This project could easily be considered the gold standard of yacht design—a collaboration so seamless that it’s what every shipbuilder likely dreams of achieving with their clients. The future owner of King Benji began his search for the “perfect yacht” on the brokerage market long before approaching a designer. However, he struggled to find one that met all his requirements. The closest match was the 45-metre Big Fish, built in 2010 by McMullen & Wing to a design by Gregory C. Marshall. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for sale. So, the owner decided to contact the naval architect himself.

The two met on the eve of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and began discussing concepts. During the show, they toured dozens of yachts in the 35–50-metre range, refining the client’s vision. Finally, Marshall sketched a design in just five minutes with an ink pen. “Something like this?” he asked. “Exactly this!” the client exclaimed.

At the top of the owner’s wish list was functionality: large windows, ample open deck spaces, spacious garages for every imaginable water toy, and living quarters big enough to comfortably accommodate the owner’s family—including his beloved dog, King Benji, after whom the yacht is named. The vessel also needed to be reliable—essentially an all-weather explorer—but compact enough to dock in standard marinas without issue.

To ensure every detail of the layout and ergonomics met the client’s expectations, Marshall’s team constructed a full-scale mock-up in a rented hangar. This “giant 3D notebook”, as the designer called it, allowed the client to visualise and fine-tune every corner of the yacht. This high level of detail made the construction process a pleasure for everyone involved. According to Sedat Ergun, CEO of Dunya Yachts, the shipyard contracted for the build, “The design and construction teams worked together perfectly throughout the entire process.”

The result? A truly unique yacht, remarkable both inside and out.

The yacht’s steel hull measures 46.7 metres in length, with an 8.88 m beam, a 2.95 m draught, and a gross tonnage of 499 GT. Staying under 500 GT in favour of lesser operating costs and class requirements is important for the owner, who plans to charter the yacht when it isn't used by the family.

While outdoor relaxation areas aren’t expansive in terms of square footage, every inch of the deck plans has been meticulously thought out. Take, for example, the foredeck lounge. The bulwarks in the bow rise to the level of the second deck, providing excellent protection from prying eyes and spray at high speeds. This area features a C-shaped sofa with a table and a three-section sunbed. The middle section hides a surprise: its cushions cover a jacuzzi. When removed, the tub reveals two separate compartments, allowing for simultaneous hot and cold water.

The aluminium superstructure, shifted forward, is relatively compact but boasts four open terraces: a top deck with a teppanyaki bar, a private foredeck, and two aft terraces with dining areas and sun loungers. Its height above sea level allows for fun additions like a water slide and a suspended FunAir climbing wall. From the swim platform, you can deploy a submersible pool, an inflatable trampoline, and a golf “island” that doubles as a dock or diving platform—essentially transforming the yacht into a floating water park.

For water fun enthusiasts, the yacht is equipped with an impressive fleet of tenders and water toys. The aft section of the main deck is fitted with a 10-tonne crane and a dedicated 1,200 l fuel tank. It houses a 12 m Nor-Tech tender and speedboats (the owner’s collection includes 14, with the Nor-Tech 400 Supersport as his favourite) and four 300 hp jet skis. Inside the garage, you’ll find Seabob underwater scooters, snorkelling and diving gear, e-foils, wakeboards, paddleboards, and more.

Powered by twin Caterpillar C32 engines, King Benji reaches a top speed of 14.5 knots. At a cruising speed of 12 knots, the yacht has an impressive range of 4,000 nautical miles.

The interior design, executed by British studio Design Unlimited, reflects the owner’s desire for something far from the neutral greys and beiges typical of charter yachts. He also expressed a strong dislike for white, associating it with hospitals. Instead, he wanted an explosion of colors, shapes, and textures: “Let it be so bold and crazy that people want to take a selfie in every room!”

The resulting theme is one of adventure and harmony with nature. Accommodations for up to 10 guests are styled like tropical bungalows, with bamboo ceilings, woven wall coverings, natural stone accents, and rattan furniture. Bed headboards and tabletops are crafted from massive wood slabs, preserving their organic curves and grain patterns, which will age beautifully over time. The vibrant decor is complemented by custom wallpapers from Adam Ellis Studio, bold textiles, and large potted plants.

The main salon is open on three sides, with sliding side windows and cockpit doors that eliminate the boundary between interior and exterior spaces. In addition to the large central dining table, there’s a smaller dining area to port, adjacent to the galley. The kitchen is separated by a sleek bar counter rather than a solid bulkhead, reflecting the owner’s philosophy that cooking is an essential part of the leisure experience. Guests can watch the culinary process or prepare the meals themselves from the day's fresh catch.

The master suite on the upper deck includes a bedroom with semi-panoramic views, a lounge with a bar, and a private terrace. Four guest cabins on the lower deck feature a symmetrical layout with unique colour schemes. One of the cabins is a twin.

Crew accommodations, housing 8–10 members, are located in the forward section of the lower deck and have a separate entrance for easy access.

At night, the yacht’s blue hull shimmers with aquamarine reflections from its underwater lighting, evoking the image of an enchanted island where life feels like a celebration.