This Italian Classic Exudes Timeless Elegance With a Modern Touch

Many yachting enthusiasts looking to acquire a new luxury toy found their dream boat at the beginning of the year during one of the numerous shows in the industry. With the summer season slowly coming to an end, it's time for a second round. The highly-anticipated, ultra-glamorous Cannes Yachting Festival is just a few weeks away.

In addition to all the exciting new models making their debut at the prestigious event, pre-loved pleasure craft will also show off their qualities. One of these is Sounion II – a true classic launched by one of the top superyacht builders of all time, the Italian Benetti. The Benetti heritage is enough to make Sounion II a coveted collector's item. Add a skillful refit completed earlier this year, and you have a perfect luxury boat, ready to start a new chapter.

By size, Sounion II wouldn't officially classify as a superyacht. At less than 32 meters (104 feet), it’s closer to the yachts built during a bygone golden era when no mammoth motor yachts were in sight. Its length and canoe-stern design place it in the highly-admired category of gentleman's yachts.

Some of the features that characterize gentleman's yachts are a graceful silhouette that doesn't draw attention, an abundance of wood on the inside, and a comfortable, familiar atmosphere onboard. A gentleman's yacht would never look like a spaceship, on the outside or on the inside. Instead, it would look and feel like a home away from home in the true sense of the word. These classic gems are defined by understated luxury, discrete elegance, and family-friendly features.

Sounion II has all that and more. At first glance, it does bring classic wooden boats to mind. However, it didn't stay the same. Built in steel and aluminum, the Benetti classic would be totally rebuilt in 2006. It was nearly 40 years after its debut.

It was completely stripped and then brought back to life with brand-new engines, generators, electrical systems, and interiors. This rebirth took place at Mondomarine, another reputable Italian shipyard, and was elevated by the contribution of Frederic Mechiche, a well-known designer.

More than a decade later, the classic Benetti, known at the time as Happy Day, was upgraded two more times, including a new paint job, in 2017 and 2018. After the 2018 refresh, Happy Day entered the market in 2022, asking for €2,5 million ($2.7 million). It found a new owner and changed its name to Sounion II, as it's known today.

However, it wasn't long before it was back on the market. Less than a year later, the refitted classic is ready to change hands once again. This time, it's asking for almost double the price - €4,2 million ($2.6 million), primarily justified by the upgrades added earlier this year.

Today, Sounion II claims to be a flawless family yacht. It combines generous accommodation with wide outdoor spaces and top-level performance. It can welcome up to ten guests. The master suite unfolds over the upper deck, offering direct access to a private terrace.

The stateroom located forward on the lower deck is large enough to be considered a second master suite. Two more cabins, a VIP and a twin, sit aft on the lower deck. All feature en-suite bathrooms, TVs, and the latest entertainment systems.

Sounion II's main salon is one of its greatest features. Claiming to be one of the largest seen on a yacht this size, it includes a separate area for formal dining and a classic study with a library and a media room fitted with a large TV screen. The dining area houses two rectangular tables that can be used separately or together.

Moving aft of the salon, guests can find the perfect spot for al-fresco dining, with the sundeck above providing much-needed shade. A circular seating area was added to the canoe stern, right aft, for lounging and sipping cocktails in the open air. Like any modern yacht, it's fitted with generous sun pads and a wide selection of water toys.

Style-wise, Sounion II is neither too classic nor too modern. Anouska Hempel refreshed its interior style with a discrete Asian touch, noticeable in the black-and-white color palette, Japanese-style furniture, and overall minimalism. At the same time, the honey-colored wood panels and traditional layout remind us of the yacht's classic essence. Sounion II is just as much a floating coastal hotel as it is a comfy family home on the water.

Beyond its sophisticated lines, the 1969 Benetti prides itself in being more economical than other yachts in its size category and offering greater range. Powered by overhauled 750 HP Volvo engines, it can cover approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,550 km) at 11 knots (12.6 mph/20 kph) while burning less fuel than a similar younger boat.

Those who would like to admire this refitted classic up close will find it at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival this September.