Meet ‘Asani,’ the 165-Foot Superyacht With Artwork Created by a Robot
Asani, the ninth hull in Benetti’s 165-foot B.Now 50 series, brings a new wave of personalization to the Italian builder’s semi-custom platform. It’s the first yacht with a revised twist on the model’s interior layout, and one of only two B.Now 50s to have a custom outdoor rain shower on the owner’s private balcony. It’s also dripping in custom art, including the only artwork made by a robot to feature on a yacht. Its newly commissioned chase boat is upholstered in matching leather.
The main interior difference is a spacious main salon made larger by relocating the bulky and imposing HVAC trunk (the main technical passageway for air that on previous models took up much of the formal dining area) to the exterior. The move makes the yacht’s interior volume, already considerable at 500 gross tons, feel significantly larger. The increased sense of space is enhanced by natural oak and dark wenge detailing that draws the eye.
Benetti’s in-house designer Mauro Izzo was the first designer on the project, but then Asani’s North American owner stepped in six months prior to completion and appointed LASS Studio and Bergman Design House to “refine and personalize the space.”
“The vision set forth by the owner was clear—to create an onboard experience that transcends conventional luxury,” Marie Soliman, co-founder of Bergman Design House, told Robb Report. “The owner dreamed of an interior that embraces a tranquil, Zen-like atmosphere and emphasizes a profound connection to the water.”
The B.Now 50 series continues to be a hit for Benetti, with a total of 17 hulls produced or on the order books. One of its biggest draws is the signature Oasis Deck. The concept launched three years ago and first appeared on the B.Now 40—29 models have sold to date.
“It’s been a big success, so we applied it to the B.Now 50 and it’s really taking off,” says Barbara Papini, head of Benetti’s media, during a tour of the boat at the Monaco Yacht Show. It was a key feature for Asani’s owner whose goal, she adds, was “to create a space where my family and friends could gather and relax, with a variety of areas designed for comfort and leisure.”
Here are 8 things you should know about Benetti’s latest star.
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Walk The Line
Image Credit: Benetti/Blueiprod The streamlined three-deck profile was conceived by Benetti in collaboration with British design studio RWD. Defined by a sleek silhouette and large main-deck picture windows, so much glass naturally immerses guests in their natural surroundings.
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Rich Materials
Image Credit: Bergman Design House Asani’s North American owner stepped into the build when construction was nearing completion and appointed LASS Studio and Bergman Design House to “refine and personalize” the interior with custom finishes and artwork. The collaboration differentiates the yacht, merging modern ceramics and gesso with intricate marquetry that radiates warmth. Thoughtful touchpoints include custom rugs, loose furniture, and elegant lighting fixtures to enhance the yacht’s overall aesthetic.
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Picture This
Image Credit: Bergman Design House Custom pieces of art are featured throughout. They include a cast glass coffee table by David Gill Gallery in the sky lounge, which captures and refracts light to create a ripple effect, and a striking Jallu Ebénistes games table by Nusom. Elsewhere, a monochrome color palette contrasts with objet d’arts and works by Roi James, Gilles Caffier and Elmgreen & Dragset.
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Taking the Helm
Image Credit: Bergman Design House Dark walnut and a heavy use of full-grain leather—including pale cream on the stair treads and rich chocolate on the handrails—bring masculine tones to the interior. Leather even features on the wheelhouse dash, rumored to match the upholstery on the yacht’s chase boat.
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Owning It
Image Credit: Bergman Design House More art features in the owner’s suite, including a vibrant painting by Sougwen Chung created in collaboration with a robot, and ceramic wall art above the headboard created in situ by Unit 89 Ula Saniawa. The owner’s walk-through bathroom has slabs of gray-veined, book-matched Calacatta marble flooring, as well as a shower, double basin and a full-sized bathtub. Asani is only the second B.Now 50 to also have a custom outdoor rain shower on the private balcony.
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Room for a Roommate
Image Credit: Bergman Design House On the lower deck, four ensuite guest cabins with walk-in wardrobes bring the total number of guest cabins to five. The two VIPs have suede-clad ceilings, while the two twins convert to doubles by sliding the beds together.
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The Oasis
Image Credit: Benetti/Blueiprod Described by the Italian builder as an “unforgettable sea haven,” the Oasis Deck has a bar, large sunpads and a glass-encased infinity pool. Its fold-out wings expand the deck space to 1,250 square feet, allowing guests to enjoy waterside lounging and access to the 387-square-foot integrated beach club for watersports and swimming.
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The Sun Deck
Image Credit: Benetti/Blueiprod The 1,076-square-foot sun deck brings the sociability, with an American bar and L-shaped sofas port and starboard. Multi-functional coffee tables rise and extend into dining tables. White and cream tones dominate the outdoor furniture crafted by Inter Décor Design, which was curated by Bergman to complement the interior. In the bow, a circular Jacuzzi and sunpads are sheltered from the wind by awnings.
