Continuing its successful run, the FB800 Custom series is built with a fibreglass hull and an aluminium superstructure, using what has proved to be winning technology developed by Benetti, allowing a much larger use of space in the living area compared to any other yacht of the same size. The latest unit, the Benetti FB803 Blake, is now under construction on spec at the Viareggio shipyard, where work recently got underway on fitting out the interiors. The launch is scheduled for early 2018.
After the sale in 2016 of the FB802 Project M/Y Zazou, which also began construction on spec, Benetti continues to pursue its fortunate commercial strategy of building boats over 50 meters in length on spec using tried and tested platforms, to significantly reduce waiting time for future owners.
The interior layout of Project Blake features exceptional liveability, drawing on a special contribution from Bannenberg & Rowell Design, who worked on colour tones and volumes to increase the space on the boat still further and make it even more luminous.
The Guest Area on the lower deck covers a surface area of 310 square metres and has four guest cabins (the two VIP suites have dedicated walk-in wardrobes). The private saloon on the upper deck can also be turned into a fifth VIP cabin. The convivial area on the sun deck has an extraordinary extension, unique in its kind: 23 metres of length with a surface of 135 square metres.
The owner’s apartment is on the main deck in the bow and occupies the entire beam of the yacht, with a surface area of 60 sq m (including bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, bathroom and study), plus a six-square-meter private balcony.
The FB803 is styled as a true modern classic, with timeless settings defined by the careful selection of elegant materials. Brushed fir wood, dark walnut and white oak are the perfect match for Silver Travertino, Eramosa stone and polished Arabescato Vaglia. The finishings include light and dark hammered bronze, light silver, etched glass mirrors and mother of pearl mosaic.
The stern garage with side access through the hull can house a 6.3 meter tender, while in the bow there are two jetskis and a rescue boat compartment. The stern swim platform is a dedicated beach club with a stern door that opens to form a spacious terrace at water level.
Blake delivers the performance of a comfortable hull with an extremely low level of vibration and noise. The two CAT C32 Acert engines each deliver 1,193 kW, providing adequate performance for a yacht with a gross tonnage of just 498 tonnes. Cruising speed of 14 knots is maintained by the engines at 85% of full load and the yacht has a top speed of 15.5 knots. At the cost-effective cruising speed of 12 knots, the yacht will have a range of 4,000 nautical miles.
The yacht is built to very high quality standards and can be registered with MCA LY3 certification because it comfortably satisfies all the requirements for chartering.
Marche: a strategic Italian boating area
Despite its small size, the region is home to many firms engaged in the maritime industry, who also look to global markets.