In the rarefied world of global superyachting, few names command the reverence of Benetti. The Italian shipyard, a cornerstone of the Azimut-Benetti Group, has long been synonymous with Mediterranean sophistication and engineering prowess. However, with the delivery of the 220-foot Symmetry this past June, the shipyard has signaled a pivot toward a more conscious future. As the third hull in the highly anticipated B.Now 67 line and only the second hybrid vessel in the yard’s storied history, Symmetry is not merely a new arrival on the water—it is a blueprint for the next generation of luxury maritime travel.
Now officially available for charter through the brokerage house West Nautical, Symmetry offers the discerning traveler an opportunity to experience the pinnacle of current naval design. Blending the traditional demands of high-end hospitality with an urgent, modern commitment to environmental efficiency, this vessel stands as a testament to how the superyacht industry is evolving.
The Architectural Evolution of the B.Now 67
The design language of Symmetry is the result of a deliberate collaboration between the yard’s in-house engineering team and the renowned studio Redman Whiteley Dixon (RWD). At 220 feet, the yacht maintains a presence that is both commanding and graceful.
The exterior profile is characterized by a sleek, near-vertical axe bow—a design choice that improves hydrodynamic efficiency and sea-keeping capabilities—which transitions seamlessly into a sweeping, curved superstructure. This silhouette is not merely aesthetic; it is a calculated effort to reduce wind resistance and provide a balanced, harmonious look that lives up to the vessel’s name.
The exterior layout is dominated by Benetti’s signature "Oasis Deck" concept, which has effectively revolutionized the industry’s approach to the aft beach club. By utilizing fold-out side wings, the deck expands to provide an unobstructed 270-degree view of the ocean, effectively turning the aft section into a sprawling, private island terrace. The integration of an infinity pool at the waterline allows guests to bathe while remaining visually tethered to the horizon, creating an immersive experience that traditional yacht designs often fail to achieve.
Interior Sanctum: A Study in Soft Sophistication
While the exterior is built for the elements, the interior, curated by the masterful minds at Reymond Langton Design, is a sanctuary of tranquility. The design philosophy centers on a palette of pale, muted hues, designed to maximize the natural light flooding in through the oversized deck-to-ceiling windows.
The materiality of the space is tactile and refined. The designers have utilized lacquered metals paired with warm, light-toned oak flooring to ground the space, while the walls are adorned with bespoke textile artworks that add a layer of human craft to the industrial precision of the build. Perhaps the most striking feature of the interior is the custom-commissioned chandelier located in the main salon. Crafted from intricate crystal glass, the installation is engineered to catch the light in a way that mimics the ethereal, fractured refraction of ice, providing a cooling visual counterpoint to the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.
The Chronology of Excellence: From Concept to Charter
The journey of Symmetry from the Benetti shipyard in Livorno to the charter market has been a process of meticulous refinement.
- Initial Conception: The B.Now 67 line was developed to address a growing market demand for "seamless living," where the boundaries between the interior and exterior are erased.
- The Hybrid Milestone: Following the initial successes of the line, the decision to implement a hybrid propulsion system on the third hull marked a significant technical hurdle. Engineering the integration of traditional diesel engines with battery-backed systems required months of sea trials and software calibration.
- The June Handover: The vessel was officially delivered to its owner in June, having cleared all final inspections and safety certifications.
- Market Entry: Following a brief period of private familiarization, West Nautical was appointed as the central agency for charter, with the yacht making its debut in the Western Mediterranean luxury circuit.
Engineering the Future: Propulsion and Performance
At the heart of Symmetry lies a robust mechanical suite centered around dual Caterpillar C32 Acert diesel engines. These powerplants are capable of pushing the vessel to a respectable top speed of 15.5 knots, ensuring that guests can traverse the distance between coastal hotspots with efficiency and comfort.
However, the real story lies in the hybrid propulsion system. By incorporating advanced generators and a high-capacity battery pack, Symmetry is capable of operating in a "silent" mode while at anchor or during low-speed maneuvering. This reduces both noise pollution and exhaust emissions, allowing for a more serene experience for those on board and a lower environmental impact on the sensitive marine ecosystems where these yachts typically operate.
The range of the vessel—an impressive 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots—ensures that Symmetry is not limited to the well-trodden paths of the French Riviera. She is a true long-range cruiser, capable of crossing the Atlantic with ease, which aligns with her upcoming seasonal shift to the Caribbean.
Accommodations and Bespoke Flexibility
The guest experience on Symmetry is defined by its modularity. The yacht is capable of hosting up to 12 guests, but the arrangement of these spaces is where the design truly shines.
The "Family Deck" is the crown jewel of the accommodation, centered around a sprawling owner’s suite that serves as a private apartment. This space includes a dedicated office for those who must remain connected to business, dual marble-clad bathrooms, expansive dressing rooms, and a private terrace that provides the owner with an exclusive retreat from the rest of the vessel.
On the main deck, the flexibility continues. Three double cabins and two modular twin/double cabins offer versatile configurations for different group compositions. The VIP suite is particularly innovative: it features a bedroom to port and a private lounge to starboard. If a group requires more sleeping quarters than standard, the lounge can be converted into two separate, smaller cabins, providing an adaptable solution that is rare in vessels of this size.
The Charter Experience: R&R and Watersports
A superyacht is only as good as its leisure amenities, and Symmetry is designed to keep guests engaged. The beach club is not just a lounge; it is the portal to the water. It connects directly to a fully equipped gym and a spa area, allowing guests to transition from a workout to a refreshing dip in the sea.
For those with an appetite for adrenaline, the yacht carries a comprehensive "toy box." This includes high-performance Jet Skis, electric Fliteboards for hydrofoiling, and Seabobs for underwater exploration. Every piece of equipment is maintained to the highest safety standards by a crew trained to facilitate everything from beginner lessons to advanced aquatic excursions.
Implications for the Superyacht Industry
The arrival of Symmetry has significant implications for the broader maritime industry. Firstly, it proves that "green" technology and "ultra-luxury" are no longer mutually exclusive. As high-net-worth individuals increasingly scrutinize the environmental footprint of their assets, yards like Benetti are finding that hybrid propulsion is becoming a competitive necessity rather than a niche luxury.
Secondly, the success of the B.Now 67 line highlights a trend toward "custom-lite" production. By using a proven platform but allowing for extensive interior and modular customization, yards can deliver bespoke-quality experiences in a fraction of the time it takes to build a fully custom yacht from the keel up. This efficiency is changing the economics of yacht ownership and chartering.
Logistical Details for Prospective Charterers
For those looking to secure a week aboard Symmetry, the logistics are straightforward but exclusive.
- Summer Season (Mediterranean): The yacht is currently operating across the glamourous hubs of Italy, France, and Spain. Charter rates are tiered by season, starting at 725,000 euros (approximately $827,000) for the low season, rising to 775,000 euros ($884,000) for high-season peak periods.
- Winter Season (Caribbean): As the seasons shift, the yacht will relocate to the Caribbean, offering charters between the classic islands of Antigua and Saint Maarten. This migration is standard for the superyacht fleet, but Symmetry’s hybrid capabilities make her a particularly attractive choice for those wishing to explore protected coves with minimal disturbance.
Final Thoughts
Symmetry is more than just a 220-foot vessel; it is a manifestation of the current zeitgeist in luxury travel. It captures the demand for larger, more open spaces while answering the call for technological responsibility. With its striking exterior, versatile interior, and commitment to a cleaner cruising future, it sets a new benchmark for what a modern superyacht should be. Whether anchored off the coast of Capri or navigating the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Symmetry promises its guests a journey that is as balanced and beautiful as its name suggests.
rifanmuazin
Raul Delapena Setiawan
