The 70-metre Benetti superyacht Alfa (ex Alkhor) has been relaunched following a comprehensive refit at Lusben's site in Livorno, Italy. Available for charter with Ocean Independence, upgrades included a hospitality-friendly redesign of her interiors as well as an exterior repaint and systems overhaul.
Launched in 2020, Alfa won a coveted Neptune at the 2021 World Superyacht Awards in the "Displacement Motor Yacht Between 1,000GT and 1,599GT" category. She has been lightly used since and was sold in February 2024 at a last known asking price of €67,000,000.
"The work on Alfa has been a source of great pride for us. Not only because of the prestige of the project, but also because it perfectly embodies the ‘life cycle’ philosophy recently introduced by the Azimut-Benetti Group," said Gianni Paladino, commercial director of Lusben. "Supporting a Benetti yacht throughout its entire journey – from launch to refit – is a true expression of the synergy within our Group, and of our ability to ensure continuity, quality and long-term value."
The project began with "structural and aesthetic enhancements", with the hull and owner deck repainted and improved with multi-layer protective coatings. Mechanical upgrades followed, such as updated software and redesigned, extended bollards. The beach club also received new fittings and retractable bollards for improved mooring and tender handling.
Lusben's head of site, Alessio Centelli, confirmed that Alfa had completed her five-year survey at the yard. "[We] oversaw the extensive technical programme, involving major inspections and servicing of stabilisers, propulsion shafts, valves, engines, gearbox, and generators, as well as comprehensive electrical testing and control system checks," he explained. "A project of this scale demands precise technical coordination and meticulous daily management."
A Benetti-designed build, with original interiors by Luxury Projects, the refit saw the living spaces restyled by British studio Mark Berryman. This is seen best in the main deck, which now has custom sofas, marble tables with built-in firepits and chaise lounges. The superyacht's walls and doors were also updated, as was her master suite which features a brand-new headboard and cabinetry.
Four custom bars were added throughout, including a Teppanyaki bar on the skydeck and a curved servery. The galley was reconfigured to improve efficiency and equipped with new appliances, while the portside corridor now boasts a wine cellar with large-capacity fridges, "transforming a transitional space into a key design feature".
The five-deck superyacht is perhaps most famous for her cinema beach club, also designed by Luxury Projects. The unconventional area has fold-down balconies on either side (rather than opening at the stern) which allows those seated to enjoy a cross-breeze. A giant television screen and lounge comprise the space, with the configuration leaving room for a 1.2 metre-deep infinity pool to occupy the main deck aft.
Other highlights include an owner's deck with "breakfast corner", a touch-and-go helipad and an elevator connecting four of her five guest decks.
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