Heritage yacht brand Benetti introduces outdoor living at sea with the OASIS DECK™, an innovative feature that brings sailing and socialising together like never before

Founded in 1873, luxury yacht manufacturer Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard and draws on decades of heritage and expertise to meet contemporary needs. Responding to early signs of a desire for more relaxed, marine-based and social onboard living, the brand decided to create something that goes beyond the traditional yacht beach clubs, which tend to be obstructed by walls and ceilings, and offer guests full immersion in the ocean environment — allowing them to be as close to the sun and sea as possible.

Benetti put a call out for solutions, and it was renowned British yacht design studio RWD who submitted the winning design, realising Benetti’s vision and taking it even further. The studio’s Oasis 40M concept introduced the OASIS DECK™, a revolutionary combination of five aft-deck features: opening wings that extend the deck close to the water but safe from waves; a swimming pool integrated into a flush deck, close to the water and perfectly positioned for cooling off while socialising; unobstructed views off the stern, even from the saloon; and, the true highlight, a space designed for socialising, with the deck a vast oasis for everything from relaxing in the sun to cocktail parties, and anything in between.

To launch the first iteration of the OASIS DECK™, Benetti called on Manhattan-based architecture firm bonetti/kozerski architecture to design the interiors of the Oasis 40M. Here the firm’s expertise in both residential and hospitality design shines — attention is paid to the idyllic social areas, which provide countless opportunities to come together and take in the blissful surroundings, while material continuity (in the form of Calacatta and Vagli marble, teak, rosewood and white lacquer) and expansive doors and windows enhance the ever-present connection between indoors and out.

The success of the Oasis 40M — a particularly popular yacht, with six units sold in the Asia Pacific region and 15 units sold globally to date — gave rise to a series of subsequent yachts in the OASIS DECK™ range. Benetti returned to the studio to collaborate with RWD to expand the Oasis family. The smaller OASIS 34M followed, with all the features of the OASIS DECK™ as well as bonetti/kozerski interiors, though this time with a sportier, more youthful scheme to match her zippy character.

Next came the impressive B.NOW 50M, its size the perfect home for the extended deck area, and the new B.NOW 66M, the flagship of the OASIS family and, with half of her main deck dedicated to the OASIS deck, the pinnacle of indoor-outdoor luxury at sea.

These onboard amenities and space, and the unique lifestyle they offer, are made all the more appealing during pandemic times. When venturing on-shore for beach clubs and restaurants may be less appealing than before, the OASIS DECK™ is a beautifully compelling reason to stay on board.