In less than a year, this stunning, over-thirty-year-old 52-meter Benetti has been revived through a meticulous refit led by architect Tommaso Spadolini.
Yacht Designer Giulia Grassi from the Supernova Design studio played a pivotal role, orchestrating the yacht's remarkable interior transformation. Extensive work encompassed a complete overhaul of the exterior profile, a redesign of common areas, replacement of specific steel plates on the hull, and a total engine rebuild. The project took place at IMS Shipyard in Toulon, France.
Tommaso Spadolini
Architect Tommaso Spadolini reflects on the journey: "The owner fell in love with this Benetti but envisioned refreshing it both technically and aesthetically – inside and out – while retaining its classic character, yet giving it a contemporary edge. Most importantly, he needed a yacht suitable for his large family." Thus began the transformation of the 1994 Benetti 52m, originally named Tommy, into the exclusive, modern Solafide.
Main saloon What distinguishes this refit isn’t merely the outcome but the astounding speed of execution. From initial discussions in July 2023 to approvals by December, and relaunch by April 2024, the team pulled off an incredible feat. Tommaso Spadolini and Giulia Grassi collaborated seamlessly with IMS Shipyard to achieve every refit objective.
Main saloon
Spadolini’s focus centered on modernizing the yacht’s exterior and technological upgrades. "Starting with the original cream color, we switched to white, incorporating dark stripes and stainless-steel grilles for a sleek appearance," Spadolini explains. Key modifications include transforming the main deck’s aft tender storage into a versatile lounge area, installing hatches, and modifying railings to integrate retractable side terraces. They also developed a well-equipped sundeck forward of the helm, including awnings and improved accessibility.
Owner's cabin
Rebuilding the twin 16-cylinder Deutz engines (each delivering 2,400 hp) posed a major challenge, requiring deck dismantling for their removal. Structural enhancements involved replacing select steel plates on the hull and aluminum panels on the superstructure. The sundeck was reinforced to handle helicopter operations, fitted with movable furniture, and emblazoned with an 'H'-marked teak floor.
Electrical systems, navigation aids, and connectivity were updated to match current standards, ensuring the yacht remained future-proof. The existing boat davits were retained for tender transport during extended trips.
Upper deck
Giulia Grassi faced the daunting task of balancing the yacht’s heritage with modern design innovations. "The owner sought increased seating capacity and better accommodation options," Grassi notes. To address these needs, they executed a comprehensive spatial reconfiguration, integrating custom-built furniture and rethinking partitions. For instance, the main deck dining area underwent a dramatic transformation, swapping built-in furnishings for a larger, family-friendly table. Outdoor zones benefited from tailored cushions and flexible furniture, significantly elevating comfort levels.
The main deck was decluttered by removing curtains and bulky fittings, creating an airy atmosphere. Customized seating arrangements, including a sofa with hidden storage and adaptable side tables, ensured ample seating for everyone. The dining room was enlarged by relocating the partition, introducing a striking white onyx floor section beneath the table, flanked by a mood-lighting backlit wall. Thoughtful mirror placement ensures unobstructed sea views from any vantage point.
The owner’s suite preserves its traditional charm while gaining subtle enhancements from prior improvements. The upper deck received substantial upgrades, converting the lounge into a multi-purpose guest cabin when not functioning as a media room. An additional VIP cabin was introduced, while the aft and flybridge areas were renovated with climate control and detachable furniture for helicopter landing compatibility.
Sun deck
"This Benetti 52m is now practically brand-new, boasting top speeds of 21 knots due to its streamlined, high-performance hull," Spadolini adds. "Despite modernization, we maintained a lightweight displacement below 500 tons – exactly 472 tons."
Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.
Credits: Benetti
Videoworks has completed an innovative audio-visual and connectivity installation aboard Custom Line Navetta 38 Telli, the new yacht owned by Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. The system eliminates traditional satellite TV (TVRO) in favor of a fully streaming-based approach, marking a technological milestone for yachts in this size category.The setup includes high-performance Starlink maritime antennas delivering speeds up to 220 Mbps, supported by dual 5G modems as backup. "The owner requested very fast Starlink connectivity offering streaming, internet and multiple pay-per-view services," said Giovanni Varone, Yachting Sales Manager at Videoworks. "This is the first time we’ve installed such advanced systems on a project of this size."Audio features K-array and James loudspeakers for exterior areas, while interior spaces utilize Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound Theatre soundbar and Beolab 19 subwoofer. A custom pop-up speaker system was developed for the beach area, integrated with Videoworks’ Slim Audio Matrix for automatic calibration.Beolab 19Control is managed via an HTML5-based web engine, adapting dynamically to tablets, smartphones, and PCs. Hardware is consolidated into two centralized racks and a dedicated decoder distribution unit."This yacht represents the future of onboard connectivity," said Paolo Tagliapietra, Connectivity Solutions Manager at Videoworks. "The complete reliance on streaming is a game-changer for the industry."The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
April 28, 2025
The 27.5-meter motor yacht Slow Poke (ex-Coy Koi) has emerged from a comprehensive $8 million refit at Safe Harbor Lauderdale Marine Center, completed in 2024. Originally built in 2000 as part of Kuipers' Doggersbank series, the Vripack-designed explorer underwent a 2.5-year transformation to suit its American owner's preferences for vintage-inspired functionality.Key modifications include a 2.5-meter hull extension with a CFD-optimized bulbous bow, improving speed by 2 knots and reducing fuel consumption by 10%. The redesign also incorporated a hydraulic swim platform and elevated stern. "Slow Poke now has a platform that allows us to engage with the water easily and freely while we explore," the owner stated.The yacht retains its original steel hull and aluminum superstructure, with mechanical systems including rebuilt engines and generators from a 2018 refit. New exterior features include black hull paint with a British racing green stripe and custom awning artwork by Paul Kremer. Interior updates by New York's Redd Kaihoi introduce high-gloss retro styling while preserving Vripack's original layout.Accommodation remains for six guests across three ensuite cabins, including a master suite color-matched to the owner's 1952 Porsche 356A. The vessel maintains its signature split-level flybridge and expanded aft deck spaces."For me, Slow Poke is the perfect three night boat," the owner commented. "It provides the type of tranquillity that you can't get with a bigger boat." Since delivery, the yacht has cruised the West Coast from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest.Vripack is a yacht-design studio with a portfolio that represents over 7400 designs, made strong through its extensive naval architecture and engineering experience. From the moment they opened their doors in 1961, Vripack studio’s approach to design has been governed by the playful interaction between form and function.Credits: Vripack
April 28, 2025
Denison Yachting has revealed the first superyacht project from Turkey's Magnolia Yachts – the 41-meter Magnolia 41m, scheduled for delivery in 2026. The vessel represents the inaugural collaboration between naval architect Gregory C. Marshall and fourth-generation shipbuilder Gökhan Yardimci, combining the Yardimci family's 50 years of maritime expertise with contemporary superyacht design.Constructed with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, the explorer yacht meets ocean-going specifications with emphasis on fuel efficiency and sustainable operations. Performance figures include a top speed of 15 knots, cruising speed of 13 knots, and a transatlantic range of 5,000 nautical miles at 10 knots.The 485 GT vessel features five staterooms, including a full-beam owner's suite with walk-in wardrobe and spa bathroom. Common areas include a skylounge with alfresco dining, sundeck hot tub, and a main salon with panoramic windows. Interior design employs a neutral color palette throughout guest spaces.Peter Quintal, Yacht Broker at Denison Yachting, stated: "Combining the expertise of Greg C. Marshall and Gökhan Yardimci, we are so excited to give potential owners and yachting enthusiasts the chance to step onboard this stunning superyacht next year. Magnolia 41m blends innovation, craftsmanship and a rich family legacy to create a truly exceptional boat."The Magnolia 41m will be showcased to potential buyers during the 2025 build period ahead of its scheduled 2026 completion.With a rich family history dating back to 1948, Denison Yachting is a leader in the industry, providing comprehensive yachting services worldwide. With over 20 waterfront offices and a team of 90+ licensed brokers, Denison offers superyacht sales, yacht charter, crew placement, and new construction services. Their extensive experience and passion for yachting ensure a long-term perspective and commitment to excellence.Credits: Denison Yachting
April 28, 2025
Henk de Vries III will retire as Director of Feadship and CEO of Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw on 1 May 2025, concluding nearly four decades of leadership in the superyacht industry. He will transition to an Ambassador role for Feadship while maintaining involvement as a non-executive board member and shareholder of the family-owned shipbuilder.Henk de Vries De Vries joined the company in 1987 and became a director/shareholder in 1996 alongside his cousin Tom de Vries. Under their leadership, De Vries expanded to seven operating companies with over 1,200 employees. The group remains fully family-owned and holds a 50% stake in Feadship.A proponent of sustainability, de Vries co-founded the Water Revolution Foundation in 2018 and continues as its Board Chairman. The organization focuses on reducing yachting’s ecological impact through science-based initiatives.Leadership transitions to Roderick de Vries as CEO and Operational Director, with Bas Nederpelt assuming the role of Chief Commercial Officer and Feadship Director. The new executive team brings over 80 years of combined experience at De Vries.Henk and Tom de VriesHenk de Vries stated: “The four members of our new executive board bring with them over eighty years of De Vries experience. Their deep understanding of the company ensures it is in very capable hands.”Based in the Netherlands and with roots dating back to 1849, Feadship was formed as a group in 1949 as a marketing partnership between six Dutch shipyards, de Vries Lentch, Van de Stadt, Witsen & Vis, Akerboom, De Vries Scheepsbouw and Van Lent Shipyard, and De Voogt Naval Architects. Feadship is well-known as one of the Netherlands’ most elite yacht builders and delivers superyachts from 50–100+ meters in length.Credits: Feadship
April 25, 2025
Apreamare California, the brand’s new exclusive dealer for the U.S. West Coast, will present the American premiere of the Gozzo 38 Cabin at the Newport Beach International Boat Show from May 1st to 4th. The new dealership, led by entrepreneur Jack Suski, marks Apreamare’s return to the U.S. market, where the brand has previously sold nearly 100 boats across Florida, California, Connecticut, and other regions.Based in San Francisco Bay, Apreamare California maintains direct ties with the Sorrento shipyard, ensuring clients receive an authentic Made in Italy experience.The Gozzo 38 Cabin is a year-round cruising version of the popular Gozzo line, designed for enhanced comfort in rougher waters while retaining the open version’s signature style. Developed by Cataldo Aprea, Marco Casali, and Umberto Tagliavini, the model features a redesigned deckhouse with panoramic windows, offering a 360-degree view and a fully enclosed dinette.Giovanni Aprea, Sales Director of Apreamare, stated: “Overseas shipowners have always shown a strong appreciation for Apreamare boats, attracted by the timeless style of our creations, the excellent navigation capabilities, and the endless customization possibilities. With Apreamare California and our participation in the Newport Beach boat show, we bring this heritage directly to our esteemed American customers.”Jack Suski, CEO of Apreamare California, added: “I am thrilled to introduce the Gozzo 38 Cabin to California. Apreamare’s elegance and seaworthiness perfectly align with West Coast boating culture, offering owners the opportunity to cruise the coastline in style and with confidence.”The Newport Beach International Boat Show will be held at Lido Marina Village.Credits: Apreamare
April 25, 2025