Along with the recent press hype over the forthcoming episode of the James Bond film series, Italian Videoworks Group has revealed the technologies they deployed on-board a 69-metre James-Bond-inspired Benetti superyacht Spectre, delivered in 2018.
Even bearing her name after a James Bond film, the yacht represents a steel-hulled vessel with aluminium superstructure, pool and "touch ang go" helipad. Spectre features exterior design by Benetti, Mulder Design and Giorgio Cassetta, able to demonstrate a maximum speed of 21.2 knots.
The indoor design concept has been created by the Benetti Interior Style Department, while Videoworks has built a highly technological installation that comprises audio-video, network, telephony, home automation and CCTV systems. Below is more information on the yacht’s amazing techno features.
AUDIO-VIDEO
The AV system is fully centralised, installed in a small dedicated rack room, with 7 full-height racks. Their super-customised frame has been specifically designed to fit into the available space (the cabins have only TVs, speakers and iPads).
A full-height rack is in the wheelhouse, whereas a small deck rack is dedicated to networking and communications.
Audio-video contents are transmitted via fibre-optics. In addition to the Kaleidescape film and music server, there is a server dedicated to the crew, who can access it via iPads. With the Kaleidescape provider, Videoworks has managed the pre-loading of approximately 1800 DVDs and Blu-ray discs (music and films), complete with covers, metadata, info on actors, trailers and special content. In this way Owners are guaranteed a customised service that is certainly convenient to use.
Every room in Spectre has its own HDMI socket near the TV, to display files from local sources. The skylounge hall in the upper deck has two TVs (with 75” and 49” screens) with independent audio systems, although they share the same group of sources. Everything is managed through a matrix that allows to configure the area with multiple combinations, depending on the purpose (party, show, institutional video + satellite channel, etc.). The Sea Tel 100 TV HD satellite dishes (SAT TV) can receive European and American HD channels. This kind of satellite dish works worldwide, which means there is no need for LNB replacement when changing hemisphere.
HOME AUTOMATION
Internal and external LED lights are managed via Crestron keyboards and DALI protocol, with customised silk-screen printed buttons. Videoworks’s sister company, Itworks, has created a customised software for light management, which allows to restore previously saved settings and to save the new configuration as setting, uploading it when requested. A 'secret' procedure, known only to the crew, allows to return to the original settings and to easily restore the system.
Owners can use an iPad to call staff from any part of the yacht; the call is received and displayed in the crew mess and in the pantry. The super-silent Lutron blinds can be controlled via Crestron touch-screen and iPad with customised silk-screen printed keyboards. NMEA navigation information (wind speed, direction, cruising speed, sea depth, etc.) can be viewed using the specific Myinfos App developed by Itworks.
NETWORK AND CYBERSECURITY
Onboard network security (firewall, bandwidth manager, connection manager, etc.) is guaranteed by the Kerio NG500 system, which allows to surf securely while on board and to manage bandwidth as needed, e.g. if the Owner needs to work aboard, the system allows to limit bandwidth access and use. To guarantee the greatest security possible, the system uses Cisco products from the Catalyst and Aironet professional lines.
TELEPHONY
The telephone switchboard is managed through a Cisco Router and the Cisco Unified Communication Manager software. The system includes 17 cordless telephones + 17 landlines, buzzer, fax line and light signals for calls from the Engine Room.
CCTV SYSTEM
The closed circuit television system manages 10 cameras, two PTZ cameras (one interior and one exterior), a number of external fixed cameras and a 360° fisheye camera, two observation and management stations (one in the wheelhouse and one in the crew mess), through a dedicated Panasonic software and PC touch panel. The Network Disk Recorder allows the captain to make recordings for security, control and surveillance purposes. The CCTV system is integrated in the entertainment section through the Itworks 'Myinfos' app.
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The yacht, which is a winner of the 2019 World Superyacht Awards category ‘Displacement yachts between 500 and 1,999 tonnes,’ was built for US entrepreneur John Staluppi (net worth $500 million, Celebrity Net Worth) with a passion for speed and technology in mind and as a part of his James-Bond inspired-fleet. Nevertheless, Staluppi sold Spectre in February 2019 asking €65,000,000.
Meanwhile, the James Bond theme has been driving inspiration for numerous yacht enthusiasts through years. Some yachts have even become ultimate attributives of the story, with Spirit 54 Soufriere appearing in Casino Royale, or Sunseeker Sovereign 17 filmed in Quantum of Solace.
Recommended articles : Serial yacht owners: Spectre; Inside John Staluppi's Bond themed superyacht fleet.
The 42.2-meter motor yacht Song of Songs has entered the market at EUR22,888,000 through Camper & Nicholsons, with Chief Commercial Officer Asia Julien Solari and Sales Broker Della Pearce representing the central agency. The vessel is also available for charter in Southeast Asia.Constructed in 2023 by Heysea Yachts as the first model on their Asteria 139 platform, Song of Songs was designed in collaboration with VYD Studio. The 431GT yacht features a semi-displacement hull powered by twin Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines, achieving a top speed of 19 knots with a 2,000 nautical mile range at 14 knots cruising speed.The yacht's layout accommodates twelve guests across six cabins, including an upper deck master suite with private aft terrace, a main deck secondary master, and three VIP suites plus one convertible cabin on the lower deck. Crew quarters provide for seven staff members.Notable amenities comprise a 120 square meter sun deck with hardtop-covered dining area and bar, a main deck beach club with transformer platform, and a forward lounge area featuring a hot tub. The contemporary interior design utilizes light oak joinery and marble finishes throughout the living spaces.With 26,300 liters of fuel capacity and average consumption of 320 liters per hour at cruising speed, the yacht is equipped for extended voyages. A 120KVA Kohler generator handles onboard power requirements. The vessel's design emphasizes indoor-outdoor connectivity through extensive glazing and multiple al fresco entertainment areas.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
July 25, 2025
Nautor Swan will field sixteen yachts in this year's Rolex Fastnet Race, representing nearly the entire production history of the Finnish builder. The fleet includes models ranging from classic Sparkman & Stephens designs to contemporary German Frers creations.The 100th edition of the 695-nautical-mile race begins July 26 from Cowes, Isle of Wight, with a record 451 entries from 34 nations. The course passes Fastnet Rock off Ireland before finishing in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, France.At a pre-race reception hosted by Nautor Swan Global Service at the Royal Air Force Yacht Club in Hamble, the all-female crewed Swan 46 Anne Bonny received the Spirit of Swan Award. The yacht is sailed by Belgian team "Swanne Bonny."Notable entrants include:Coco De Mer (Swan 62RS)Truwen (Swan 38)Galiana Withsecure (Swan 55)Miri (Swan 48)The participation follows recent Swan successes including ClubSwan 125 Skorpios' 2021 line honors victory and Swan 441 Best Buddies' dual handicap win at the Aegean 600. Simultaneously, the new ClubSwan 28 makes its competitive debut at Lake Garda.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credits: Nautor Swan
July 25, 2025
Azimut|Benetti Group has completed the renovation of its corporate headquarters in Avigliana, Italy, representing a €50 million investment in the historic facility. The project was inaugurated on July 24 by Chair Giovanna Vitelli and CEO Marco Valle, along with Avigliana Mayor Andrea Archinà and approximately 1,500 employees.The redesign was led by AMDL CIRCLE and architect Michele De Lucchi, who oversaw the restyling of the main building and construction of a new multifunctional pavilion. Settanta7 handled the complete renovation of employee offices, implementing modern workspace configurations to facilitate collaboration. The project included significant upgrades to the building's energy efficiency systems.The new metallic-clad entrance pavilion creates a visual dialogue with the original 1990s structure designed by Gabetti & Isola. Floor-to-ceiling glazing throughout the complex reflects Azimut's nautical design philosophy, mirroring the company's 2003 innovation of replacing portholes with hull glazing. Three panoramic meeting rooms - named Gogamigoga, Goga and Goghina after founder Paolo Vitelli's boats - offer views of the Sacra di San Michele landmark.A new Virtual Reality center serves as the technical hub of the facility, allowing the Style and Technical Offices to collaborate on yacht designs and enabling owners to customize layouts through immersive technology. The workspace redesign eliminates traditional hierarchical office structures in favor of open, transparent environments with shared workspaces."The new pavilion honors our 50-year history while projecting our future," said Giovanna Vitelli. "Like the Louvre pyramid, it represents changing times while respecting the past."The renovated headquarters will become fully operational in September 2025. The project maintains the facility's original architectural character while incorporating modern workplace design principles. No operational disruptions are anticipated during the transition period.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Azimut|Benetti Group
July 25, 2025
The first unit of the Ferretti Yachts 800 was launched on July 18 at the company's Cattolica shipyard. Measuring 24.47 meters in length with a 5.91-meter beam, the model completes the brand's flybridge range renewal initiated in 2018.Developed by Ferretti Group's Engineering Department and the Strategic Product Committee chaired by Piero Ferrari, the yacht features exterior design by architect Filippo Salvetti and interiors by Ideaeitalia. A version with shortened swim platform (maintaining 24-meter overall length) will be available for French market compliance.The main deck incorporates a 7-square-meter beach area with glass parapet, connecting to a crew section with three cabins accessible via portside walkway. Interior spaces feature 2-meter ceilings and extensive glazing, with the showcased unit displaying Classic styling with warm tones. The layout includes a living area with corner sofa, separate dining space with galley access, and isolated crew circulation paths.Accommodations comprise a master suite, VIP cabin, and two guest cabins totaling eight berths, all with en-suite bathrooms. The 40-square-meter flybridge offers an al fresco dining area, bar unit, and flexible aft lounge space.The inaugural unit is powered by twin 1800 hp MAN V12 engines, achieving a top speed of 31 knots and cruising at 27 knots. The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
July 24, 2025
Sanlorenzo will debut its new 33-meter SL110A motor yacht at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025. The vessel represents the latest iteration of the shipyard's asymmetrical design series, following previous SL102A and SL106A models.Developed in collaboration with Zuccon International Project for exterior design and Piero Lissoni for interiors, the SL110A combines structural innovation with performance capabilities reaching 27 knots. The asymmetrical hull configuration provides 15% more interior volume compared to conventional designs through strategic spatial planning, including staggered port and starboard gangways that maximize usable area."The asymmetry is not just aesthetic: it unlocks greater interior space, uninterrupted views, and a feeling of openness that transforms life on board," stated Sanlorenzo CEO Tommaso Vincenzi.The yacht's redesigned bow area replaces traditional anchor storage with an integrated sea-facing terrace and swimming pool. Retractable bulwarks create 8 square meters of additional deck space when anchored, while a pivoting stern platform accommodates both tender and jet ski storage. The full-beam master suite spans 45 square meters with direct access to the foredeck pool area.Interior accommodations include five cabins for 10 guests, with two convertible twin/double staterooms. Crew quarters provide six berths in three cabins with a separate mess area. Material selections feature Calacatta marble, resin-finished ceilings, and engineered wood paneling throughout living spaces.Bernardo Zuccon of Zuccon International Project noted: "Asymmetry on SL110A is not simply a formal gesture - but a tool to reshape the spatial harmony onboard." The design eliminates 30% of traditional structural obstructions compared to previous models, improving sightlines across 210 square meters of total deck area.Technical enhancements include upgraded sound insulation in engine compartments and improved stabilization systems. The flybridge offers configurable layouts as either sun lounge or dining space, while the main deck lounge incorporates sliding glass walls that expand to create a 22 square meter waterside terrace when stationary.Production will continue at Sanlorenzo's La Spezia facility, with the Cannes display model being the first of six scheduled builds for 2026 delivery. Base pricing starts at €18 million before customization options. The SL110A represents the continued development of Sanlorenzo's asymmetrical series, which currently accounts for 40% of the shipyard's motor yacht orders.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: Sanlorenzo
July 24, 2025