Benetti Oasis 40M Review (2021 Edition)

Make no mistake, the Benetti Oasis concept from British design house RWD is the real deal, a genuine game-changing moment that will alter and advance the way all other yacht builders and designers approach a new concept.

This 385GT 40M model from the Oasis range, there is also a 34M and we will be very surprised if there are not more versions planned, is a next-generation superyacht, a tri-deck that includes every facet of cutting edge nautical thinking and then, as the greats do, goes on to create its own unique moments. 

The vertical prow, upright superstructure, raking lines, and metallic finish are everything the modernist could desire. The versatile semi-displacement hull and its 4,000nm range tell you that this is also a very serious vessel for highly discerning owners.

Star Quality

These points alone would move the Oasis into the upper echelons of the 40m market. But it then adds two special features that blow the completion away. First is the namesake Oasis stern design that will surely shape many more Benettis to come. The second is a helm station so special and beyond what anyone has delivered before that we might have to come up with a new name for it. For now, we shall simply call it a glass bridge, and more on that later.

Back to the stern and those shallow tiers of open deck that run down to the waterline. The design turns the rarely successful and always underemployed main deck aft into the perfect sea view terrace, overlooking an infinity pool and hydraulic swim platform. It is a main deck guaranteed to be used and enjoyed. Then the clever stuff happens.

The flanks of the 40M, sculpted upper works that continue the yacht’s profile, fold out to create one enormous waterside platform, over 10m (33ft) wide. The already vast and wonderful aft deck becomes the OASIS DECK (which Benetti has wisely decided to trademark). 

To create this area, the Benetti designers, pushed the tender garage forward of the engine room, allowing the deck to be dropped as low as possible and create a design that seamlessly connects to the water. 

But with so much space and design priority given to the aft deck, the initial fear is that the interior might suffer. Fully employed, with the flanks folded down, the OASIS DECK does indeed look huge, visually it seems to take up half the yacht, but with the flanks folded up the yacht’s proportions balance out, clearly delivering just as much superstructure and 370GT of internal volume as the best 40M out there.

With so much successful design outside, Benetti has intelligently merged the salon with the aft deck, an arc of huge glass doors opening up the lounge and connecting inside to out. This curved entrance is reflected in a shapely salon design with flowing waves of sofas and cabinetry that move forward toward the dining area. To each side, full-height glass ensures the views are incredible, and beautiful drapes ensure privacy. 

Layout and exact finish across the yacht can morph to suit the owner’s style, but it is good to see Benetti and interior designer Bonetti Kozerski Architects continuing the trend that avoids over-specification and allows the interior to breathe with well-spaced sofas and discreet cabinetry.

Style & Separation 

From the open salon, we move forward to a more ordered Owner’s stateroom. Benetti has created a true suite with three separate areas that give us first the bedroom and lounge, then, accessed through a neat passage, a full-width dressing, and then the ensuite in the broad bows. It is a design that will make 60m yacht owners jealous.

The bedroom and lounge area enjoy the broadest part of the hull and feel like a place you will never want or need to leave. The lounge area over to the starboard is big enough to be used. As opposed to being a place you might sit, this is a place you will stay. There is no option for a balcony, but the suite is bordered by massive sections of glass.

Separating the dressing area makes so much sense, the back of the closets creating the bedroom divide and also delivering privacy and lots and lots of stowage. The ensuite follows the same his’n’hers theme with a dual entrance and room for a deep bath as well as a big shower room. 

Before we leave the stateroom, there is an additional space to starboard, off the cabin’s entrance passage. A big bright glass-lined space intended for use as a gym but equally adept as a private office perhaps.

Guest Cabins

Moving aft, the central stairwell leads down to the lower deck guest accommodation or the upper deck helm and lounge. We will tear ourselves away from the helm for a while longer and head down, where four ensuite guest cabins await. There is plenty of variation on the final layout but the two VIPs and two double cabins here make sense, especially if you opt for convertible twin-to-double berths.

The upper deck sky lounge is perhaps the most conventional part of the yacht and none the worse for it. You won't be surprised to learn there is a lot of glass, delivering amazing views from this elevated position. The design allows the owner to work in what they want, be that a full dining table, lounge seating, a bar, and more. Given the upper deck aft is the perfect place to dine, keeping the interior more focused on lounging and a spot of TV watching, makes sense.

And now we come to what might be the star moment of a very special yacht, and that’s saying something given the OASIS DECK.

The often humble helm station has been given more love in recent years. Here it is given a design pedestal that elevates it to greatness. You could say it is a helm station that boldly goes where no helm has gone before. 

Walking onto the bridge from the upper deck is a moment to savor. The first hit comes from the glass that surrounds the helm, full-height and wrapping around the entire forward section. The view is extraordinary, and the sense of connection with the sea and sky is unmatched. Two massive doors lead out to each raised side deck, and an expanse of teak covers the sole.

When you have taken it all in, and that may require some time, your gaze then falls on the central command seat and the pods that wrap around it, the controls falling neatly under the captain’s hands. The design works in two big touchscreens at eye level with three above and leaves a clear line of sight forward. In case you were wondering, the steering wheel is a discreet little thing tucked to port.

With such a display, Benetti has ensured the crew and guests can enjoy the show with seating set respectfully to one side.

We have covered the sensational oasis to the stern, so let’s head to the sun deck which feels every inch the superyacht retreat. With the open aft deck the spot to head to when at anchor during the day, the sundeck is a more private option, perfect when in port, day or night.

The sundeck is a superb place to dine, with a hardtop covering the central area where the dining table will usually live. With so much space up here, the owner can have whatever layout they like. The example we looked at used the open areas of the deck fore and aft of the hardtop for sunbathing, a spa pool, and a barbecue grill.

Down a level, the upper deck, running off the sky lounge, adds yet more dining and lounging options, but we can see the foredeck being a favorite retreat with guests. Walk forward along the raised side deck and you come to a very impressive, slightly recessed lounge area, perfect for social gatherings and feeling safely and securely inside the yacht. Another private in-port lounge will make for an exciting seat when the yacht is underway.

Value at this length is about possibility and promise. The final price is more about the level of fit-out and the customization you require.

This Oasis has huge possibilities whether you are anchored off the Costa Smeralda or voyaging across some far-flung sea. Its decks are fantastic, but the interior is as spacious and stylish as any of its rivals. The promise comes from Benetti’s expertise in delivering a true semi-custom yacht, built to the highest standards and designed by one of the world’s best in RWD.

As a combination, it is a pretty unbeatable one.