An extraordinary 70-metre full custom superyacht built by Benetti in 2020 takes centre stage once again thanks to a full refit by Lusben. Coordinated by Ocean Independence as brokerage partner, the new interiors were magically designed by Mark Berryman Design. On board, every intervention respects her original design DNA while bringing this yacht into a new era of elegance and ease
by Désirée Sormani
M/Y Alfa, an extraordinary 70-metre full custom superyacht built by Benetti in 2020, has been refitted by Lusben. With over 60 years of experience and deep roots in the history of Italian yachting, the shipyard is one of the leading refit centres in the Northern Mediterranean. M/Y Alfa is now available for charter with Ocean Independence
When M/Y Alfa was delivered in 2020 by Benetti, she immediately stood apart. 70 metres long, the fully custom superyacht, with interiors by Luxury Project, Alfa combined sculptural lines with disciplined proportions, projecting a quiet authority rather than overt flamboyance. Five decks, generous volumes and a fluid relationship between interior and exterior spaces defined a yacht conceived as both architectural statement and private retreat.
Five years on, Alfa enters a new phase. The yacht, in fact, has just completed an extensive refit at Lusben in Livorno, marking not simply a technical milestone but a strategic repositioning: from private residence at sea to charter platform designed for a broader, experiencedriven lifestyle.
The project, coordinated with brokerage house Ocean Independence, was conceived as a holistic intervention. Structural works, mechanical upgrades and a comprehensive interior redesign were treated as interconnected layers of the same narrative — one focused on continuity rather than reinvention.
“The vision behind the refit of M/Y Alfa was to give new life to a yacht already renowned for her strong identity and timeless beauty,” the Owner explains.
Beneath the aesthetic transformation lies a rigorous technical programme. The yard carried out the fiveyear survey alongside major servicing of stabilisers, propulsion shafts, engines, gearboxes and generators, complemented by full electrical testing and control system checks.
The hull and Owner’s Deck were entirely repainted, with additional wraps and multi-layer protective coatings ensuring durability as well as visual consistency. Mechanical refinements included an upgraded forward crane with new software enabling independent arm control, redesigned and extended bollards, and the complete overhaul of the side ladder, stern passerelle and swim ladder.
At the stern, the beach platform was optimised with new fittings and retractable bollards to streamline mooring and tender operations. Subtle but impactful, new lighting elements — including a backlit yacht nameplate — sharpen the yacht’s nocturnal presence.
“Lusben oversaw the extensive technical programme, involving major inspections and servicing of stabilisers, propulsion shafts, valves, engines, gearbox, and
Throughout the yacht, material selection was key. Natural tones are combined with tactile surfaces to achieve a sense of calm luxury. The Owner was clear: he wanted to enrich the onboard experience, enhance comfort, and introduce new design elements that would feel both understated and distinctive. Through a close and collaborative process between Lusben and Mark Berryman Design. the Owner’s vision was realised with refined design and precise craftsmanship. The result is a modern, elegant, and welcoming yacht. Along the portside corridor, a dedicated wine cellar transforms a transitional passage into a scenographic moment, embedding hospitality into circulation itself
The Master Suite received a full upgrade with a custom headboard, reworked cabinetry and updated finishes that generate warmth and texture. New design elements have been introduced everywhere for a distinctive atmosphere
generators, as well as comprehensive electrical testing and control system checks,” says Ferdinando Pilli, General Manager at Lusben. “A project of this scale demands precise technical coordination and meticulous daily management. The teams of Project Management at Lusben demonstrated professionalism and dedication throughout every phase of the refit.”
If the engineering provides the foundation, the interiors articulate the new identity. The redesign was entrusted to London-based Mark Berryman Design, whose approach focused on enhancing atmosphere rather than altering the yacht’s architectural DNA. “The brief from the Owner was clear: to enrich the onboard experience, enhance comfort, and introduce new design elements that would feel both understated and distinctive,” says Mark Berryman. “The challenge was to blend innovation with continuity — to make the yacht feel refreshed, not reinvented.”
The Main Deck has been entirely reconfigured as a more open, sociable environment. Custom sofas anchor the space, while marble-topped tables with integrated fire pits introduce both tactility and theatre. Chaise longues and bespoke poufs — including a playful version with an inlaid chessboard — temper sophistication with informality.
Walls and doors were redesigned to harmonise with a lighter, more tactile palette. Materiality plays a central role throughout. Natural tones, layered fabrics and carefully selected surfaces create what might be described as
The designers began by completely reimagining the main deck, creating a more open, social atmosphere. New custom-made sofas, marble-topped tables with built-in fire pit, chaise longues, and playful bespoke poufs all contribute to a more relaxed yet sophisticated ambience. Walls and doors were redesigned to harmonise with the new aesthetic. M/Y Alfa is now available for charter through Ocean Independence
calm luxury — an atmosphere attuned to contemporary expectations of comfort without compromising elegance.
Four custom bars punctuate the social flow, including a teppanyaki bar on the Skydeck and a sculptural curved servery designed to encourage conviviality. The galley has been entirely reconfigured for operational efficiency, reflecting Alfa’s new charter vocation.
“Every choice, from materials and finishes to layout adjustments, was guided by the desire to create a yacht that feels more adaptable, welcoming, and in tune with today’s lifestyle at sea,” the Owner adds.
“The result is a yacht that feels renewed yet faithful to her origins.”
Alfa’s refit is emblematic of a broader shift within contemporary yacht design. Rather than rewriting the yacht’s identity, Lusben and the design team have amplified it — refining performance, recalibrating ambience and aligning functionality with a new operational model. It comes as no surprise. With 70 years of experience and a leading role in the refit and maintenance of superyachts and sailing yachts, Lusben celebrates its anniversary in 2026, reaffirming its position as one of the most authoritative players on the Mediterranean and international stage.
For the shipyard this refit marks a challenge overcome. The time constraints involved six months’ work and despite the size of the task, especially in the interiors, the deadline was respected in full. A perfect demonstration that Lusben combines the highest quality standards with the distinctive craftsmanship of Italian tradition. Its flexible approach delivers smart, tailor-made solutions for every project.
