if they want to build with Benetti.

Thinking in terms of solutions, Azimut/Benetti’s head of research got to work on some new technology. It seems that the most time-consuming aspect of designing an efficient, innovative superyacht is hull design. Designing, tweaking, and testing new hull forms is necessary but tedious work. Benetti has built many boats, collecting lots of data on how things act in the test tank. Employing the massive amounts of data collected over the years, Benetti’s designers can now use a technology they developed that allows designers to do away with that hour-devouring process. Thus, delivery time on this new Benetti series is reduced by about 30 percent. Isn’t technology grand? Especially when you simply cannot wait to take delivery of your new superyacht.

The B.Now Series Proves Popular

Shortening the build time turned out to be an extremely good move. For Benetti, it provided a path for those who just couldn’t abide the current custom timeline. The proof is in the numbers, with Benetti having already sold 20 units of the series just months after it was introduced, and since its premiere at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show.

The shorter timeline was indeed a big factor in sales for this very busy market, but another reason the series has proven so successful is the partnership with RWD design, which Benetti described as modern, innovative, and functional. All that and a sleek automotive-inspired profile with four decks of lovely spaces and views make the B.Now series an absolute winner.

B.Now By the Numbers

Iryna is the first unit of the B.Now 50-meter yacht, the smallest in this steel hull and aluminum superstructure series. Additional models in the range are 60, 67, and 72-meter versions. Iryna is 49.9 meters in length, with a 9.2-meter beam and a 2.6-meter draft. Just under the 500 GT category, Iryna has a 4,500 nautical mile range cruising at 10 knots, with a top speed of 15 knots. She is powered by two MAN diesel engines. An E. mode hybrid auxiliary propulsion system working in parallel with the diesel engines is an available option that allows for various combinations of diesel and electric power use, minimizing noise, fuel use, and emissions.

Of two styles for the aft deck, Iryna sports the traditional 36 square meter version. The majority of the new builds selected the Oasis Deck option, which brings attractive new features to the outdoor space, increasing the size of the deck to 150 square meters. Bulwark wing extensions on each side of the deck drop down to expand the view to a 270-degree horizon to enjoy from everywhere around the stern decks. A large, flush deck pool in the beach club area and a combination of sun and shade allow use at all times of the day, all working together with the main saloon to make this the social heart of the yacht.

Exterior styling is by RWD UK and P.L.A.N.A. Iryna’s Interiors were completed at Benetti’s own Interior Style Department along with the owner’s interior design choice, Visionnaire, bringing unusual materials to the table, such as leather ceilings and palladium hardware. Iryna accommodates ten guests under charter, and twelve under private use, in five/six cabins, with space for ten crew in six cabins.