Forward, his and hers baths flank a central stairway and landing that lead to the owner's private observation lounge. The semicircular lounge, elevated for fantastic panoramic views forward and to either side through the room's nine vertical windows, has a "hers" desk to starboard and another plasma screen to port.
Abaft the owner's suite is a large galley, outfitted with an extensive list of stainless steel commercial-grade equipment, including standard, induction and steam ovens, heat lamps, deep fryer and three-door refrigerator. A dumbwaiter serves the two decks above, and a separate foodlift goes down to a large cold room and dry storage area located below the lower deck.
Served from the galley via a butler's pantry to port is a semi-enclosed dining room that seats up to 14 guests. The adjacent saloon boasts two pop-up 50-inch plasma screens connected to DVD and satellite systems. The saloon and dining areas are vertically paneled in timber and leather, and decks are Burma teak parquet. The saloon is outfitted with sofas and loose chairs both port and starboard, and includes a baby grand piano aft. The saloon's twin electric doors slide open to a spacious covered aft deck with additional seating and table space.
The upper two decks will be guest favorites. In addition to the wheelhouse and captain's cabin, the bridge deck includes a VIP guest stateroom that is quite special. The stateroom has a large window that extends the length of the room, affording unmatched views of the passing world. The cabin is finished in maple burl, with orange onyx in the Jacuzzi-equipped head.
Also on this deck is an unusually large sky lounge, with two seating areas and a bar as well as a game table. A panoramic dining area adjoins the lounge and can seat from eight to 14 guests at the adjustable-sized circular table. Two of the four curved glass panels that form the aft bulkhead can be opened electrically for alfresco dining. Just outside the dining area are two additional seating areas, divided by a centerline rear-observation "cockpit," an area that I've found remarkably popular on other similar installations.
The top deck is a sun worshipper's delight, designed with considerable input from the owner. The central feature of the deck is the fully enclosed solarium. In addition to serving as the uppermost terminus of the elevator, the white lacquered-wood area houses exercise equipment including a treadmill, a cross-trainer cycle and a weight machine; each is equipped with its own television. Sliding doors to either side provide access to the outside spaces. A large whirlpool spa occupies most of the forward end of the deck, protected from the wind by Plexiglas screens and flanked by two large L-settees with tables. Aft of the solarium, the portside bar is outfitted with a sink, refrigerator and icemaker, and for more substantial fare, is served by the dumbwaiter from the galley. The bar and the adjoining dining table are shaded by a retractable awning that extends from the back of the solarium. At the after end of the deck, extensive open area is available for sunbathing or for hosting larger parties, maybe even a Star Wars convention.
Contact: Benetti; www.benettiyachts.it
