You know the feeling. You’re scrolling through yacht charter listings, dreaming of the Mediterranean summer—Positano, the Amalfi Coast, maybe a little island hopping in Greece—and the numbers are just eye-watering. We’re talking €150,000, €200,000, even half a million a week for a decent 35-meter pedigree boat.
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| Benetti Superyacht |
And then, you see it.
FREEMONT. A 115-foot (35m) Benetti. A proper, steel-hulled Italian legend.
Price tag? Starting at €45,000 per week.
I actually stopped scrolling. I thought it was a typo. A Benetti for the price of a mass-produced fiberglass flybridge cruiser? There had to be a catch. Is it a rust bucket? Does it smell like 1983 inside? Do the engines work?
So, I dug deep. I mean really deep. I pulled the refit logs, I crunched the fuel consumption numbers, I looked at the crew ratios, and I compared it to every other Benetti on the market. And what I found was not just a "deal." It’s perhaps the most fascinating anomaly in the charter market today.
If you are planning a trip for 2025/2026 and want the "Billionaire" experience on a "Millionaire" budget, you need to read every word of this. This is the unauthorized, unfiltered deep dive into the FREEMONT Yacht Charter.
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| Benetti Superyacht |
Part 1: The "Old Money" Aesthetic (And Why It Matters)
Let’s address the elephant in the room immediately: Age.
FREEMONT was launched in 1983.
In the yachting world, 1983 is ancient. Most charter brokers will push you toward boats built in the last 5-10 years. They’ll tell you "newer is better." They’ll talk about zero-speed stabilizers and floor-to-ceiling glass.
But here is where they are wrong, and here is why FREEMONT is a secret weapon.
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| Benetti Superyacht |
The "Benetti 80s" Difference
In the early 80s, Benetti wasn’t churning out boats on an assembly line. They were building ships. FREEMONT is built with a steel hull and an aluminum superstructure.
Why does this matter to you, the guest?
Silence.
Modern fiberglass boats are light. They bounce. They vibrate. When you hit a wave in a plastic boat, you feel it in your teeth.
FREEMONT sits in the water like a tank. With a Gross Tonnage of 259 GT, she has significantly more volume than modern yachts of the same length (which usually hover around 200 GT). She plows through the chop, she doesn’t bounce over it.
When you step aboard, you aren't stepping onto a floating hotel; you're stepping onto a piece of maritime history that has been gutted and rebuilt to modern standards.
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| Benetti Superyacht |
The "Refit" Reality Check
You can’t talk about a 1983 boat without talking about refits. If this boat still had 1983 wiring and 1983 plumbing, I’d tell you to run away.
But FREEMONT has had major surgeries:
2013: Massive mechanical overhaul (rebuilt Caterpillar engines).
2017: A comprehensive aesthetic refit.
2022/2023: Interior refreshes and toy upgrades.
This isn't a "survivor." It’s a "Restomod." Think of it like a vintage Land Rover Defender that’s been fitted with a modern engine and quilted leather seats. You get the cool factor of the vintage silhouette, but the air conditioning actually works.
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| Benetti Superyacht |
Part 2: The Money Talk (The Part Brokers Glide Over)
Let’s get forensic with the budget. The headline price is €45,000 (low season) to €59,000 (high season) per week.
But you and I both know that’s not what leaves your bank account.
If you charter a comparable "modern" Benetti (like a Benetti Classic 115 from 2010), you are looking at €100,000 - €125,000 per week.
FREEMONT is literally half the price.
Here is the Real World Invoice for a 7-day charter in the West Med (France/Italy) in July (High Season):
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| Benetti Superyacht |
| Item | Cost (Approx) | Notes |
Charter Fee | €59,000 | The base rental cost. |
VAT (20%) | €11,800 | Varies by country (20% France/22% Italy). |
APA (35%) | €20,650 | Advance Provisioning Allowance (Food, Fuel, Dockage). |
Crew Tip (15%) | €8,850 | Industry standard is 10-20%. |
TOTAL | €100,300 | The "All-In" Price. |
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| Benetti Superyacht |
Now, let’s look at the Modern Benetti All-In Price:
Base: €115,000
VAT + APA + Tip = ~€195,000 Total.
The Savings: €95,000.
You could literally charter FREEMONT for two weeks for the price of one week on a newer sister ship. Or, you could take that €95k and spend it on:
Private jet transfers to the yacht.
Cases of Petrus and Dom Pérignon.
Every night in the most expensive berths in St. Tropez and Capri.
Benetti Superyacht
The Fuel Efficiency Hack
Here is a nerdy detail that will save you thousands.
FREEMONT runs on two Caterpillar D353TA engines. These are legendary workhorses.
At a cruising speed of 10-11 knots, she burns approximately 110 - 130 Liters per Hour.
Compare that to a modern fast-planing yacht (like a Sunseeker or Riva of similar size) which can easily burn 500-800 Liters per Hour.
Over a 40-hour cruising week, the fuel bill difference alone could be €15,000 - €20,000 in your pocket. This is why the APA on FREEMONT goes further. You spend less on diesel and more on lobster.
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| Benetti Superyacht |
Part 3: The Walkthrough – "Come On Board With Me"
Okay, forget the spreadsheet. Let’s walk through the boat. Close your eyes and imagine we are docked stern-to in Antibes.
The Aft Deck & The "Blade"
You step onto the passerelle and land on the Aft Deck. This is the heart of the yacht. It’s huge. Because the boat isn't trying to squeeze in a "beach club" garage like modern yachts, the main deck is expansive.
There’s a massive dining table for 10. But the star of the show?
The Blade Machine.
Yes, FREEMONT has a professional draught beer system (Heineken Blade or similar) installed in the bar. Most yachts give you bottles. FREEMONT gives you a perfectly poured, icy pint of draft beer while you watch the sunset. It’s a tiny detail, but it screams "this boat is for fun," not just for posing.
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| Benetti Superyacht |
The Salon: "Gentleman's Club" Vibes
You slide open the glass doors.
If you like "Miami Minimalist" white-on-white sterility, you will hate this.
FREEMONT’s interior is warm. We are talking golden woods, rounded edges (very 80s, very safe), and plush cream upholstery. It feels like a high-end London apartment from the glory days. It’s cozy. It invites you to sit on the sofa and read a book, not just stand around terrified of spilling red wine.
The 2017 refit brought in modern fabrics and lighter carpets, so it doesn't feel dark, but it retains that nautical warmth that modern "hospital aesthetic" yachts have lost.
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| Benetti Superyacht |
The Accommodation: The "Two Master" Secret
This is the killer feature for families or two couples sharing the cost.
Usually, on a 35m yacht, you have:
One Big Master Suite (for the primary payer).
Four tiny dungeons for everyone else.
FREEMONT breaks the rules.
The Master Suite: Full beam, located on the Main Deck. Huge windows, walk-in space, absolute privacy.
The VIP Suite: Also Full Beam. Also massive. Located on the Lower Deck.
Why is this huge?
If you are two families splitting the charter cost, you don't have to flip a coin for the "good room." You have two good rooms. The Master on the main deck is slightly better because of the windows, but the VIP downstairs is just as large in square footage.
Then you have 3 Twin cabins (two of which usually have Pullmans). This layout is perfect for:
2 Couples + 6 Kids.
3 Couples + Singles.
Benetti Superyacht
The Sundeck
Go up two levels. The sundeck isn't cluttered with a massive jacuzzi (which, let's be honest, is usually just "human soup" by day 3). Instead, it’s dedicated to lounging.
Massive sunpads, panoramic views, and total privacy from the quay. It’s old school. It’s about tanning, reading, and napping.
Part 4: The Toy Box – Is it Boring?
You might think an old boat has old toys. Maybe a rusty bicycle and a deflated floatie?
Wrong.
The owner knows that to compete with the new boats, the toy box has to be stacked.
Here is the current arsenal (2024/2025 specs):
Tender: A 5.1m Marlin with 115HP. This is fast enough to tow a wakeboard properly.
2 x Seabobs: These are €15,000 electric underwater scooters. The ultimate flex.
Wakeboard & Water Skis: (Jobe Vertex-Pro).
4 x Kayaks & 2 x Paddleboards: For the quiet mornings in the cove.
Snorkeling Gear: For 10 people.
The crew is key here. A 1983 boat doesn't have a hydraulic swim platform that dips into the water. You have to use the swim ladder. It’s a bit more physical. But the crew (7 of them!) are there to haul you out, hand you a towel, and hand you a drink before you’ve even dried off.
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| Benetti Superyacht |
Part 5: The Crew Factor – The Hidden 7th Gear
This is the highest information gain section of this article. Pay attention.
Ratio: 10 Guests / 7 Crew.
Ratio Score: 1.4 (Excellent).
On many entry-level 35m charters, you get 5 or 6 crew.
FREEMONT carries 7.
Why does this matter?
Service: With 7 crew, you have dedicated interior staff (stews) who are always making cocktails and turning down beds, while the deck crew manages the tender runs and anchor watch.
The Chef: You get a dedicated, high-level chef, not a deckhand who "likes to cook."
Captain: The current feedback on the Captain (Captain C.) is stellar. Reviews mention an "can-do" attitude. On older boats, the Captain is usually a mechanic-whisperer, someone who knows the boat’s soul. This translates to safety and smooth cruising.
Insider Tip: Because the boat is older, the crew quarters are actually quite decent (Benetti cared about crew back then). Happy crew = Happy charter. Modern boats often squeeze crew into tiny cells to maximize guest space. FREEMONT’s crew are rested and happy.
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| Benetti Superyacht |
Part 6: The Verdict – Who is FREEMONT For?
This boat is not for everyone. I want to be very clear so you don't book it and complain.
❌ DO NOT BOOK FREEMONT IF:
You are a Tech-Obsessive: If you need iPad controllers for the blinds and 8K screens in every bathroom, you will be disappointed. This is analog luxury.
You need 30 Knots: She cruises at 11 knots. She is a slow, graceful lady. If you want to zip from Monaco to St. Tropez in 45 minutes, get an open sport cruiser (and spill your champagne). FREEMONT takes 2.5 hours, but you eat lunch on the way.
You hate "Retro": If golden wood joinery reminds you of your grandmother's house, look elsewhere.
✅ BOOK FREEMONT IMMEDIATELY IF:
You are a Value Hunter: You want the "Benetti" brand prestige and the superyacht experience (7 crew, 3 decks) but refuse to pay €100k+ base fee.
You have Two Leading Couples: The Split Master/VIP layout is a relationship saver.
You have Kids: The high gunwales (walls) on the decks make it very safe for children compared to open minimalist designs. The steel hull handles motion sickness better than plastic.
You Appreciate "Soul": You want a boat that feels like a ship. You want to sit on the aft deck, pour a draft beer from the blade machine, look at the classic lines, and feel like an Italian industrialist from the 80s.
The Final Score
Value for Money: 10/10 (Unbeatable in this class).
Comfort/Stability: 9/10 (Steel hull supremacy).
Wow Factor: 7/10 (She’s classic, not flashy).
Service Potential: 10/10 (7 crew for this size is luxury).
The Bottom Line:
FREEMONT is the smartest charter on the Mediterranean right now. It allows you to enter the world of Benetti—the Rolls Royce of yachting—for the price of a Mercedes.
The €95,000 you save? That pays for the flights, the tips, the shopping, and the memories. Don't let the launch year scare you. In a world of plastic, fast fashion yachts, FREEMONT is a bespoke tailored suit. It might be vintage, but it fits perfectly.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability fluctuate based on season and broker. Always confirm the APA and specific tax rates for your cruising area before signing. I am not a broker, just a yachting obsessive who hates seeing people overpay.
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| Benetti Superyacht |
Bonus: The "Captain's Cheat Sheet" for FREEMONT
If you book her, copy-paste this list and send it to your broker to forward to the crew. It will make you look like a pro.
The Stabilizer Request: "Please confirm the Zero Speed/Anchor stabilizers are serviced." (Critical for older boats to ensure a good night's sleep).
The Beer Kegs: "We want the Blade Machine operational—please stock [Brand] kegs."
The Tender Run: "We plan to use the water toys heavily—is the tender driver available all day?" (With 7 crew, the answer should be yes).
The Route: "With a 10-knot cruise speed, let's plan short hops (2-3 hours max) to maximize anchor time." (Don't plan a route that requires 8 hours of steaming a day; it kills the vibe on a displacement yacht).
Benetti Superyacht
Frequently Asked Questions (That You Were Too Afraid to Ask)
Q: Does it smell like diesel?
A: It shouldn't. Benettis are famous for their engine room insulation. However, on the aft deck while underway, you might get a whiff if the wind is wrong (true for all yachts), but at anchor, she should be pristine.
Q: Is the Wi-Fi fast enough for Zoom?
A: She was upgraded with 4G/5G routers in recent refits. Unless you are 20 miles offshore, you will be fine. But seriously, get off Zoom. You’re on a yacht.
Q: Can I drive the Seabobs?
A: Yes, but ask the crew for a 5-minute tutorial. If you dive too deep too fast, your ears will pop. Use the depth limiter setting if it's your first time.
Q: Is 1983 "safe"?
A: Yes. FREEMONT is likely maintained to Bureau Veritas class standards or similar commercial compliance. This means she is inspected annually for safety, fire, and hull integrity. In many ways, a 40-year-old steel boat is structurally sounder than a 5-year-old mass-production boat.
Q: Why is the "Gross Tonnage" important again?
A: Space = Luxury. FREEMONT is 259 GT. A modern Sunseeker 116 is roughly the same, but a slightly smaller 30m yacht might only be 150 GT. That extra 100 GT is where you put your luggage, your shoes, and your ego. It’s the difference between "camping at sea" and "living at sea."
Ready to book? Don't just click "rent." Ask for the FREEMONT. And when you’re sipping that draft beer on the aft deck, staring at the sunset over Capri, knowing you paid half what the guy next to you paid... raise a glass to 1983.