4¡ Sed_YP4_51/66 - Studio Massari » Interior Architecture and Design

Bistango
by Benetti Shipyard, Stefano Natucci and Studio Massari
B
enetti has been a prestigious shipyard since 1873, earning its place in Italian shipbuilding
history as one of the most highly respected brands in the world of exclusive, luxurious
motor yachts. The yard has always sought to improve upon its planning and
construction techniques, and its design values have likewise steadily improved. Over
recent years, Benetti has proven its strong leadership at international level both in
terms of quality and quantity, in response to the exacting demands of some of the
world’s most knowledgeable owners, expanding and diversifying its range in the
process. Benetti recently announced the launch of two new series of yachts, both with
concept design and exterior design by Stefano Natucci: the 47-metre Imagination
Line, with a semi-displacement hull and built entirely from aluminium (the first unit
of which will be launched next year); and the 52-metre Sensation Line, built in steel
and aluminium with a displacement hull, which is set to debut the following year.
Currently, in addition to an 85-ft entry-level series with a displacement hull made
from composite, the Benetti range comprises four series of displacement yachts above
the 30 m /100 ft mark: three series made entirely from GRP composite material, and
one with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure.
All of the composite series have concept design and exterior design by Stefano Righini
with interior design by François Zuretti: the Benetti 85’, measuring almost 26 metres;
the Tradition Line, over 30 metres; the Classic Line, which came at 35 metres until
2006 before it was subsequently upped to 37 metres; and the Vision Line, which
measures more than 43.5 metres. Lastly comes the FB Line, which has a variable
length upon request, is made from steel and aluminium and has concept design and
exterior design by Stefano Natucci. In recent years, Benetti has achieved some true
masterpieces with its FB Line, designing and building custom yachts for those owners
who have placed themselves in the hands of the renowned Italian yard.
Here’s a quick overview of those units. In 2005: two sisterships Allegro (FB 225) and
Galaxy (FB 232), both 56 metres long; and the 65-metre Ambrosia (FB 231),
featured in a lengthy article three years ago in issue number 1 of Yacht Première. In
2007: the 56-metre Anna Eva (FB 234); the 59-metre Wind (FB 240); the 43-metre
Diane (FB 236), Benetti’s first semi-displacement yacht as well as its first vessel made
entirely from aluminium.
➢

Bistango
On these and the preceding pages, the main saloon.
Full-length curtains verticalize the spaces and frame some items of furniture.
As well as the low cabinet, the division between the living and dining areas is
obtained with the skilful use of mirrors used to mark the confines of the two areas.
Above the dining table hangs a magnificent chandelier made of numerous vertical crystal
elements and illuminated with magical effect by a backlit LED illumination system.
In 2008: the 52-metre Latinou (FB 237); the 59-metre I Dynasty (FB 241); the 60metre
Xanadu (FB 239); and the 60-metre Amnesia (FB 245). This year, Benetti
has delivered some five yachts from the FB Line: the 59-metre Meamina (FB 242)
previewed while under construction in an in-depth article published last year in
issue number 9 of Yacht Première; the 46-metre Domani (FB 246); the 50-metre
Platinum (FB 238) (previously Alibella), the 59-metre Lady Lara (FB 243); and
the Silver Angel (FB 247), measuring 60 metres. Next year Benetti plans to launch
a further five FB Line units, including the forthcoming, breathtaking 62-metre
Bistango (FB 244), which we present to you here in a special preview article.
The main dimensional and technical data
Bistango (with yard construction code FB 244) is in the late stages of construction
at Benetti’s new Livorno facilities. The construction materials are steel for the hull
and aluminium for the superstructure. The new yacht will be compliant with the
ABS, (American Bureau of Shipping), Maltese Cross A1, and Yachting Service AMS
regulations as well as meeting the requirements of the MCA Large Commercial
Yacht Code LY2. As for her size, Bistango has a length overall of nearly 62 metres
(around 203.5 ft) with a length at waterline of nearly 50.5 metres, equivalent to
around 165.5 ft, and a maximum beam of nearly 10.5 metres (around 34 feet). The
maximum draught is just above 3 metres, around 10 feet.
When fully loaded she displaces 830 tons. Bistango has a displacement hull with a
bulbous bow. She has an electrically driven bowthruster with a 160- kW electric
engine, and has a system of Quantum Marine zero speed stabilizers in a two sidefin
configuration. The yacht has twin five-blade fixed-pitch propulsion propellers
custom-designed by Benetti. Bistango’s engine room will contain two 12 V MTU
turbodiesel marine engines (M60 rated 4000 series) each with displacement of 48.7
litres (2972 cc), with a maximum output of 1770 bhp, equivalent to 1320 bkW,
supplied at 1800 rpm. As for her performance, Bistango will be able to reach a top
speed of 16 knots when half-loaded, while with her engines at 85% of full power
she’ll have a cruising speed of 15 knots. What’s more, at her economy cruising
speed of 12 knots the yacht will have a range of around five thousand nautical
miles, which will also be made possible thanks to her capacious fuel tanks (which
will hold up to 135 thousand litres of fuel, more than 35,700 US gallons).
Meanwhile, freshwater tanks in the yacht’s hold will be able to contain up to 35
thousand litres, equivalent to nearly 35,700 US gallons.
These will be topped up constantly by a watermaker system. Bistango will have three
generator sets: three main ones in the engine room and an emergency generator in
a special separate room, located on the fore main deck. All of the 50 Hz generator sets
are based on Northern Lights diesel generators: one main ones with a six-cylinder
in-line generator (model M1276A1) each supplying 200 kW at 1500 rpm; another
main six-cylinder in-line generator (model M1066H) producing 155 kW at 1500 rpm;
and a four cylinder in-line emergency generator (model M1064H) supplying 90 kW
at 1500 rpm. Bistango’s technical equipment will include a Heinen & Hopman air
conditioning system. Her outfittings comprise two waverunners and a Ferrari, plus
the main tender, which will be kept in the forward technical area on the main deck;
while a further two waverunners and a service tender, plus the main tender, will all
be stored in the transom garage on the lower deck.
The exterior design, the layout and the interior design
As with all of Benetti’s FB Line yachts, Stefano Natucci is responsible for both the
concept design and the exterior design of Bistango. His recognisable, dare we say
unmistakeable look has become a timeless classic that, time after time, is
embellished and modified to meet the personal tastes of the Owner. Stefano Natucci
also designed all of Bistango’s exterior areas.
The main deck aft is set aside for cocktails and conversation, with two adjustableheight
tables and a multiple divan seat resting against the transom topside. Alfresco
dining will take place on the upper deck aft, with a table and chairs, as well two
relaxation areas with divans resting against the aft balustrade. Forward on the sun
deck is a raised swimming pool surrounded by sunpads, aft of which is a relaxation
area with divan seating and coffee tables. Amidships we find a glass structure
containing a gym room and Turkish bath, as well as a day head. On deck is another
alfresco dining area with a table and chairs.
The vast surface area of the sun deck aft can be transformed when necessary from
a solarium deck, with sunbeds, to a helideck with its own helipad platform. The
interior design on board Bistango was devised by Studio Massari; this Studio has
designed no less than four other yachts in the FB Line, all measuring 59 metres:
FB 240 Wind, FB 241 I Dynasty, FB 242 Meamina, and FB 243 Lady Lara, which
are now joined by FB 244 Bistango, which differs in that she is 62 metres in length.
Bistango was commissioned by an extremely demanding, expert Owner who already
possesses several other yachts. ➢

Bistango
60
On these and the preceding pages, the Owner’s private study/lounge and the main foyer.
The wall mirrors in the study/lounge are decorated with capitals in carved,
embossed wood, with pilasters and responds created directly on the surface
of the mirrors using a special technique developed by expert Venetian glaziers.
The walls of the main foyer are clad with light taba wood and the floors are
in a variety of prized, glossy marble: botticino, white afyon and light emperador.
Practical requirements that were a priority for the Owner were of course fulfilled in
Bistango’s design, and the designers also took into account the fact that the Owner
wishes to use Bistango for charters. A good working relationship between Studio
Massari and the Owner allowed the designers to work under his guidance to create a
unique, fully custom-made yacht, with beautifully bespoke interiors. Indeed, just as
it was with her exterior areas, Bistango’s interiors also had to meet the Owner’s
requirements; his input was exacting and specific, as he was determined to own a
visually impressive, prestigious-looking yacht. Bistango therefore renders this idea of
grandiosity and solemnity, representing the sense of importance with which her owner
wished to imbue his new vessel. This begins with Bistango’s layout itself, and its main
elements and functional features. Aft on the main deck is the main salon: the entrance
area has a bar with a counter and bar stools, as well as a relaxation corner with
chaises longues and a coffee table. Beyond this is a living area and dining area
separated from each other by a low cabinet. The former has two conversation areas
furnished with sofas and armchairs arranged around coffee tables, while the dining
area has a dining table and chairs, in addition to two cabinets. Amidships is the main
foyer, furnished with a low cabinet, and a day head leading off it. Forward is the
Owner’s suite: a lobby with wardrobes leads into the Owner’s private study/living
room, which he wanted to be as spacious as possible. A dormeuse sofa is placed in the
centre, with two bookcases on the walls, while on opposite topsides we find a
relaxation area with armchairs and breakfast table, facing an office area with a desk
and chairs. The suite also includes twin his and hers bathrooms, one with a bath tub
and the other with a shower; steps lead up to the raised level where the master
stateroom awaits, with a double bed in the centre. Amidships on the lower deck, the
four guest cabins are arranged around the lower lobby. Each of the spacious guest
staterooms is furnished with wardrobes and vanity unit with chair; the Owner
requested a bath tub for the three double cabins, while the twin-bed cabin has a
shower. The upper salon is located aft on the upper deck: the lounge area has two
conversation areas with sofas and armchairs scattered around coffee tables; it also has
a music area with a grand piano, and a bar counter and stools.
➢
The main foyer The Owner’s study and lounge

Bistango
64
On these and the preceding pages, the Owner’s stateroom and the his
and hers bathroom. Above the bed the designers have come up with a
marvellous circular skylight surrounded by a kaleidoscopic play of
ceiling mirrors, which magically transposes the view of the surrounding
panorama from the vertical to the horizontal. In the his and her
bathrooms the floors boast a refined combination of prized varieties
of marble, including emperador, siena yellow and calacatta gold.
Amidships, the upper lobby has a day head, while the VIP cabin sits on the starboard
side, and is particularly large and well-furnished as per the Owner’s requirements.
It has wardrobes, a writing deck and chair, a vanity unit and chair, and a bath tub in
the bathroom. To complete Bistango’s layout, the central elevator runs up and down
its cylindrical shaft reaching all four of the main decks, starting from the guest cabins
lobby on the lower deck, right up to the gym room on the sun deck; a curved staircase
wraps around it and leads to the first three decks.
These three decks have been beautifully created with the impeccable taste of Studio
Massari, who managed perfectly to express what the Owner had in mind, creating
totally tailormade interiors that fully express his personal spirit and character.
Bistango is the epitome of sophisticated elegance and refined, exclusive luxury, and
her furnishings and décor feature a Neo-classical style with a marked Empire
influence.
The interior design is strong and consistent throughout, and plays mainly upon the
soft contrast of light wood and gold, with some bold accents in black lacquered wood
and gold-leaf embellishments highlighting imposing pieces of furniture. All of the
materials used are light and bright: from the whiteness of the mother-of-pearl lacquer
to the bright gilding used on pickled wood; from colourful plush to woven woodwork
covered in gold leaf.
All of these elements combine to form a splendid vision, created by the designers’ use
of bleached madrone root and, above all, light taba wood. Plenty of highlights stand
out in Bistango’s interior design. The salon has full-height curtains giving a sense of
verticality, as well as providing a frame for certain pieces of furniture; the living area
is screened off from the dining room with mirror inserts in the ceiling, floor and side
walls marking the boundary between the two spaces.
Above the dining table hangs a splendid chandelier sparkling with vertical pieces of
crystal, backlit by a LED system to magical effect. In the master suite, the mirrors on
the walls of the study are decorated with carved wood overhanging capitals, with
pilasters created directly on the surface of the mirrors, using a technique invented by
Venetian master glassblowers. ➢
Profile
Sun deck
Upper deck
Main deck
Lower deck
65

Bistango
66
On the previous page, the layout of the yacht. This also contributes to
the idea of magnificence that the Owner requested in order to express
the sense of importance that the yacht’s image had to convey.
In evidence on the level of the main deck, forward, the Owner’s stateroom.
A private lobby accesses the private study /lounge that the Owner wanted
as large as possible; this is followed by twin his and hers bathrooms
and a few steps leading up to the Owner’s stateroom.
Above the master bed, the designers came up with the idea of a rather special circular
skylight surrounded by a kaleidoscopic series of mirrors on the ceiling; these surprise
one by shifting the surrounding panorama so that it goes from normal (i.e. vertical)
to horizontal, and hence is quite remarkable. The floors in the bathrooms and foyers
have been carefully laid with fine varieties of marble in various combinations; for
example, the master bathroom has emperador, yellow Siena and gold calacatta
marble; while the main foyer is a triumph of Botticino, white afyon and pale
emperador, enhanced by the two mirrors on opposite walls; these have the deliberate
effect of optically widening the entrance to the staircase.
The staircase, foyer, lobby and even the guest cabins all have wooden wall panelling
in light taba wood, which brightens up the rooms and makes them look bigger. Each
of the guest staterooms features different textiles, while the various bathrooms are
also decorated with different marbles. Wherever one looks in Bistango’s interiors,
Studio Massari has managed to professionally combine formal aesthetics with
technical features; in just one example, all of the air-conditioning fixtures and vents
are concealed in the furnishings, having been built in to the moulded decorative
cornice that runs around the top of each room.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Jacob Herzog
Hull Stell
LOA 203 ft / 62 m
Beam max. 34 ft / 10.4 m
Draft max 10 ft / 3.10 m
Displacement (full load) 830 tons
Fuel capacity 135.000 L / 35,663.227 USGallons
Fresh water capacity 35.000 L / 9,246 USGallons
Main Engines 2 MTU 12V4000M60 1800 rpm
Speed (max) 16 knots at half load
Speed (cruising) 15 knots at 85% of max power
Range 5000 nm at 12 knots
Generators Norten Lights n ° 1 200 kW, n ° 1 155 kW, n ° 1 90 kW
Bow-thruster Vosper electrical driven: power of electric motor 160 kW
Stabilisers Quantum 0 speed
Propellers Benetti design; five blades fixed pitch
Air-conditioning system Heinen & Hopman
Accommodations 12 guests14 crew members
Classification American Bureau of Shipping, Maltese Cross A1 E Yachting Service AMS;
compliance with British Maritime and Coasguard Agency (MCA)
Exterior styling & concept Stefano Natucci
Designer for all exterios areas Stefano Natucci
Interior design Studio Massari
Builder Benetti Shipyard, Livorno