Environmentally friendly yacht: Benetti Meamina for charter in Maldives and Seychelles
The Meamina surely doesn’t skim on its quirks and we take a look at this environmentally friendly super yacht
Chartering in the Maldives and Seychelles this year, the 59 metre Benetti Meamina is an elegant, contemporary yacht. A fully equipped, action-packed vessel, she is a popular choice for families too, and is using Yacht Carbon Offsets to counter the greenhouse gas impact of fuel used.
Former Captain Steve Barker explains that this involves matching the greenhouse gas emissions from her engines and generators, ton for ton, with equivalent reductions from verified green energy projects. “Meamina is now operating in a more environmentally responsible way”, he says of the owners’ 2014 decision.
“Without compromising our very high standards, we have also re-evaluated many areas of daily operations, behind the scenes, and worked out ways to provide greener choices to guests on board. “Though we always seek to be fuel efficient, the fuel demands of a powerful, luxurious yacht like Meamina are vast. So it is great that we can respond effectively and economically to her greenhouse gas impact with Yacht Carbon Offset Limited”.
This company, based in London’s Mayfair, provides a fully- documented service for superyacht owners, and has Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Certification. Says their Mark Robinson: “We were delighted to welcome Meamina, and to help counteract her carbon footprint. This is increasingly important to many owners and charterers, especially those that are high profile, or who are concerned about the impact that their lifestyle may have on the climate.
“Meamina used a Gold Standard renewable energy project in Turkey for her initial carbon offset program. This venture was dependent on carbon funding, so Meamina’s action made a real difference. It is lovely to work with this beautiful yacht, and we thank all on board for their decision to proceed. More information can be found at yachtcarbonoffset.com.
Launched in 2009, Meamina is a full displacement motor yacht with a steel hull and aluminum topsides. Naval architecture is by Benetti, exterior lines by their Stefano Natucci, and Studio Massari took care of the interior design. The layout sleeps 12 guests in an immaculate master suite, an upper deck VIP stateroom, two double cabins and two twins. Up to 15 crew can be carried, including two world-class chefs and a qualified masseuse.
Powered by twin MTU V12 4000 turbo-charged engines, she has a top speed of 16 kts and range of 5,000 nm at 12 kts, a capability that has seen her in the Med, Caribbean, Pacific, Indian Ocean and Asia’s exotic seas and straits during a very fully-occupied eight years. Naiad stabilised when under way and at anchor, Meamina is classified by the American Bureau of Shipping.
Principal tenders are two 7.4m and 6m Pascoe jet drives. She carries two Yamaha wave runners, a stand-up wave runner, jet surf, wake boards, two stand-up paddle boards, two Eddyline kayaks, three bicycles, adult and child waterskis, snorkelling gear, inflatable towable toys, water slide, scuba gear, and there are both indoor and outdoor gymnasiums.
A Benetti spokesman says that apart from the classical purity of her white hull and superstructure, and exemplary Studio Massari interiors and decor, special attention was given to the owners’ private quarters. “Meamina is a true family yacht, designed for relaxing and comfortable cruising. The owner asked us to create different areas in the salons, and formal and informal social gathering places for the guests. The aim was to build a prestigious and impressive yacht with sophisticated decor and elegant furnishings. Interiors are pleasantly cosy”.
Of particular interest is the master suite, which has his and hers studies. Entrance is via her study, then there is a lounge and relaxation area beside starboard windows, with a sofa flanked by a pair of coffee tables and a bookcase on the wall.
A large double bed is centred. Here a flat screen TV drops down from an overhead recess, and beyond is a short hallway off which are dressing rooms. On the port side is a spacious bathroom with twin basins, tall cabinets, a tub and separate shower. Steps lead to a forward upper level within the master suite, where his study is located, complete with sweeping bow views, and a door giving access to the foredeck. Possibly the most prominent study we’ve ever seen on a superyacht.
Guests staying in the VIP suite are also wonderfully located on the upper deck, sharing space with the sky lounge. The decks are variously arranged for wining and dining or sunbathing and swimming or relaxing in the jacuzzi, while within, off the principal salon, there is a formal dining table for 12 in a wood- panelled setting bathed in gentle ambient lighting. Even a small impromptu cinema can be set up. Definitely a lovely layout, and thoughtful use of all available spaces.
This vessel is available for charter via Burgess Yachts.
This article was first published in Yacht Style 38.
