Preloved: Benetti 115
Preloved: Benetti 105
Legendary Italian shipbuilder Benetti has been building and designing yachts since 1873 when Lorenzo Benetti established the yard. Since then, generations of the Benetti family have designed sailing boats and motor boats, moving from wood to large steel superyachts. Our review boat is made from aluminium, which is tough enough to earn this long-range cruiser “explorer” status. Explorer yachts are the fastest-growing category of superyachts (usually defined as a vessel of 35m-plus) because they have the equipment for self-sufficiency in more remote locations.
Australia is no stranger to remoteness, and neither is our review yacht Emerald Lady, who has just returned from a Top End expedition to Princess Charlotte Bay; halfway between its base in Cairns and Cape York. This is one of the most remote regions (and most beautiful in my opinion) for self-sufficient yachts. To the east is the Great Barrier Reef and its many islets, which I’ve enjoyed anchoring among, while to the west is the rugged Australia coast. Emerald Lady did this trip recently for 10 days with a group of fishermen who were enjoying the cooler Dry season by exploring this remote region.
Going Concern
Described by broker Dean Leigh-Smith (MD of Leigh-Smith Yachts) as being in “exceptional” condition, Emerald Lady was built under licence at Lloyds Ships Brisbane in 1983, and a major refit took place in 2005. She is in full and current AMSA survey (including 45 day guests) and specifically designed for long, remote charters (with a cruising range of 3,000 nautical miles); she is also one of the few Australian yachts to have a helipad.
Emerald Lady has accommodation for eight guests in four cabins, and includes a full-beam master stateroom amidships, a VIP island queen bed in a stateroom on the main-deck level and two twin guest cabins; all with Corian line ensuites with six bathrooms in total. These all have mahogany, leather and suede finishes, full length robes and premium carpet. Most usefully, there are three crew cabins with a double in the aft including an ensuite — perfect for the skipper and specialist expedition consultants such as marine biologists and ornithologists.
Living space is across the three deck levels, allowing the owner privacy throughout this 35m hull. The upper deck is ideal for entertaining and al fresco dining thanks to floor space for a party of 45 guests across two separate lounges, while the aft part opens to the helipad (or tender storage with davit included). Clears all-round ensure this is an all-weather area, and it’s finished off with classic wicker chairs that afford elevated views beyond the aft deck.
The main deck has a large sunbathing area with a bar and barbecue space, as well as an array of tenders and toys, including water sports and sub-aqua equipment for those Reef safaris.
The showpiece main saloon is classically finished in gleaming mahogany with elongated benches stretching aft and a highly polished captain’s table and dinette in the forward part; it’s reminiscent of another era yet is also fully modernised. The galley is large enough for several chefs and includes commercial-grade freezers, two Kleenmaid dishwashers and commercial-grade stove.
Navigation from two levels
Emerald Lady’s primary bridge station is on the main deck and has a wide swath of screens to run separate functions such as radar, charting and sonar functions. For navigating those coral-strewn waters. the flybridge console gives commanding views and clear plastic opening windows allows the skipper to see all around Emerald Lady, while the full-length canvas bimini shades the entire area.
Refitted and upgraded with new Cummins N14 main engines that propel the hull to 13.5kt, house power comes from twin Northern Lights Generators. The hull was fully repainted during this refit and has been maintained in good order since thanks to relatively light usage — Emerald Lady is most definitely ready for her next adventure.
Quick Specs
Benetti 115
Price $3,450,000
Location North Queensland
Year 1983
length 35m
Hull material aluminium
Beam 6.4m
Draft 2.2m
Displacement 113t
Engines 2 x 480hp Cummins N14 shaft drives
Engine hours 4,100
Generators 2 x Northern Lights 50KVA
Model M1064T1 (6500/7750 hours)
Cruise Speed 11 knots
Max Speed 13.8kt
Fuel Use at Cruise 110 LPH @ 10kn
Fuel 28,000L
Water 11000L
Design Benetti
Builder Lloyds Ships Brisbane
www.LSYachts.com.au
The full review featured in issue #507 of Trade-a-Boat magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest boat news, reviews and travel inspiration.