“MAKE ME THE biggest yacht in the world – bigger than anyone has ever seen,” he commanded. It was a mold-breaking commission for the Benetti shipyard more than 40 years ago, from a client keen to tout his wealth. The Italian firm had already earned accolades for making fine yachts, but this was to be a new kind of vessel, a ‘superyacht’, if you will. Be netti’s designers embraced the brief with gusto and the resulting craft was the epitome of oceangoing glamour. At 86m, it had five decks equipped with 11 cabins, a cinema, and exhaust funnels sloped outward to allow helicopters to land on the helipad more easily. There was even a disco – it was 1979, after all.
The estimates for the cost went as high as US$100 million, a vast sum for the shipyard. More importantly, as the 1980s dawned, it launched a new category of aspirational goods. A simple yacht no longer sated the yen for cruising – only a superyacht would do. And the leading place to commission one was the home base of Benetti and its fellow generations-old Tuscan boatbuilders, a small seaside town called Viareggio.
This story is from the May 2021 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2021 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Luxe Hold Hands
'Tis the season for the best luxury collaborations across motoring, watches and fashion.
TIMELY PURSUITS
The CEO of Sincere Fine Watches, Ong Ban, on evolving expectations of luxury watch retail.
Don't Ride This Wave* *Unless your name is Hamilton, Slater or Moore
The 2024 Olympic surfing competition will be held at Tahiti's Teahupo'o, a monster swell that rears up over a razor-sharp reef. Going for gold could be deadly.
Carpe Diem
JW Marriott’s Stay in the Moment experience encourages guests to embrace the fleeting yet profoundly meaningful moments of life at JW Marriott Jeju Resort Spa.
A Week in Peru
Well-heeled epicureans can get a true taste of the South American country’s majestic landscapes, culture and cuisine with Scott Dunn Private.
Waves Of Memories
Shaped by time and coastal embrace, Glenglassaugh’s Serpentine Coastal Cask Collection—aged since the 1970s—will inspire ruminations and reminiscences.
Heartwarming Spirit
On the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, we make a stop at Michter’s, an all-American whisky distillery that’s more alive than ever.
Building Possibilities
A newcomer is poised to make a name for itself in the world of spirits—introducing Neit, maker of Irish whisky.
This Month's Feed
Only the best dining and drinking spots in Singapore.
In The Studio With Annie Morris
Between multiple shows across three continents—not to mention a home renovation—the British artist has a lot to do.