Benetti launches eco-friendly B.Yond 37M

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Benetti staged an epic launch of the new B.Yond 37M in Livorno before describing the first model in the builder’s ‘voyager’ series as “the greenest model ever built in its class, featuring ground-breaking design and environmental friendliness”. Following a spectacular launch ceremony, the occasion concluded with a waterfront dinner for VIPs in full view of the 121ft yacht, christened Goga.

The steel-hulled, five-deck model was conceived by Paolo Vitelli, owner and President of Azimut-Benetti Group, and designed by the late Stefano Righini, who passed away last October having worked with Vitelli since the 1980s.

“I’m happy to present one of the most innovative boats ever built,” said Vitelli, who founded Azimut in 1969. “Equipped with a hybrid system for long-range, environment-friendly cruising, this is a dream come true for modern owners who want to travel around the world with their family and friends. In my imagination I saw a record-breaking boat and here it is.”

The white steel hull and aluminium superstructure are complemented by stainless-steel railings also painted white and finished with teak handrails. The hull was designed by Pierluigi Ausonio’s firm P.L.A.N.A.

Giovanna Vitelli, Vice President, Azimut-Benetti Group

Eco-friendly technology is led by the E-Mode Hybrid system by Siemens Energy that optimises on-board energy consumption according to specific usage profiles, which Benetti says results in “unprecedented CO2 and NOx emissions reductions for a yacht in this category”.

The system combines with SCR catalytic filters, a gas-control technology that uses a urea-based liquid solution, and simplifies the switching from mechanical to electric propulsion and vice-versa, so doesn’t require specialised personnel on board.

B.Yond 37M has four different operating modes including Full Electric for zero-emission navigation, so allowing entry to protected marine areas or others normally off-limits to motor yachts.

Hotel mode makes it possible to stay at anchor in silence and with zero vibrations and emissions, running the main on-board utilities from the lithium batteries, which recharge in just three hours. Using the new generation of high-energy-density batteries, the 300kW/h pack can provide up to eight hours of autonomy at anchor during the day and 12 hours at night.

Estimating an average annual use of 1,000 hours, with 400 under way and the rest at anchor, fuel consumption and CO2 can be reduced by up to 24 per cent and NOx by up to 85 per cent.

B.Yond 37M has a range of up to 8,200nm at nine knots in Eco Transfer mode, with the two diesel-generators switched off and only one propulsion engine running. This reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 16 per cent and NOx emissions by up to 80 per cent compared with traditional propulsion systems.

In terms of layout and features, the yacht’s spacious garage contains a 6.5m tender for the owner, a 4.2m rescue boat and two jet-skis. The lower deck is dedicated to service areas and includes a walk-in wine cellar and cold room – unusual features on a boat this size. There’s also a gym and a potential captain’s cabin, with each room able to be configured as an extra guest cabin.

The main deck is focused on guest accommodation, with four spacious suites and a panoramic Playroom lounge, which can alternatively be set up as the master cabin. The upper deck features the main saloon, which offers an unobstructed 360-degree view for guests.

The bridge deck can feature either the master cabin or a panoramic veranda, while forward is the helm station and captain’s cabin. The sun deck provides a dining area with a pantry and an outdoor table sheltered by a hard top. Throughout the boat, separate stairways for guests and crew ensure privacy.

The interior design by Benetti architect Mauro Izzo offers potential for customisation, while furnishings are by Giorgetti. According to the shipyard, “the fine materials include a palette of natural colours, enhanced by touches of blue provided by the fabrics and accessories, standing out against the optical white walls and echoing the colour of the sea”.