Review: Benetti Yachts "Galaxy"

Benetti 183' "Galaxy"​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy

This plush and aesthetically pleasing mansion-on-the-Med surveys
the most dramatic vistas of the Sea itself – majestic hills, scenic ports
and climactic skyline – while adding its own inimitable design aura of
Italian excellence. Generated by Benetti’s Naval Architects, in league
with her owner, Galaxy presents a first look at innovations which will
lead the industry to new approaches. ​

Benetti debuts its new Livorno, Italy, facility by launching a brand new face on yachting; making use of new materials and styling, slipping demurely ahead of staid tradition. While her stated purpose was to accommodate the owner’s family, she was also designed for selective charter – Galaxy is Lloyd’s and MCA classified. This duality of purpose led to several different approaches in her interior plan. For example, Galaxy’s accommodation plan includes her luxe owner’s suite on the main deck, the VIP stateroom on the upper deck, two double staterooms, and two twin cabins plus Pullman berths on the lower deck, for a total of 14 family/guest lodgings. Crew members number as many as 14-16, in eight cabins, consisting of the Captain’s stateroom on the upper deck, five cabins on the lower deck, and two cabins under the lower deck. Service and accommodations will vary according to the number of guests.

Other modifications of the norm include use of novel exotic woods and unusual marbles rarely seen on chartered luxury yachts; another facet conceived by her Australian owner. Woods include oak, maple burl, eucalyptus, European plain tree, and sycamore; a few genuine departures. A wine cellar and various additional amenities add to her cruising niceties. There is a fully equipped exercise gym, a Jacuzzi, an elevator between all floors, as well as a convenient dumbwaiter from the lower pantry up to the sundeck. Boarding is via the hydraulically-activated passarelle to the spacious aft deck. There also, a large built-in sofa accommodates a dozen sun worshippers or afternoon party-goers; it’s the perfect spot for keeping an eye on the water toy jockeys at those secluded anchorages.

Galaxy, as the first megayacht Azimut/Benetti has produced in its Livorno yard, is in turn the result of its recent alliance with Fincantieri Yachting. The merger linked two international giants in separate but supportive fields, administering seven boat yards. The merger strategy involves Benetti bolstering Fincantieri with the marketing of yachts over 70m/ 230’, while Fincantieri abets Benetti’s entrance into the military market for production boats under 45m/147’. Combining the latest technology with highly innovative building systems, the company plans to market new lines in all yachting venues through a diversified and comprehensive building/marketing partnership.

The Azimut-Benetti Group, in its 35-year history, has launched 10,000 vessels between 29’ and 230’, produced by its cadre of more than 2,000 skilled tradesmen/employees. Fincantieri is noted for building large passenger ships, high speed ferries, as well as military craft. Its Destriero, a high speed vessel, set a record for an Atlantic crossing without refueling, at an average speed of 53 knots, and a top of 70 knots. Megayachts over 230 feet are produced by Fincantieri in its Muggiano-La Spezia yard, and marketed by Benetti. The yard is projected to produce about 10 yachts this size per year. The under- 70m vessels, which include Galaxy with its steel hull and aluminum superstructure, are built at the new Livorno yard. Plans are also underway to design an over-50 meter motoryacht capable of speeds above 40 knots.

High up on the Flying Bridge – expressly designed by the owner’s innovation – the aft part of the Sun Deck dedicates itself to relaxation, with five sunning lounges. But it can also land a helicopter on its wide expanse – with a little prior notice, of course. Next to the bar area – offering sink, fridge/icemaker – is also a dining/snack table, serviced by the dumbwaiter.

An ovoid teak snack/dining table for 12 is centered under the high permanent Bimini Sat-Nav top; a base for passengers to access the gym – with direct elevator access – or the Jacuzzi up forward.

Up forward on the Sun Deck, the teak plank-lined Jacuzzi whirlpool presents the best in bubbling tranquility. Surrounded by Plexiglas wind screens, it also has two separate sofas for next in line, at the corners.

The elevator arrives inside the room where the gym is located. Completely equipped for the exercise maven, the gym sports a treadmill, cross trainer bike, and a weight machine with as much resistance as anyone might care to lift, for as many reps.

Galaxy’s command post on the bridge deck is a model of modern navigation power and efficiency. It features a crescent of information screens and 9 large windows displayed around the observation center, with a 180 degree view. At its mid-point is the comfortable leather-bound captain’s chair, facing the sawn birdseye maple wheel. Fine oak and birdseye maple paneling and cabinetry lend warmth to the otherwise all-business layout of electronics. Complete navigation information, plus all alarm systems, is monitored quickly at a glance in any direction. Daytime visibility for the captain is aided by sunscreen tinting.

Immediately aft of the control area is the spacious observation couch for onlookers and would-be navigators. The captain’s stateroom, with a queen-size berth, couch, hanging locker, and full head/shower are easily reached, also just aft of the command center.

Almost a mirror image of the main salon, the upper deck Sky Lounge salon provides chat areas, as well as gaming tables, couches, and its own fully stocked bar. The bar communicates via intercom with the pantry and is connected by the crew stairs and dumbwaiter, as well as the elevator. Equipped with a day fridge, icemaker, plus a wine cellar for 70 bottles, it also boasts an espresso machine for those early morning after-party needs.

The dining experience aboard Galaxy can be as formal or informal as the party pleases. On the upper deck Sky Lounge an exciting concept in dining offers a large glass paneled dining room with a circular dining table. Décor is European plain tree and sycamore, and teak. Glass panels slide open to provide a 180-degree view of the vast seascape. The dining table seats 8 to 14 in complete comfort. There is also double screen entertainment; a 42” plasma screen, plus a 77” retractable screen with projector for home cinema. Floors for this area, as well as the foyer and lobbies, are Burma teak parquet, easy-care and visually attractive.

Inside twin electrical sliding doors entering the capacious salon, one is struck by the airiness of the décor, which features wide swaths of beige and cream colors in geometric patterns. The carpeting design and rectangular “correctness” of the furnishings are redolent of a Piet Mondrian painting. Vertical panels of leather and wood accent copious cabinetry of sycamore and European plain tree. Unusual, sturdily-fashioned coffee tables face the staid couches, accented by light-fingered, steel-bowed chairs, all arranged with the same geometry. Two pop-up 50” plasma TVs, linked to DVD and satellites, provide for screen entertainment.

At the aft starboard corner of the salon, a well-equipped bookcase/library offers a business-respite escape from cruising subjects, or an entertaining reading/study break.

Forward, Galaxy’s formal dining room seats as many as 14, at the wide (and expandable) European plain tree table. Beige woven-wicker chairs rimmed with dark-finished oak provide sitting-room comfort, while the overhead flat chandelier casts soft light patterns on bright crystal. Wide windows on both sides of the beam-width room allow natural lighting as well.

Winding from top to bottom, the deluxe staircase circles up through the center of the yacht, carpeted, and following Galaxy’s color theme. It is handy for both crew and passengers. Notice in this photo the elevator entry in the background.

Below on the main deck, access to the Owner’s suite is through the main lobby, forward of the circular staircase and the galley to port. A grand ‘apartment’ in itself lavished with exquisite taste, it is designed around three separate areas. The center features a king-size island berth with bed tables, and full length mirrors lining both sides of its dressing rooms hallway. A plasma 42” TV screen slides out from a starboard panel, to face the bed.

A few steps up from the bedroom, the master stateroom’s Her lounge makes excellent use of a space set apart, with deep cushioned couches and a sycamore wood coffee table. Nine windows present a great view of the sea. Her desk is to starboard and an additional plasma screen is to port.

Done in sycamore and maple burl woods, His/Her bathrooms, with honey onyx marble floors and shower/tub components, also sport separate his/hers sinks and heads.

Master Bath Shower...

Master Toilet & Bidet..