on 24 Oct 2019
The Italian maker's new generation of expedition yachts returns to steel and features brand new layouts separating functions between decks
Benetti rediscovers its roots, returning to steel and thinking out of the box with B.Yond, the first model of its new generation of expedition yachts.
(Image: Benetti)
Benetti’s B.Yond is the outcome of a radical interpretation of onboard volumes and layouts, with utility and privacy for guests at the forefront on all four of the yacht’s decks. Intelligent solutions give as much space as possible to the owner, guests, crew and onboard services, ensuring comfortable, leisurely cruises with reduced environmental impact thanks to the new E-Mode propulsion system developed by Siemens for the shipyard. The balanced, elegant proportions of the main and lower decks merge into the hull’s contours and are perfectly integrated with the yacht’s silhouette, making it possible to add a fourth deck with huge windows from which there are unparalleled panoramic views of the sea.
The 37m B.Yond has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, a beam of 8.6 metres and enclosed volumes similar to a 50m megayacht of almost 500 tonnes. The main deck is dedicated to cabins for the owner and guests, while the living area starts on the upper deck. The lower deck, on the other hand, is reserved exclusively for the crew and captain. To ensure greater privacy and comfort on board, decks are connected by two separate stairs, one for the owner and guests and one for the crew. Other models with the same philosophy will follow.
Brand new layout with separate deck functions
The project B.Yond aims to offer an unprecedented level of onboard volume thanks to the strict separation of the functions of each deck.
(Image: Benetti)
The lower deck is reserved for technical and service rooms, and to the four cabins for six crew, all with private bathrooms. Amidships there are a surprisingly large captain’s suite, a huge galley, a laundry and a cold room.
The deck can be reached from both the garage and service stairs (with dumbwaiter) that connect all the decks. The crew can easily move about and work without ever crossing paths with the owner or guests thanks to the separated routes.
The main deck contains the accommodations for the owner and guests. The full beam owner’s suite is in the bow on the main deck where there are also four guest cabins designed according to the highest standards of the best luxury hotels: vertical walls, large spaces, silence and sea view. The two stern suites and the owner’s suite can be fitted with private terraces.
From the central foyer, the layout leads to the living areas of the upper deck, while a second stairway leads down below to a space that can be fitted out with a fully equipped gym or an additional sixth guest cabin.
(Image: Benetti)
On the main deck, at stern, there is also a much larger than average garage, with space for water toys: two jet skis and two tenders (6.5 and 4.2 metres, for the owner and crew respectively) with the possibility of hauling and launching from both sides thanks to folding gunwales. In the stern of the deck, a central stairway allows direct access to the beach area with sauna and a toy room to provide more equipment storage.
Reduced environmental impact, improved comfort during navigation
The E-Mode powered by Siemens, specially designed for the Azimut|Benetti Group, comes from the idea to offer a hybrid propulsion simple to use, addressed to a wider target and leading of an effective reduction of the consumption during the whole life cycle of the yacht. System integration is at the highest level, with the entire supply produced by the world’s top electrical equipment player.
The diesel-electric propulsion system from Siemens, SISHIP EcoProp developed in Italy by the Siemens Marine Global Competence Centre, allows to operate in four different configurations: Enhanced Comfort, ideal for night and coastal cruising with no emissions; Eco Cruise/hotel mode, for zero-emissions while cruising or at anchor; Extended Range, an option useful on very long trips to reduce consumption; Eco Transfer, for navigation with only one engine driving both shafts to reduce engine hours and improve performance. It allows a reduction of the engine hours and an improved performance.
The desire expressed of the owners to enjoy to the full the natural environment and seascapes around their yacht inspired Benetti to build a boat with exterior lines that testify to the model’s innovative spirit.
(Image: Benetti)
The yacht allows a direct access from the dock to a little middle deck that is the hallway where a huge stairway leads to the stern terrace on the upper deck. The living area stretches from stern to bow and ensures that the horizon is never out of sight. From the stern, a first outdoor dining area complete with lateral protection is furnished with comfortable sofas and chairs, while moving forward and inside are the main saloon and a second dining area connected with sliding doors with the exterior bow lounge.
The wheel deck contains a lounge with sliding glass side screens to protect against gusts of wind. Aft, a second hydromassage tub dominates the outdoor area, while the interior spaces in the bow include the helm station and a radio room that can also be used as a rest area at night by the captain when the yacht is at anchor. The sun deck consists of a dining area with pantry and an open air table sheltered by a hard top, plus a roomy sunbathing area.
Like a true expedition yacht, B.Yond is designed for long distance cruises and has a hull that dominates the waves. More storage space than usual is provided, and the water tanks are larger for longer cruises between port calls. The fuel and water tanks are capable of storing 70,000 and 6,000 litres respectively. Range at cruising speed is in excess of 5,000nm.