Lusben, the refit division for Azimut Benetti Group, completed their complete refit of the M/Y Alfa, and extraordinary full custom megayacht 70 metres long, built in 2020 by Benetti. Coordinated by Ocean Independence as the broker, with interiors by British studio Mark Berryman Design, the project involved all the main refit areas: from varnishing to system development, and reorganising the layout and furniture, giving the Alfa a contemporary look.

An icon of custom yachting

The M/Y Alfa stands out for its balanced proportions, its essential design and strong identity. Five decks, generous spaces and a design that creates harmony between the interior and exterior, make this vessel an icon of the custom yacht panorama. The refit was not only important for maintenance and updating technology, but it was also a refined piece of design that implemented the owner’s vision in a consistent and aesthetically pleasing manner.

“Working on the M/Y Alfa – says Gianni Paladino, sales manager for Lusben – has been very satisfying, not just for its prestige, but it perfectly represents the life cycle philosophy recently announced by Azimut Benetti Group. Accompanying a Benetti yacht through its entire life cycle, from launch to refit, is the most concrete example of the synergy between the brands in the Group, and of our skill in providing continuity, quality and value over time”

Modifications

The refit works mostly oin structure and aesthetics, with a complete revarnishing of the hull and owner’s deck, along with wrapping and protection work on different levels. “In parallel – notes Alessio Centelli, head of Site for Lusben Livorno – Lusben managed the entire complex technical package involved in the five-year survey, which included in-depth inspections of stabilisers, lineshafts, valves, engines, inverters and generators, as well as electrical testing and a general systems check. A job od this magnitude requires attentive technical control and extremely accurate management on a daily basis. For this, I would like to thanks Simone Rotili, Project Manager for Lusben, for the professionalism and dedication with which he managed each phase of the project.”

No less important are the mechanical modification: the forward crane was updated with new software to independently manage the arms, the bollards were redesigned and lengthened, while the side ladders, swimming lager and gangway were all dismantled and thoroughly inspected. The beach area to the stern was improved with new fittings and retractable bollards to improve docking and tender handling procedures. In addition, new luminous signage was installed, including the installation of a backlit yacht name.

The Interior

The interiors of the M/Y Alfa are the most visible element of the refit. The objective was to update and enhance the on board experience while preserving the refined and simple design which has always been a characteristic of this yacht. The main deck was fully redesigned: new custom sofas, marble-covered table and a fire pit, a chaise longue and personalised pouffes, some with playful elements like an integrated chessboard. The walls were redesigned, the doors replaced and the owner’s cabin also benefitted from improvements to the headboard, new fabrics and furniture.

The social spaces

Work was also done in the social spaces, with the addition of four new custom bars, including one with a teppanyaki grill on the sky deck and a refined curved servery. The kitchen was completely reconfigured, with a new, more functional layout and new appliances. In addition, along the corridor to port, a wine cellar was added, with a space for a number of bottles, turning an area of passage into a space with character.

“This – concludes Anton Foord, Sales Broker for Ocean Independence – is a special occasion, not just because we are delivering a magnificent yacht with a new and elegant interior, but also because this is the moment to recognise all the hard work put in by a lot of people over these months, their dedication and precision, and especially the excellent craftsmanship of Lusben.  Special thanks go to the highly qualified professionals who brought this project to life. Thank you for your integrity, professionalism and the pride you put into your work. I would like to wish Alfa and her owner many memorable journeys together.”