The Benetti 52m Solafide has become more modern and technologically advanced, thanks to the magical and extremely challenging refit masterminded by Tommaso Spadolini.
A 52-meter Benetti superyacht with over 30 years of history has been brought back to life in under a year. This is the “mission impossible” successfully completed by architect Tommaso Spadolini, who oversaw the refit of this stunning vessel, making its return to the sea a reality. The project involved restyling the yacht’s exterior profile, completely redesigning the common areas, replacing parts of the hull plating and overhauling the engines. The work was carried out in collaboration with yacht designer Giulia Grassi from the Supernova Design studio, who handled the interior design, and IMS Shipyard in Toulon, France, which executed the refit.
“The owner’s requests were very clear – says architect Tommaso Spadolini – He had fallen in love with this Benetti, but he wanted to update it both technically and aesthetically—inside and out—while preserving the yacht’s classic spirit and giving it a more contemporary look, above all making it suitable for cruising with his large family”.
Launched in 1994 under the name Tommy, the superyacht has now been renamed Solafide – a more modern and exclusive name that reflects the extraordinary outcome of the refit. What’s impressive is not only the final result, but also the extremely tight timeline. The owner first got in touch in July 2023, the initial sketches were drawn up in August and approved in December, and the yacht was relaunched in April 2024—a true tour de force.
More modern and technological
The refit of the Benetti 52m Solafide focused on the boat’s exterior and onboard technology, giving it a more contemporary visual impact while while updating the on-board systems, which had undergone considerable evolution in more than 30 years.
“We started with the yacht’s original cream color, which was replaced with white, adding dark stripes and steel grilles – explains Spadolini – In particular, we focused on the aft section of the main deck, which was originally used to accommodate two tenders, and transformed it into a lounge area that can be enjoyed both while cruising and at anchor. New hatches were created and the aft bulwark was modified by adding two fold-down side terraces to enhance sea views. A fully equipped sunbathing area was created in front of the wheelhouse, complete with sunshades and accessible through a newly designed entryway. On the flybridge of the Benetti 52m Solafide, the original technical zone was converted into an elegant space, with teak flooring and posts for sunshades”.
The overhaul of the two 16-cylinder Deutz engines of 2,400 hp each proved particularly complex as it required them to be removed from the yacht. This operation meant cutting into the living deck which could not be closed or further outfitted until the engines returned from the factory. From a more strictly structural point of view, several steel plates on the hull and aluminium sections of the superstructure were replaced. Finally, since the solarium is expected to accommodate helicopter landings while underway, the entire structure had to be reinforced and fitted with removable furniture, with an H marking integrated into the teak flooring.
The entire electrical system was completely redone, bringing navigation aids and onboard connectivity up to date with the latest technological solutions. However, the two davits were retained so that tenders can still be brought aboard the Benetti 52m Solafide during long passages.
The challenge of the Benetti 52m Solafide interior
Designer Giulia Grassi, owner of the Supernova Design studio, faced a particularly complex task: she had to strike a balance between preserving the yacht’s history and introducing modern design elements to meet the owner’s intricate demands. The goal was to bring in more light and a contemporary feel, but above all, to increase livability compared to the classic 1990s furnishings previously onboard.
“The owner requested more seating capacity throughout the yacht, both in the cabins and in shared areas – Grassi explains – We completely reimagined the spaces, optimizing them by reorganizing the interior bulkheads and adding custom-made furniture—such as sofas and furnishings that matched the yacht’s overall aesthetic. In particular, we removed some built-in furniture in the main deck dining area to make room for a table large enough to comfortably seat the entire family. The outdoor areas were also enhanced with custom cushions and modular furniture, increasing both flexibility and comfort—especially in the newly transformed aft section of the main deck, where the connection to the sea is now much more pronounced”.
On the main deck, all the original furniture was removed, and the sense of increased space was further enhanced by replacing the old curtains and their seats with more modern, streamlined systems. Moreover, seating capacity was expanded by redesigning all the furnishings, except for the armchairs and dining chairs, which were left unchanged. For example, the new sofa was designed with integrated storage space, and the side tables can be converted into additional seating to accommodate all the family members cruising aboard the Benetti 52m Solafide.
The interior before Tommaso Spadolini’s refit
The interior of the Benetti 52m Solafide after the refit
The dining room also underwent a major transformation. By moving the partition wall further aft, more space was created for the table and surrounding seating. The flooring was completely redone, now featuring a section of white onyx beneath the table, along with a backlit wall that changes color according to the desired mood. Additionally, a clever mirror system allows diners to enjoy sea views from anywhere in the room. The owner’s suite, on the other hand, remained largely unchanged—maintaining its classic character while building upon an earlier pre-refit update.
On the upper deck of the Benetti 52m Solafide, the use of some spaces was redefined. The lounge area can now be converted into a large cabin accommodating up to four guests when not in use as a media and TV room. This transformation is made possible by a special sofa designed by Supernova Design Studio. Another new feature on this deck is the addition of a new VIP cabin.
The open aft area was also renovated with new furnishings and now includes air conditioning. The same enhancement were made to the flybridge, where the aft furnishings are removable to allow for helicopter landings.
“It was a pleasure to modernize such a beautiful yacht as this Benetti 52m Solafide, originally designed by Stefano Natucci, whose work was truly outstanding – concludes Tommaso Spadolini – Now, with practically new engines, she can cruise at 21 knots thanks to a narrow, high-performance hull. Her maximum beam is ‘just’ 8.9 meters – an unusual figure for modern yachts of this size. We’re also proud to have kept the gross tonnage under 500 GT – 472 to be precise ”.
