Each week, we place a spotlight on the world’s finest yachts for charter. BOAT delves into the details of the 47-metre Benetti superyacht Africa I, a popular choice with celebrities thanks to its family-friendly touches and impressive amenities...
With a distinctive flowing profile and first-class build credentials, Africa I is not a yacht that falls into the background. In fact, the 47-metre has done quite the opposite in her time on the charter market, attracting many celebrities including Cristiano Ronaldo. Built by Benetti in 2010, Africa I was the first in the yard's 47-metre line of all aluminium semi-displacement yachts. With exterior styling by Stefano Natucci that was well ahead of her time.
Key Features
LOA: 47-metres
Year: 2010 (2022)
Builder: Benetti
Cruising: East Mediterranean (Croatia, Greece, Montenegro)
Guests: 12
Crew: 12
Under new ownership – having been sold in 2021 – Africa I saw an interior refresh in 2022 too, presenting her in immaculate condition for cruising in the Eastern Mediterranean. Her interiors are bright and airy, thanks to her well-positioned windows and a colour palette well-suited to her Greek cruising grounds, which is white with pops of blue.
Accommodation on board is for 12 guests across six large cabins. This includes the master, which is on the main deck, the VIP on the upper deck, as well as two doubles and two twins located on the lower deck. Each of the bathrooms has a series of differing mosaics, while the master boasts its private seating area forward.
Out on deck, Africa I boasts a large swim platform, where guests can spend their afternoons sipping cocktails at water level while the water laps at their feet. The main exterior dining area is on the aft deck where there is a table for the full complement of guests, as well as additional lounge seating. Up on the sundeck, there is another alfresco dining area, sunpads, a jacuzzi and a huge cinema screen for movie nights under the stars.
Life on board Africa I
"Africa I has a dynamic crew that feels more like family," said Fotis Gerianos, senior charter manager at IYC. " She truly embodies excellence and is one of the best performing yachts in our fleet. Our recent fam trip and Easter celebrations with select brokers following MEDYS was simply unparalleled, a testament to her charm and undeniable success as a charter yacht."
While all charter yachts can offer sensational food on board, Africa I can take it one step further, as the chef, Aristeidis Vlachogiannis was awarded first place in the prodigious chef's competition at the Mediterranean Yacht Show. Calling on the location of the boat, local techniques and skills, Vlachogiannis' food is set to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Guests can expect lunches of tuna tataki with green papaya salads, freshly caught grilled fish and lemon tarts and dinners of grilled octopus and celery root, peanut butter and miso, Greek style ceviche and chocolate petit gateaux.
Toybox, to mention a few:
- Solid 2 Person Kayak
- Inflatable slide
- Climbing pyramid
- Jet board
- Dive equipment
- Jet skis
- Towables
Where will Africa I be cruising?
Africa I is available to charter with IYC with a weekly rate from €200,000. She will be cruising in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the Greek islands, Croatia and Montenegro. Her crew are celebrated for their local know-how on the best anchorages and beautiful bays, which is why she remains a hugely successful yacht for charter.