Built by the Italian shipyard Benetti and completed earlier this year, the 38.10 metre Iron Man is the first of five yachts already sold in the shipyard’s Class Fast Displacement Vivace 125’ range. Her sporty exterior comes from the drawing board of Stefano Righini, whilst Miami based studio Alfred Karram Jr. undertook her luxurious interior design. Iron Man was commissioned by a reportedly young client, who chose to name the boat after the iconic Marvel comic character in admiration of the concept of an inventor in love with technology, a concept which has been continued, and is easily identified, within the interior of the vessel.
One of the most blatant ways in which this concept has been achieved throughout her interior is her monochromatic, technological-esque colour scheme. Materials such as black, grey and white granite, black and silver aluminium, stainless steel, black leather and gray exotic wood have been utilised. This works to create a very modern, sophisticated and masculine feel throughout the boat, very much present in her cosy saloon and main dining area. The book-matched granite floor creates a palatial feel to this area as soon as it is entered, with the floor to ceiling windows which encompass the space flooding the area with natural light and adding an element of brightness to the moody tones of the colour scheme.
Brightness is also brought to this space through the bright white leather chairs surrounding the large crystal glass and stainless steel dining table, as well as the unique textured art piece hanging directly behind the table. Set against the black and silver tiled wall, the circular relief painting is in a crimson red and immediately draws the eye. Directly in front of the dining table, a cosy seating area is found with the welcoming sofa accompanied by two plush armchairs and centred around a stylish coffee table, creating the perfect area to relax and socialise whilst enjoying the spectacular views. Access to the main deck furnished with a settee, tables and two armchairs is found in the saloon through a large sliding crystal door.
Founder and Chief Designer of the interior design studio, Alfred Karram Jr., comments on the design brief given to the brand by the owner, saying: “The goal of the design concept for the Iron Man project was to create a one of a kind space that would boast a highly innovative modern aesthetic through the use of sharp and dramatic geometries via the use of very unique and state of the art materials and finishes.”
Also located on the main deck is the full beam owner’s suite, consisting of an expansive dressing room, his and hers bathroom which is separated by a large shower in granite and mosaics, a small saloon and a custom designed glass work table facing out towards the window. This area features an upholstered suede accent wall, designed in alternating trapezoidal shapes. The LED TV is inset into a highly textured resin paneled wall, colored in different hues of cool blue, black and gray, with scattered ascents of silver and white flecks.
A further eight guests are accommodated on board over two VIP cabins as well as two twin cabins, all of which are en suite and located on the lower deck.
From the main deck, a set of beautifully designed stairs lead up to the wheel house and gymnasium above. The dedicated gym area was a specific request from the owner, and features state-of-the-art equipment as well as large windows to be able to look out on great views whilst exercising.
Moving on to Iron Man’s exterior, she has four distinct areas devoted to the sea and on-board living. Astern on the upper deck a lounge with a custom divan over two metres long and almost five metres wide is found with a hot tub in front, and directly behind the large divan is a comfortable seating area, complete with two low coffee tables.
The sun deck features an additional hot tub, surrounded by an expansive sun pad and ample room for relaxation and entertainment. A large shaded al fresco dining area is also found on the sun deck, as well as a bar with plenty of comfortable seating areas. In addition, the owner also specifically requested that the deck be equipped with an external steering position.
The beach area has its own bar and is completely dedicated to enjoying the sea, thanks to the non intruding lateral garage opening. Commenting on the exterior of Iron Man, Benetti explain, “The exterior spaces are finished in a special gray and white gel coating that adds a special brilliance to the entertaining areas. The teak flooring is designed to respect the angular geometries of the superstructure and hull. This is evident in the direction of the planking that consistently flows in a parallel direction to the angle of the bow. The starboard and port side planks all converge into one center plank that serves as a visual spine that runs the entire length of the boat.”
In regards to her performance, she is powered by twin MTU 12V 2000 M94 engines of 2,636 hp each, giving her a top speed of 22 knots and a cruising speed of 17.5 knots.
A feature present on board the entire Vivace 125 range is the D2P Displacement to Planing hull form with wave piercer, and is also equipped with an innovative series of Azipods. Her revolutionary hull form allows the owner to use the yacht both in displacement mode with low fuel consumption for slow deliveries and at higher speeds in complete comfort. The low levels of noise on board were obtained through the use of her special propulsion system which allows the engine room to be placed farther aft, providing increased isolation for the guest cabins.
The yacht's excellent performance is also due to the lightness of the hull, thanks to the introduction of carbon fibre and epoxy resins in the superstructure. This intelligent combination gives the yacht a 40% lighter weight when compared to traditional structures.