Yacht: BENETTI Asani

The B.Now family of yachts is built on Benetti’s tried-and-tested platforms, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Asani, the ninth hull in the 164-foot (49.9m) B.Now 50 series, has naval architecture by Pierluigi Ausonio and a streamlined three-deck exterior—and it’s the first hull with a twist on the interior layout. 

The main difference is a spacious main salon, thanks to an HVAC trunk being relocated from the formal dining area to outside of the bulwarks. The change makes the interior volume, already considerable at 500 gross tons, feel significantly larger. Natural oak and dark wenge-effect detailing further enhance the space. 

“The main salon felt cramped before with the trunk imposing on the available guest space, so this revisited layout is a huge improvement,” says Barbara Papini, head of media communication at Benetti.

The exterior lines of the B.Now yachts are conceived by Benetti in collaboration with British design studio RWD. The profile has a pleasing, well-proportioned silhouette and main-deck picture windows, which, from the inside, connect guests with the natural surroundings.

Asani’s North American owner stepped into the build after construction had begun. Interior design and layout by Benetti’s in-house designer, Mauro Izzo, was complete. The owner appointed LASS Studio and Bergman Design House to personalize the space with custom finishes, furniture and artwork. The collaboration adds individual style and a modern aesthetic to Benetti’s classic elegance. 

“The vision set forth by the owner was clear: to create an onboard experience that transcends conventional luxury,” says Marie Soliman, co-founder of Bergman Design House. “The owner dreamed of an interior that embraces a tranquil, zen-like atmosphere and emphasizes a profound connection to the water.”

The interior showcases rich woodwork and intricate marquetry that radiate warmth. Touches of ceramics and gesso add an artistic flair. Custom rugs and elegant lighting fixtures enhance the overall aesthetic. There’s also a cast glass coffee table by London’s David Gill Gallery in the sky lounge. It captures and refracts light to
create a ripple effect, near a striking games table by French furniture-maker Jallu Ébénistes from the Nusom Collective. 

Dark walnut and a heavy use of full-grain leather, including pale cream on the stair treads and rich chocolate on the handrails, add masculine tones. Leather also is on the wheelhouse dash, rumored to match the upholstery on a newly commissioned chase boat. 

Elsewhere, a monochrome color palette contrasts with objets d’art and bespoke works by artists such as Roi James, Gilles Caffier and Elmgreen & Dragset. In the owner’s study, there’s a vibrant painting by Sougwen Chung—created in collaboration with a robot. The master suite’s headboard is ceramic wall art that was created in situby Unit 89 Ula Saniawa. 

“Each piece tells a story and celebrates creativity and craftsmanship,” Soliman says.

The owner’s walk-through bathroom, with slabs of gray-veined, book-matched calacatta marble soles, has a shower, double sinks and a full-size bathtub. An outdoor rain shower on the private balcony brings a greater sensory experience. Asani is the second B.Now 50 to have that customization, with the first requested by an Australian owner.

On the lower deck are four ensuite guest staterooms with walk-in closets. The two VIPs have suede-clad ceilings. The two twins convert to doubles. A crew of 10, plus a dedicated chase boat driver for fishing expeditions, are accommodated in six cabins. 

The B.Now 50 series continues to be a hit for Benetti, with 17 hulls produced or on the order books. One of its biggest draws is the Oasis Deck, which the Italian builder describes as an “unforgettable sea haven” with a bar, sunpads and a glass- encased infinity pool. It offers a 270-degree panoramic view astern and from the main deck lounge. It also has foldout wings that expand the deck space to 1,250 square feet (116 square meters), for waterside lounging in comfort. There is stepped access to a 387-square-foot (35.9-square-meter) integrated beach club for watersports and swimming. 

The Oasis Deck concept launched three years ago with the B.Now 40, of which 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,” Papini says. It was a key feature for Asani’s owner, whose self-stated goal was “to create a space where my family and friends could gather and relax, with a variety of areas designed for comfort and leisure.”

Forward on the main deck, a garage is accessed through a double hydraulic hatch on the starboard side. It can accommodate two personal watercraft, toys and two tenders.

Up top, the 1,076-square-foot (100-square-meter) sundeck has a lounge, a bar and a hardtop shade. L-shape sofas to port and starboard have coffee tables that raise and extend for dining. White and cream tones dominate the outdoor furniture crafted by Interdecor Design, curated by Bergman to complement the interior. In the bow, awnings shelter a circular hot tub and sun pads from the wind.

Every yacht of the B.Now family has the option for diesel-electric propulsion. That said, Asani is powered by twin 1,400-horsepower MAN diesels that deliver a top speed of 15 knots—around 30 percent faster than the industry standard, according to Benetti. Cruising range is 4,500 nautical miles at 10 knots. 

CMC Marine electric fin stabilizers, which the captain describes as “completely adaptive,” have quick reaction times underway. The yacht also has at-anchor stabilizers to reduce roll.

Combining modernity and functionality with an artisanal soul, Asani sets a benchmark for yacht design trends while satisfying the lifestyle aspirations of her contemporary owner.

LOA
163ft. 9in. (49.9m)
Beam
29ft. 6in. (9m)
Draft
8ft. 6in. (2.6m)
Construction
steel/aluminum
ENGINES
2x 1400-hp MAN V-12
Speed (max./cruise)
15/10 knots
RANGE
4,500nm @10 knots
GROSS TONNAGE
500
NAVAL ARCHITECTURE
Benetti/Pierluigi Ausonio
Exterior design
Benetti/RWD
INTERIOR design
Benetti/LASS Studio/Bergman Design House
Builder
Benetti

Summer 2025