First look on board Benetti's 37m Motopanfilo yacht Koju

Italian yard Benetti has revealed photos of the first hull in its 1960s-inspired Motopanfilo series, the 36.8 metre Koju. This comes after the yacht hit the water for the first time in Viareggio, Italy, in July 2021. 

The displacement yacht made its international debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2021, after being revealed for the first time in December 2020. The yacht was inspired by the yachting tradition and lifestyle of the 1960s called the Motopanfilo.

Benetti teamed up with exterior designer Francesco Struglia to reinvent the design and style of past Benetti yachts, creating a “design for today”.

The exterior is described as “clean-cut”, with “tapering forms” and plenty of exterior volume. The stern has been treated to a 21st century revamp and features a spacious beach club and large bathing platform, while the tender garage has been tucked away to the side. The upper deck features a seating area, a formal dining space, sunbeds and a Jacuzzi.

Elsewhere, an observation deck has been placed above the hard top and is described as an “intimate fourth deck” for star or sea gazing.

The interior has been penned by Italian studio Lazzarini Pickering Architetti, which focused on giving a “contemporary makeover” to the nautical traditions of the past.

The saloon features warm, light wood on the floors and curved ceilings while touches of white and blue are seen throughout. The cabin walls also follow the gentle curve of the hull, embracing the design of the yacht. Accommodation is for a total of 10 guests in an owner’s suite at the bow of the main deck and a further four guest cabins on the lower deck. Here, owners have the option to install a small sauna..

The studio also focused on maximising the impression of space and light inside the interior, combining the vast windows with the use of mirrored surfaces to increase the perception of interior space and emphasise ocean views.

Powered by twin MAN V12-1400 engines, Koju has a maximum speed of 16 knots and a range of 3,800 nautical miles at 10 knots.

Koju features an extended swim platform at its transom that can be used for additional terrace space.