'Persefoni I' Superyacht Is a Mediterranean Gem Ready To Turn Heads

This alluring, all-white superyacht that seems to float above water gracefully was born more than a decade ago under a different name. In 2012, Mariotti Yachts unveiled the 54-meter (177 feet) motor yacht Rahil at the famous Monaco Yacht Show. Rahil (Project Jana) was a sistership to the already-famous Sea Force One. Launched in 2008, Sea Force One made waves with its futuristic, dark grey hull and ultra-modern interior style inspired by nightclubs.

Rahil and Sea Force One were part of the same successful series and were created by the same legendary designer, Luca Dini. At the same time, they were very different – one was peaceful and artistic, while the other was more of a party yacht with a more masculine vibe. Rahil was enjoyed exclusively by its original owner for more than five years.

After almost two years on the market, Rahil eventually changed ownership. It was sold in France, in the summer of 2021, for a whopping €22 million ($24 million). At the time, it had never been chartered and was barely used. It seems that the original owner only cruised onboard during the summer months. In spite of this, the new owner decided to invest in an extensive refit. The main reason was to prepare Rahil, renamed Persefoni I, for luxury charter cruises.

The extensive refit was completed in 2022 when the Italian yacht emerged as one of the most beautiful pleasure craft available for charter in the Mediterranean.

Boasting an impressive volume of more than 900 GT, Persefoni I seamlessly combines luxury accommodations with wide, generous outdoor areas. Up to 12 guests can enjoy the impressive six-stateroom layout. The opulent master suite on the main deck reveals the yacht's most distinctive feature – private balconies to both port and starboard. These hydraulic terraces extend from the suite to create stunning outdoor areas that the owner can enjoy in full privacy.

The other staterooms include a VIP suite on the bridge deck, also with great views, plus three doubles and a twin cabin on the lower deck. A huge 13-people crew turns the cruises onboard Persefoni I into truly luxurious experiences. An experienced captain is joined by a top chef and a trained security bodyguard, among others.

Like all superyachts adapted for charter, Persefoni I resembles a five-star resort. The spacious sundeck houses a large jacuzzi forward, with wonderful, uninterrupted views of the water. It's surrounded by comfortable sun beds, with a bar and lounge area nearby. This deck is also equipped for al-fresco dining, in addition to the spacious formal dining area on the main deck.

During the day, guests can head out for a workout in the onboard gym or try out one of the many water toys. After enjoying a massage in the dedicated spa room and relaxing in the jacuzzi, it's the perfect time to watch a movie at the outdoor cinema.

Persefoni I is as elegant as it is comfortable. Exquisite paintings and sculptures by European artists add the final touch to the minimalistic yet sophisticated interior style created by Luca Dini. Dini designed Persefoni I inside and out after doing the same with its sistership, Sea Force One. The legendary Italian designer started his career in the yachting industry in 1987.

His incredible portfolio includes more than 75 ultra-luxurious superyachts, ranging from rugged explorers to high-speed vessels. He worked mostly with top Italian shipyards, including Benetti, Tecnomar, Mondomarine, and Admiral.

Performance-wise, the 2012 superyacht can hit more than 17.5 knots (20 mph/32 kph) at full speed, powered by twin Caterpillar engines. At cruising speed, it burns 550 liters per hour, and it's also fitted with zero-speed stabilizers that prevent unpleasant rolling motions when the yacht is anchored.

Persefoni I was built by one of the oldest shipyards in Italy. Temistocle Mariotti founded the shipyard that would bear its name in the historic port of Genoa in 1928. The modest ship repair company became highly successful in the 1950s when ship conversion and reconversion projects were in high demand.

By 1990, Mariotti Yachts had extended its activity to the cruise ship market. In the 200s, it entered its superyacht era. At the same time, it continued to take on major conversion and refit projects (most recently, it worked on the iconic Kingdom 5KR, formerly known as Trump Princess, owned by Donald Trump).

Following its own extensive refit, the elegant Persefoni I made a splash on the charter market. It's currently cruising all over the Mediterranean, with weekly rates in high season starting at $300,000.