The 107m Benetti Superyacht Mar: A Landmark Arrival at the Monaco Yacht Show 2025
Every September, the Monaco Yacht Show becomes the epicenter of the luxury yachting world, attracting shipbuilders, brokers, and elite buyers from across the globe. In 2025, one yacht in particular is making waves before the event has even begun—the 107-meter Benetti superyacht Mar. Not only is she the largest confirmed attendee so far, but she also represents the pinnacle of Italian yacht craftsmanship and global luxury lifestyle. As the show approaches from September 24 to 27 in Port Hercule, Mar’s presence underscores Benetti’s dominance in the gigayacht sector, drawing enthusiasts eager to explore her expansive decks and innovative amenities. For yacht aficionados and savvy investors, this guide delves into Mar’s storied history, exquisite design, opulent features, and prime market positioning—offering insights into why she’s poised to redefine superyacht standards.
The Storied History of Superyacht Mar: From FB277 to a Royal Icon
The superyacht Mar’s journey began in the bustling shipyards of Benetti in Livorno, Italy, a cornerstone of nautical excellence since 1873. Originally christened Project FB277, her keel was laid amid Benetti’s ambitious “Giga Season” in the late 2010s—a period that saw the yard construct three groundbreaking vessels over 100 meters: the 108m IJE, the 107.6m Luminosity, and Mar herself. This era marked a pivotal expansion for Benetti, part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, as it erected massive new facilities and swelled its workforce to 1,800 to meet surging demand for ultra-luxury megayachts.
Launched in December 2018, Mar underwent rigorous sea trials before her official delivery in June 2020. Initially named Lana, she debuted as a flagship of Italian engineering, compliant with Lloyd’s Register standards for safety and performance. Her early ownership was shrouded in discretion, linked to a Russia-born automotive magnate, but whispers of high-profile charters soon emerged. Visionaries like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos reportedly graced her decks, underscoring her appeal to the world’s tech elite. In January 2023, ownership transitioned dramatically to Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi’s royal family, a move that renamed her Mar and aligned her with Middle Eastern royalty’s penchant for seafaring grandeur. Managed by the same firm overseeing Lürssen’s iconic BLUE, Mar’s post-refit glow in 2021 enhanced her allure, blending timeless elegance with modern refinements.
This evolution mirrors Benetti’s own legacy. Founded by Azimut’s Paolo Vitelli in the 1980s after acquiring the historic yard, Benetti has pioneered steel-hulled superyachts since the early 20th century. From groundbreaking vessels like the 1930s Maria to today’s gigayachts, Benetti’s commitment to innovation has earned it a spot as the world’s largest superyacht builder by volume. Mar, as the yard’s third-largest creation, embodies this heritage, her 3,900 GT volume rivaling global icons while honoring Italy’s artisanal roots.
As she anchors in Monaco, Mar’s history isn’t just a timeline—it’s a narrative of resilience and reinvention. From her Livorno birthplace to Abu Dhabi’s opulent courts, she’s navigated geopolitical shifts and market booms, emerging as a symbol of enduring luxury. For investors eyeing legacy assets, Mar’s provenance offers unparalleled pedigree, blending Benetti’s storied past with forward-looking prestige.
Design Mastery: Benetti’s In-House Vision for Timeless Elegance
Superyacht Mar
At the heart of Mar’s allure lies her design, a seamless fusion of Benetti’s in-house expertise that prioritizes harmony between form, function, and the sea. Exterior lines, penned by the yard’s naval architects, boast a distinctive vertical bow—a bold departure from traditional curves—lending her a sleek, aggressive profile that slices through waves with predatory grace. This forward-thinking aesthetic, echoed in her flowing aft decks that cascade toward the water, emphasizes fluidity and openness, inviting the ocean into every vista. Balanced ribbons of glazing wrap her 107-meter length, flooding interiors with natural light while maintaining privacy through smart tinting and strategic placement.
The superstructure, crafted from lightweight aluminum atop a robust steel hull, optimizes stability and speed without compromising her 14.4-meter beam’s expansive feel. At 4.3 meters draft, Mar accesses shallow bays denied to deeper rivals, enhancing her versatility from Mediterranean idylls to Caribbean hideaways. Her propulsion—a Rolls-Royce diesel-electric system—delivers a top speed of 18.5 knots and a cruising pace of 16 knots, with an impressive 5,500-nautical-mile range on efficient twin MTU engines. This setup not only ensures whisper-quiet operation but also aligns with emerging eco-standards, minimizing emissions for the sustainability-conscious owner.
Interiors, also by Benetti’s team under designer Mauro Izzo, eschew ostentation for refined minimalism. Ayous wood panels in warm blond tones mingle with supple leathers and veined marbles, creating airy, residential spaces that feel intimately grand. High ceilings soaring to 2.7 meters amplify this sense of volume, while custom Italian craftsmanship—from hand-stitched upholstery to bespoke joinery—elevates every surface. The layout unfolds across five decks: a bridge deck for formal entertaining, a main deck with panoramic lounges, and lower levels dedicated to wellness and adventure.
This in-house synergy sets Mar apart in a market crowded with collaborative designs. Unlike peers relying on external studios, Benetti’s vertical integration ensures cohesive execution, from hull lines to light fixtures. Project manager Elisabetta Maria Di Noto, who oversaw Mar post-Lionheart, championed this approach, tailoring her to a “giga client” demanding understated power. The result? A vessel that’s as photogenic at dusk—bathed in underlit teak and stainless steel—as it is functional at dawn, her natural oiled exteriors aging gracefully like fine wine.
For design purists, Mar exemplifies Benetti’s philosophy: yachts as living sculptures, where every angle tells a story of innovation rooted in tradition. As she dazzles at Monaco, her lines will inspire the next wave of builders, proving that true elegance transcends trends.
Luxury Features: Unparalleled Amenities for the Discerning Elite
Superyacht Mar
Step aboard Mar, and you’re enveloped in a world where luxury isn’t flaunted but felt—in the subtle hum of climate control, the infinity edges blurring sea and sky. Accommodating up to 16 guests across eight staterooms (including a sprawling master suite forward on the main deck), she caters to intimate family voyages or lavish charters with equal finesse. Each cabin boasts en-suite marble bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes, and bespoke linens, with VIP suites featuring private balconies for starlit seclusion.
The wellness suite on the lower deck is a sanctuary unto itself: a Hammam-style spa with mosaic-tiled treatment rooms, a beauty salon offering bespoke therapies, and a state-of-the-art gym equipped with Technogym apparatus and yoga spaces overlooking the waves. Adjacent, the beach club unfolds like a marine extension—hydraulic platforms deploy to create 200 square meters of teak-laid terrace, complete with rain showers and direct tender access for seamless water sports. Here, guests dive into an arsenal of toys: Seabobs, paddleboards, inflatables, and a flotilla of tenders, all stored in a floodlit garage.
Up top, the sundeck steals the show with its 12-meter infinity pool, rimmed by plush sunpads and flanked by a touch-and-go helipad for effortless arrivals. Shaded cabanas with retractable awnings yield to open-air cinemas under the stars, while the bridge deck hosts al fresco dining for 12, served from a galley rivaling Michelin kitchens. Onyx coffee tables double as firepits for cooler evenings, their flames dancing against leather-clad bars stocked with rare vintages.
Sustainability weaves through these indulgences: Solar-assisted systems power non-essential lighting, and the diesel-electric hybrid reduces fuel burn by 15% over traditional shafts. A crew of 33—chefs, stewards, and engineers—operates from dedicated quarters, ensuring five-star service without intrusion. Elevators connect all levels, including a swim platform lift for accessibility.
These features aren’t mere add-ons; they’re curated experiences. The piano lounge evokes jazz-age romance, while the spa’s ayurvedic menu draws from global traditions. For families like Beyoncé’s, who chartered early on, Mar offered kid-friendly nooks amid adult opulence. At Monaco, where over 120 yachts vie for attention, Mar’s amenities will shine—inviting tastemakers to test her pool at sunset or unwind in the Hammam, affirming why she’s the ultimate floating estate.
Market Position: A Prime Investment in the Gigayacht Arena
In the $30 billion superyacht market, Mar holds court as a blue-chip asset, her €195 million asking price reflecting not just size but stature. Listed with brokers like Edmiston and Behnmar, she’s positioned for swift sale, her 2021 refit and royal ownership boosting resale value amid a post-pandemic surge in high-end brokerage. At 75th globally by length and third in Benetti’s fleet, she outpaces rivals like the 100m+ trio from 2020, commanding premiums for her proven charter pedigree—rates hovering at €1.8 million weekly.
Benetti’s market dominance—building 20% of yachts over 80 meters—amplifies Mar’s appeal. Investors covet her for ROI potential: Charters yield 5-7% annually, while appreciation in the gigayacht segment averages 8% yearly, per industry trackers. Her Abu Dhabi ties open doors to Gulf markets, where demand for turnkey luxuries soars. Compared to peers like Lürssen’s 118m icons, Mar’s Italian flair and lower entry price offer better liquidity.
At Monaco 2025, amid 30,000 attendees and half the fleet as debuts, Mar’s scale—dwarfing most at 107m—positions her as a benchmark. For buyers, she’s a hedge against inflation; for charter pros, a revenue engine. In a sector eyeing sustainability (Blue Wake program highlights), her efficient systems future-proof her value.
Ultimately, Mar isn’t just for sale—she’s an investment in legacy, blending yield with yachting’s intangible joys.
Why Mar Captivates at Monaco Yacht Show 2025
As the curtains rise on Monaco Yacht Show 2025, superyacht Mar stands as a colossus—her history etched in royal ink, design a symphony of Italian genius, features a playground for the elite, and market stance unassailable. For enthusiasts, she’s inspiration incarnate; for investors, a golden ticket. Dockside viewings promise revelations, but her true magic unfolds at sea: a 107m testament to why Benetti reigns supreme. Secure your invite—Monaco awaits.