Benetti launches the new Motopanfilo, an elegant, modern yacht for today’s boatowner, inspired not only by the legendary ‘navettes’ of the Sixties but the glamour, freedom of expression and creativity synonymous with those times.
This is a boat that most assuredly speaks the language of the twenty first century whilst echoing the carefree spirit and the design typical of the Sixties, with several nods to Benetti’s heritage and iconic boats of that evocative decade.
Benetti Motopanfilo, a 37-metre displacement yacht made in composite, encapsulates how to transport classic tradition stylishly and unerringly into the future. Far from merely taking a stroll down memory lane and simply creating a retro revisitation, Benetti, together with Francesco Struglia for the exterior lines and Lazzarini Pickering Architetti for the interiors, have shaken up an old favourite and given it a delightfully fresh and contemporary makeover that includes all that modern technology and techniques can offer.
Motopanfilo is an Italian word that was used in the early Sixties to denote the large motoryachts that very quickly became synonymous with glamour and the jetset lifestyle
When it comes to comparison with its Sixties predecessors, the most fundamental difference in the Benetti Motopanfilo is the exterior volume. Francesco Struglia revisited the original midship construction elements that linked the hull and superstructure, and has combined them in a single visually harmonious feature.
The exterior silhouette, with its clean-cut lines, boasts austere, elegant and tapering forms, with the boat appearing almost like a beautifully-crafted protective shell that envelops and cossets all those within it.
This concept of the yacht as a sculptural casing that has been meticulously carved to create its contours and protrusions is emphasised by the contemporary-style 45-degree bevelled surfaces. Where once upon a time a cap rail would have provided the finishing flourish in polished wood, here bronze paint is used to create an innovative seamless ‘ribbon’ that defines the bulwark and runs from the main deck to the upper deck overhang.
The structural rib bones give order and sense to the interiors, defining the different zones and providing punctuation points to mark the use of different materials and allow for interesting décor and functional interpretations
In the saloon, where the wooden walls of yesteryear have been almost completely replaced by enormous panes of glazing surfaces, the tradition of wood and its enduring links with the sea have not been overlooked, but instead of the usual mahogany tones, it is used in a warm, light oat colour on both floors and the gently curved ceilings, heightening the sense of airiness and lightness throughout.
Below deck, the theme of respecting the innate character of each environment can be seen in the choice to not straighten the cabin walls, instead allowing them to follow the gentle, relaxing curve of the hull, while the ubiquitous rib structure is here produced in an inversion of colours and materials.
From the lobby a spiral staircase winds its way around a central mast that rises through two decks like a spinal cord as it accompanies guests to the sky lounge on the upper deck. The owner’s suite is located in the bow of the main deck while the four comfortable guest cabins, all able to accommodate double beds, are situated on the lower deck where, upon request, a small sauna can be installed.
The displacement hull can reach a maximum speed of 16 to 18 knots, depending on the motor capacity selected.
Photos & video Benetti
