BENETTI MOTOPANFILO
Evoking a more languid and glamorous era, the Motopanfilo 37m combines the iconic elements of sixties’ nautical heritage with twenty-first century ownership requirements by Bryony McCabe
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enetti’s new Motopanfilo 37m is inspired not only by
expectations of today’s boat owners. For a change of view, guests
the legendary yacht designs of the sixties, but also by
can adjourn to the observation deck, which is positioned above
the glamour and freedom of expression of the time.
the hard top and conceived as an intimate and private fourth deck.
But rather than a simple restyling of one Benetti’s
The interior decor features timelessly elegant materials and fabrics
successes of yesteryear, the Motopanfilo represents a contemporary
by Loro Piana Interiors, highlighting the sophisticated and inviting
design for the modern boat owner while echoing the iconic boats
lines. Lazzarini Pickering Architetti sought to reinterpret many of
of that evocative decade.
the traditional elements of the original motopanfilo, creating the
‘Motopanfilo’ is the Italian word used in the early sixties to denote
concept that the interior was like the ribcage of a large whale. Rei-
the large motoryachts that became synonymous with the jet-set life-
magining the traditional beams as structural rib bones, the team
style. Benetti was one of the first shipyards to produce these yachts
dematerialised the walls and used vast windows to create the feel
and these boats became something of a status symbol that were a
of immense spaciousness. The structural rib bones also give a sense
popular sight on the waters of the Italian and French Rivieras and
of order to the interiors, defining the different zones and providing
other fashionable spots around the world.
punctuation points.
Together with Francesco Struglia for the exterior lines and Lazzarini
In the saloon, where the wooden walls of yesteryear have been al-
Pickering Architetti for the interiors, Benetti has shaken up this old
most completely replaced by enormous panes of glass, the nautical
favourite and given it a fresh and contemporary makeover. Today’s
tradition of wood has been respected. But instead of the traditional
iteration of the Motopanfilo delivers expansive light-filled spaces,
mahogany tones, a warm, light oak colour on both the floors and cei-
uninterrupted visual contact with the sea and a series of vast terra-
lings heightens the sense of airiness throughout. Additional nods to
ces that meet the demands of today’s owners.
seafaring themes can be seen in the touches of white and blue wood.
On the exterior, the linking of the hull and superstructure to create
Below deck, the theme of respecting the innate character of the
the visually harmonious single form that epitomised the original
nautical environment can be seen in the decision to let the cabin
Motopanfilo has been preserved. The fusion of classic and modern-
walls follow the gentle, relaxing curve of the hull. The owner’s suite
day influences is found in the transom, where the lines are com-
is in the bow of the main deck while four comfortable guest cabins
pletely integrated into the hull volume. There is a twist, however,
are situated on the lower deck.
which comes in the form of a beach club designed to respond to the
www.benettiyachts.it
The yacht’s open-plan interiors achieve an indoor-outdoor feel with the use of large windows. The architects sought to reinterpret many of the traditional elements of the original motopanfilo; the concept of the interior is like the ribcage of a large whale
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The stern of the new Motopanfilo has been given a 21st-century reconfiguration and features a spacious beach club and bathing platform. An observation deck is located above the hard top and acts as an intimate fourth deck
questions to Lazzarini Pickering Architetti Interior Architects Why was it important that the new Motopanfilo returned to traditional nautical roots? Nautical interior design has been increasingly influenced by the style of contemporary buildings. For this project, we wanted to celebrate being on the sea and return buyers to a sense of nautical wellbeing that is increasingly rare within modern yacht design. The idea was to create a boat, not a house. What are the key traditional interior design features that have been re-interpreted? Large panes of glass have been used in place of traditional wooden walls to amplify the sense of space. We worked on the furniture to recreate and re-interpret the sixties’ motopanfilo feeling; we are particularly proud of the redesign of the sofa in the main deck cockpit, which fosters a gentle fluidity in continuity with the salon interior. How does the interior ribcage concept impact the feel of the interior? The ribs give rhythm and manage the spaces but, at the same time, have been designed to incorporate ‘purposeful function’, concealing the air conditioning vents and part of the boat’s lighting system. They also cleverly accommodate mirrors that give the interior a greater sense of space. Why did you create a design inspired by the 1960s, rather than a retro-chic design based on nostalgia? It is now a given that yacht interiors should be bathed in natural light, which eliminates the possibility of reviving the designs of the 1960s. Equally, the need to have direct access to the sea via a beach club or swim platform puts an end to the curved sterns of classic yachts, romantic as they may be. We were determined to explore all the best elements of a special era without compromising on a single expectation of modern owners. How will the new Motopanfilo impact the market’s approach to superyacht design? Contemporary superyachts have arguably moved too far away from their nautical roots and the ocean itself. By borrowing design notes from the 1960s, as well as looking to nautical history and elements of marine life, the Motopanfilo returns clients to a sense of nautical ease that has been overlooked in recent years, and that is a growing trend.
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