Benetti Yachtmaster discusses ‘ideal yacht’

Over 200 participants, including 110 captains, surveyors, stewardesses and professionals, attended the 23rd Benetti Yachtmaster, which was held in Abu Dhabi under the theme ‘Build Your Ideal Yacht’ and included debates on innovative solutions to sustainability issues.

The two days of conferences and workshops covered state-of-the-art technology and innovations; eco-friendly alternatives to reduce CO2 emissions and to store energy on board; and research into eco-fuel solutions.

Giovanna Vitelli, President of Azimut-Benetti Group

Giovanna Vitelli, President of Azimut-Benetti Group, laid out her vision for a future in which awareness will be the driver steering customers towards solutions that reduce environmental impact. Benetti’s history in alternative technology includes the first diesel-electric yacht, the 65m Ambrosia launched in 2005, through to the 2022 launch of the B.Yond 37M, fitted with the Full-Hybrid E-Mode system developed with Siemens Energy.

Sebastiano Fanizza, Chief Commercial Officer of Benetti, described what the shipyard offers in terms of sustainability. He also emphasised the importance of open dialogue among all players in the yachting industry, especially between captains and the shipyard, which he said was key to the creation of ‘the yacht of the future’.

Benetti CCO Sebastiano Fanizza (third right) and panellists

The objective set out by the IMO of a 40 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 is a clearly defined target for Benetti. The solutions identified by Benetti’s engineers for the medium term are the new hybrid and electric propulsion systems, the Hotel Mode Zero Emission systems supported by high-energy-density lithium battery packs, and new materials developed to endure over time.

In the future, alternative fuels to be considered include Bio Fuel (HVO) because it’s “the most realistic in terms of technology, storage and the broad availability of these energy sources”.

Scale model of Benetti B.Yond 37M

Following Fanizza, there was a panel discussion involving the captains, who presented their own experiences, highlighting the importance of the quality of the logistic services offered to crews and shipyards, and the need for innovative propositions to satisfy the needs of owners.

Training sessions were interspersed with team building and recreational initiatives including visits to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Qasr al Watan Palace for a stunning light and music show. The evening ended in the Emirates Palace, with an elegant, white-themed traditional gala dinner set amid the gardens’ beautiful floral displays.

www.benettiyachts.it