Benetti Yachts in Italy is revealing details about the 134-foot Kahala. It’s a fiberglass yacht with exteriors by RWD, naval architecture by PLANA and Azimut-Benetti, and interiors in collaboration with New York-based Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture.
Kahala’s primary exterior feature is the Oasis Deck aft. This section of the yacht has side wings that open the beach area into a nearly 970-square-foot terrace at water level. A nearly 1,500-gallon infinity pool is here—Benetti calls it “rare for a yacht this size”—and is heated with a massage function.
Exterior styling is inspired by the automotive industry, with a plumb bow, vertical windscreen and long, glazed surfaces with silver frames.
Inside, the team from Bonetti/Kozerski included a series of pieces from the 1950s to the 1970s. The idea is that they have an enduring elegance and simplicity that never go out of fashion. The firm also designed the rug in the main-deck salon, an area that has extensive glazing for natural light along with a custom table that seats 10 people for dining.
Between the salon and the owner’s stateroom on the main deck is a sculpture that the owner commissioned from a Hawaiian artist, as a symbol of the owner’s deep ties with the state.
Up one level, the wheelhouse has full-height glazing and seating for six people. Instead of a traditional helm station with a wheel, this yacht has what Benetti calls a “light bridge console featuring a futuristic design developed by Benetti and Fincantieri.” The carbon-fiber console has integrated software and controls laid out on two panels, like extra armrests for the captain’s chair. Racks for the navigation equipment are in an air-conditioned compartment abaft the wheelhouse to starboard, hidden by panels.
Also on this deck is the skylounge, which has a bar as well as a breakfast table. The skylounge connects to an outdoor space with custom sun pads that are similar to the ones installed above on the sundeck.
Belowdecks, there are four guest staterooms. Along with the main-deck master, they allow for a total complement of 10 guests. There are also four cabins for eight crew, as well as a captain’s cabin.
For heading ashore, the yacht has a side garage that can house a 20-foot tender. There’s a separate room for stowing toys near the beach area aft.
Let’s talk performance: According to Benetti Yachts, Kahala has two MAN V-12 engines that allow for a top hop of 17 knots, with transatlantic range at a speed of 11 knots.
