Benetti News 2011
Nautical Design Award
New international recognition for Benetti, a star at the 2011 Nautical Design Awards with the 65-metre FB252 Nataly
Last Thursday, October 20, in Milan – capital of design and Made in Italy – the official ceremonies were held for the 2011 Nautical Design Awards, the most important and preeminent recognition devoted to boating design.
Benetti was the star of the evening with the FB252 65mt Nataly, the impressive, 65-metre custom yacht in steel and aluminium that was launched several months ago in Livorno, receiving the highest recognition in the category “Motoryachts Larger than 40 Metres”.
The automobile world has often drawn inspiration from the shape of seaworthy boats, incorporating the work processes and the way smooth surfaces are interrupted to create not just structural and functional tensions but also for authentic sightlines for the eye. With the megayacht Nataly, these shapes return to the sea, suggesting new marine shapes – secure, swift, and tranquilising.
The special hull with the vertical, non-bulbous prow, five hatches, the disappearing anchors integrated in the hull, and an innovative, dynamic exterior line are accompanied by a concept for the interiors that is just a modern and rigorous, where the spare use of wood, leather and marble is enhanced by the valuable workmanship, creating an effect of subtle elegance: as uncommon as it is captivating.
With the Nautical Design Award, the two yachts automatically gain access to another important triennial selection – open to all categories of products – the ADI Design INDEX, which brings with it the possibility of being awarded the Golden Compass, for more than 50 years the most coveted recognition for Italian design.
Benetti is one of the world’s oldest builders of megayachts. Founded in Viareggio in 1873 by Lorenzo Benetti, the shipyard started out building wooden, masted barks for local and international commercial purposes, quickly earning its reputation as an industry leader worldwide.
In 1985, Azimut opened a new chapter in Benetti history. The purchase of the Tuscan boatyard signalled a new era of management and capital investment that has made Benetti what it is today: a modern, cutting-edge shipyard ready to meet the challenges of the future, able to offer its owners the world’s most exclusive and refined yachts.
Since then, Benetti’s growth has outpaced that of any other competitor in the sector; it makes over 130 yachts and specialises in the production of semi-custom ranges from 93 to 145 feet as well as completely custom steel and aluminium megayachts of over 45 metres.
In 2003, the Azimut-Benetti Group S.p.A. took over the Cantieri Navali Fratelli Orlando in Livorno, launching a major industrial plan to create a facility specialised in pleasure boating alongside the revitalisation of an urban area and tourist port.
Since 2004 Benetti has been worldwide considered as the leader in mega yacht production.
Contacts: Fabio Generoso
Pr & Press
Tel: (+39) 0584 3821
e-mail: Fabio.generoso@azimutyachts.net
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