Benetti Managing Director Giovanna Vitelli Explains “Italian Style”

“In Italy, we’re surrounded by beauty. We’re immersed in beauty our whole lives. We know what beauty is in our souls and that makes us want to design and build beautiful things.”

Benetti is one of the most prolific and sought-after shipyards in the world. In fact, a few years back, the Italian yard launched three different superyachts (all measuring well over 300 feet long!) within 100 days of each other. Since then, demand for Benetti superyachts has never been higher, and the success of their innovative “smaller” Motopanfilo, B.Yond, and Oasis designs (ranging from 120 to 135 feet) has been nothing less than stratospheric.

But, after spending some quality time with Benetti Managing Director Giovanna Vitelli, I’m not surprised. In addition to being a lovely person to talk to, it was also obvious that her vision for the future and an ambitious business plan involving major financial investments (in infrastructure, organization, workers, and shipyard safety) have played a huge role in Benetti’s continued success.

I’m particularly impressed with their new Oasis line. It’s a whole new genre of yacht that features an expansive “beach” area and a one-of-a-kind pool for a yacht of this size.

The beach club was specially designed to allow an owner and guests to experience the ocean as intimately as possible. And unlike some older and much larger yachts, the Oasis beach club is unimpeded by the tender and water toys that are hidden away in the side and forward garages.

Another bonus in the design, construction and engineering of the Oasis is the wheelhouse that’s designed as a multifunctional space. It’s more than just a helm station. It’s a whole new area where the captain, owner, and guest can enjoy the cruise and decide the course from a new point of view.

Thanks to a futuristically designed steering position with a panoramic view, the space can accommodate six people, all seated. This space also features full-height windows and huge spaces, making it a comfortable area for guests.

But my favorite part of our conversation happened when I asked this simple question.

“Giovanna,” I said. “I love Italian brands —Ferrari, Prada, Gucci, Armani, Benetti of course—I love them all. And I’m hardly the only one who loves Italian style. My question to you is: What is ‘Italian Style’ actually? Where does it come from? Can you explain it?”

“Ahhh, Bill,” she said with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. She didn’t even skip a beat. The answer came so effortlessly, I almost hugged her.

“In Italy, we’re surrounded by beauty. Everything is beautiful. Even the abandoned buildings are beautiful. I don’t know what else to say. We’re immersed in beauty our whole lives. We know what beauty is in our souls and that makes us want to design and build beautiful things.”

Don’t you want to buy a Benetti from Giovanna Vitelli now? 

Yeah, me too.

If you’re serious, or even just a bit curious about owning a Benetti Oasis or any other model, explore more here.