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It all
started with two carpenters at the dawn of the 19th century.
The
men in question, Pasquinucci and Bergellini, launched the first tartana,
a fishing boat with triangular sails, from the banks of the Burlamacca
canal in Viareggio, Italy, in 1809. Their efforts convinced sailmakers,
shipwrights, and others to try their hands at establishing viable businesses
in the Tuscan village.
It succeeded
better than anyone could have expected. Now the streets of Viareggio are
bursting with shipyards, furniture makers, and other related businesses.
In addition, the sheer number of yachts measuring 80 feet and larger that
slide down the ways in this seaside resort each year arguably exceeds
that of any other city worldwide, helping establish Italy as one of the
most prolific boatbuilding countries in the world.
Throughout
it all a few names have endured, one being Benetti. While the yard’s
current facility sits on the very same spot where Lorenzo Benetti went
from being a shipyard worker to a shipyard owner in 1873, things have
certainly changed. For one, fiberglass, aluminum, and steel motoryachts
take shape instead of wooden sailing ships. And for another, despite enjoying
success with its Classic line of fiberglass yachts and its 45- and 50-meter
(147- and 164-foot) series of aluminum and steel motoryachts, Benetti
is introducing a new series of 52-meter (171-foot) metal motoryachts.
Alfa, the first in the series, showcases some new takes on space planning,
but she also incorporates enough familiar elements to make an owner feel
right at home.
One
of the noteworthy space-planning elements is the inclusion of the VIP
cabin amidship on the upper deck. Although it’s not full-beam, being
tucked to starboard, it does afford a terrific view due to its higher
location and is sure to be welcomed by those special guests who are used
to being relegated to the lower decks. Midnight snackers will appreciate
the proximity of a portside pantry (complete with storage for 100 bottles
of wine and champagne), mainly there to serve the bar in the full-beam
sky lounge. The inclusion of a king-size bed makes drifting off to dreamland
all the more easy.
Another
unusual characteristic Alfa embraces is the open floor plan for the main-deck
saloon and dining area. It’s practically unheard of for a yacht
measuring more than 150 feet LOA to feature this type of arrangement rather
than incorporate a separate formal dining room. Switzerland-based Zuretti
Interiors, which has worked with a number of Benetti owners, skillfully
keeps the space from resembling a bowling alley. It’s separated
by a central buffet that’s topped with metal columns; forward, the
dining area incorporates a crystal table for 12, while in the saloon a
relaxing conversation area with three sofas and chairs takes center stage.
(One potential problem, however, is the fact that guests must step slightly
down into the saloon. While the owner wanted it this way, it’s easily
missed, so someone can lose his or her footing.) Even though they’re
effectively separated, the rooms still feel united by the use of dark-stained
tanganyika (a dark African wood in the walnut family) paired with honey-tone
myrtle burl and a rope-like molding detail carved from tanganyika.
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