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 SpadoliniArchitect 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 saloonSpadolini’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
March 31, 2025