Time waits for no one, and yachts from the 1990s are now considered vintage. These vessels have their own admirers—enthusiasts who cherish their timeless exteriors and are willing to invest in extensive refits. A prime example is the 52-metre Benetti, launched in 1994 under the playful name Tommy, which recently underwent a remarkable transformation to emerge as the pristine white Solafide. The name itself is unusual for a yacht—Sola fide, Latin for "by faith alone", is a Protestant doctrine emphasising salvation through faith. Whether the Hermès-logoed cushions in every room align with Protestant ideals of restraint is a question best left unanswered.
What is certain is that it took a leap of faith and a drive for success for the team of naval architects, led by Tommaso Spadolini, and interior designers from Supernova Design, headed by Giulia Grassi, to complete what they now call "Mission Impossible". Spadolini, who has a long-standing relationship with Benetti and a deep understanding of the DNA of one of Italy’s most renowned superyacht builders, saw this project as a creative challenge like no other.
“The owner’s vision was crystal clear,” Spadolini explains. “He fell in love with this Benetti yacht but wanted to modernise it both technically and aesthetically—inside and out—while preserving its classic character. Above all, he needed a yacht that could accommodate his large family.”
The most daunting aspect of the project? The tight timeline. Initial meetings with the owner began in July 2023, with the first sketches ready by August and the finalised plan completed in December. By April 2024, the refitted yacht was launched from the IMS shipyard in Toulon. Five months to overhaul a 52-metre yacht is nothing short of a sprint in the yachting world.
The yacht, intended as a family vessel, had clearly been well-loved and carefully maintained by its previous owners. By the 2020s, the former Tommy had become a charming relic of noble lineage—interesting, yet amusingly outdated.
Take, for instance, the questionable decision to cover part of the sundeck behind the jacuzzi with artificial grass, mixing sun loungers with jet skis. All of this was removed and replaced with a teak-finished helipad.
The exterior was given a dose of what the French call esprit—a refined elegance. “We began by replacing the original cream colour with white, adding dark accents and stainless steel grilles for a more sophisticated look,” Spadolini explains. “We focused particularly on the aft main deck, originally designed to house two tenders. We transformed it into a relaxation area, perfect for enjoying cruises or anchoring. We added hatches, modified the aft railings, and created two fold-down terraces to enhance the sea views. We also designed a fully equipped sunbathing area in front of the wheelhouse, complete with awnings. On the flybridge, a technical room was converted into an elegant teak-floored lounge.”
One of the most challenging tasks was the overhaul of the yacht’s two 16-cylinder Deutz engines, each boasting 2,400 horsepower. The engines had to be removed entirely, requiring the main deck to be cut open. Only after the engines were returned from the factory could the deck be sealed and work continue.
Thanks to its narrow, streamlined hull and upgraded engines, the yacht can now reach speeds of up to 21 knots. Its maximum beam of just 8.9 metres is rare for modern yachts of this size.
Structurally, several steel plates in the hull and aluminium panels in the superstructure were replaced. The sundeck was reinforced to safely support helicopter takeoffs and landings. The electrical systems were completely overhauled, and state-of-the-art navigation and connectivity systems were installed. Two davits were retained for tender storage during long voyages.
The interior underwent a complete transformation. Gone are the lacquered wood finishes, beige-check sofas, panelled cabinets, and shutters. While these elements were beautiful and evoked a sense of homey comfort, today’s design trends favour seamlessness and airy, light-filled spaces that feel open and connected to nature. Previously, repetitive geometric patterns on ceilings and glossy parquet floors gave the spaces a somewhat cramped feel. (The floors, admittedly, were a loss—perhaps they could have been preserved with a matte finish, but they were sacrificed for the sake of stylistic unity.)
“The owner requested more seating—both in the lounge areas and in the cabins,” explains Giulia Grassi. “We completely reconfigured the layout, optimised the spaces, and added custom furniture, sofas, and decor that reflect the overall aesthetic. For example, in the dining area on the main deck, we removed some built-in furniture to make room for a table that can comfortably seat the entire family. On the outdoor decks, we expanded the seating areas.”
Most of the furniture on the main deck was removed to create a sense of spaciousness. Bulky curtain fixtures were replaced with shorter, more streamlined options. The sofa folds away, while side tables double as additional seating for family members.
In the dining room, a partition wall at the aft was moved to create a more open feel. The flooring was completely replaced, and a white onyx inlay was added beneath the table, complemented by a backlit wall that changes colour to match the mood. A clever system of mirrors ensures that sea views can be enjoyed from every seat at the table. The owner’s suite, however, was left untouched, preserving its timeless charm.
On the upper deck, the functionality of the space was reimagined. The lounge now easily converts into a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to four guests. When not in use as a sleeping area, it serves as an interactive TV room, featuring a custom-designed sofa by Supernova Design. Another significant addition was a new VIP cabin.
The yacht is equipped with a custom-built 6.3-metre Castoldi tender and an impressive array of water toys, including SeaDoo jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and Seabobs.
“It was an absolute pleasure to breathe new life into this magnificent 52-metre Benetti yacht, originally designed by Stefano Natucci, whose work was truly exceptional,” concludes Tommaso Spadolini.
