Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

At 63m long, with a 10.60, beam, a draft of 3.1m and at 1,245GT, Metis boasts an impressively long and vertical bow with big volumes behind fluid lines designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta. Her exterior areas have been conceived for living outside at any time of day. The bridge deck sports a spacious relaxation area with a mini-bar, ice maker and a Teppanyaki barbecue. Further forward is a Jacuzzi with a sumptuous sunbathing area. But the fly deck is where Benetti came into its own. “The owner didn’t think the fly deck looked right”, says Zucker. “He thought something was missing in profile – and he also he really wanted a gym on board. That was the moment when the fly deck gym was put on the drawing desk and added to the whole construction.” The addition of a fly deck gym was one of the biggest and most significant changes made by the owner. “All the lines had been drawn, and Benetti weren’t far off from filling and fairing”, says Zucker. What ensued were multiple rounds of recalculations and approvals, regarding stability and weight, and at least six months spent constructing the gym’s aluminium structure. “It was a major change, but it was one of the owner’s conditions”, says Zucker. “So, the yacht now has additional ballast, more than typically expected on a boat like this. But it is a displacement yacht with a top speed of around 15 knots – it’s not a performance yacht – so that was acceptable.” The facility enables guests to train both inside and outdoors: the sliding doors fore and aft and the dark-coloured side windows ensure total privacy and an unparalleled view of the sea.