Benetti Crystal 140: Whisper Quiet
The Crystal 140 is one of the newest models in superyacht-builder Benetti’s semi-custom offering. Exterior styling by Stefano Righini and a functional interior by François Zuretti give her an alluring and subtle personality, suitable for personalization.
Photos by Benetti
Yachtbuilders, generally speaking, are careful when implementing stylistic innovation in semi-custom series. Semi-custom yachts, by definition, need to appeal to many potential owners who will be able to identify with their boat. Although there is no precise formula, one way to achieve this result is to opt for restrained styling and a design that focuses on balance and functionality.
As a prolific builder of both custom and semi-custom yachts, Benetti is well aware of the particular requirements of a diverse clientele, and its Crystal 140 is a good example of a yacht that achieves that balance. In fewer than 140 feet, Benetti, Righini and Zuretti have created an oceangoing vessel with the comfort, space and atmosphere usually found on bigger yachts. And it is not just a matter of square feet and volume; the Crystal 140 achieves a high level of refinement.
The Crystal 140 is one of the most recent additions to the Benetti Class family of semi-custom models that includes the Vision 145, currently the Benetti Class flagship; the Delfino 93; Tradition 105; Classic 121 and the new Classic Supreme 132. These models are available with a choice of modern or classic design schemes, allowing owners to add their personal touch. But the Crystal 140 goes a step further with a higher level of personalization available, if the client requires it. Such was the case with the owner of the first Crystal 140, which was delivered last year. Zuretti, who designed the yacht’s interior together with Ahmed Chabebe & Asociados (the yacht owner’s personal architect), visited the yacht’s owner at home to get the right feel for his vision. Mahogany, tasteful upholstery and teak helped create a refined interior, inspired by an iconic and romantic Caribbean.
As soon as you walk aboard, you understand why the shipyard named this series “Crystal”. The main deck and skylounge benefit from large windows and great views. According to Mauro Caslini, president of IBI (Azimut Benetti’s longtime Caribbean dealer), these windows are perhaps the most important feature of this new Benetti. “One of the issues the clients frequently bring to my attention is the feeling of claustrophobia,” he says. “Today’s technology allows boats to have much larger windows, which is a big step forward.” Caslini, who has a long-standing relationship with Benetti, was closely involved in the build of the first Crystal 140 for her owner, who is both an experienced yacht owner and a repeat Benetti client.
The yacht’s traditional and functional layout comfortably accommodates a party of 10, pampered by a crew of seven. Four spacious guest cabins are on the lower deck and an opulent owner’s suite is located forward of the main deck. Its large windows open onto the foredeck, which serves as the owner’s private terrace.
The upper deck features plenty of space both inside and out. A cozy outdoor salon separates two comfortable outdoor areas, perfect for private lounging and entertaining. A panoramic cabin occupying a coveted position on the upper deck is the lucky captain’s cabin, adjacent to the wheelhouse.
The Crystal 140 looks both slender and muscular with elongated windows that lend personality to the large white superstructure. Righini added a little something of tradition to the yacht’s contemporary profile by using a faux smokestack to conceal a stairway leading to the sun deck, which is entirely dedicated to recreation.
All tenders and toys are stowed three decks below, in the yacht’s spacious garage. Side doors make it convenient to launch and retrieve all the water toys and the yacht’s transom door opens outward to form an attractive beach club.
Apart from its stylistic qualities, the Crystal 140 features cutting-edge technology and top-of-the-line equipment. Another outstanding aspect of this yacht is how quiet she is underway. Benetti spent quite a bit of time refining sound-abatement techniques, using rubber mounds and couplings to effectively suppress vibrations from all machinery, including rotating shafts. Layers of viscoelastic material further insulate the bow thruster box and engine room. The guest areas all feature extra layers of insulation and an efficient and whisper-quiet air-conditioning system. The owner and captain were particularly pleased with the results.
A full-displacement motoryacht with a bulbous bow, the Crystal 140 is built in composite (foam core sandwich and single-skin fiberglass construction). Twin CAT C32 Acert engines of 1,340 hp each provide a leisurely cruising speed of 14 knots, and a top speed of 15 knots. Zero-speed Naiad stabilizers provide stability at anchor and underway.
The next Crystal 140, we’re told, will feature a very different interior. Indeed, Benetti offers its clients quite a bit of flexibility in this semi-custom segment. ■
Benetti’S Exclusive Sea Technology
A few years ago Benetti introduced a technological platform that integrates all navigation, entertainment and electrical systems into one system, which Benetti called BEST. Available on board the Crystal 140, BEST allows all subsystems that the owner or captain wishes to include to communicate seamlessly with each other. This functionality carries over to the attractive integrated bridge system, where a touchscreen interface facilitates access to all navigation, telecommunications, safety and data transmission systems.
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LOA: 137ft. 7in. (41.93m)
Beam: 29ft. 8in. (9.05m)
Draft (full load): 7ft. 6in. (2.28m)
Hull/Superstructure: FRP
Engines: 2 x CAT C32 Acert 1,450 hp (1,081kW) at 2,300 rpm
Speed (max.): 15 knots
Speed (cruising): 14 knots
Range @ 11 knots: 4,000nm
Generators: 2 x Kohler 125kW
Bowthruster: 75kW
Stabilizers: Naiad zero speed
Exterior design: Righini Design
Interior design: Zuretti Interior Designers
Naval architecture: Azimut Benetti Group
