I want you to imagine something truly cinematic. A crisp morning in the Mediterranean, sunlight glinting off the water. You see a colossal yacht, almost 50 meters of sleek Italian design, tearing across the waves. She’s moving. I mean really moving. She’s clocking speeds that motor yachts twice her size dream of hitting, leaving a sharp, clean wake behind her.
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| The CBI Navi BELITA yacht |
You check the vessel details. She’s stunning. She’s robust. She’s built from steel and aluminum by the legendary CBI Navi shipyard. But then you look closer at her registry and her history, and you realize something spectacular: this vessel, this beautiful, fast machine, has carried three different names in just over a decade of life.
This is the story of BELITA (IMO 9546332).
Her current name is elegant, simple, and perfectly suited to her Mediterranean cruising grounds. But her previous identities—Drad, and before that, Aifos—tell a hidden story of love, betrayal, one of the most acrimonious and expensive divorces in recent history, and a shipowner's very public attempt to scrub a memory from the sea.
This is more than just a superyacht analysis. This is a deep dive into an Italian engineering marvel that became a piece of divorce drama history. We are going to look beyond the teak decks and the Jacuzzi to see why BELITA is not only one of the fastest luxury yachts in the 50-meter class but also one of the most narratively rich vessels currently sailing. If you want the real, unvarnished story about this CBI Navi gem, you’ve come to the right place.
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| The CBI Navi BELITA yacht |
Part I: The CBI Navi Legacy—Where Performance Meets Italian Craftsmanship
To truly appreciate BELITA, we have to start at her birthplace: Viareggio, Italy.
Viareggio is not just a place; it's a centuries-old crucible of shipbuilding excellence. Unlike some of the newer yards that focus purely on volume production, Viareggio, and the shipyards like CBI Navi that reside there, is rooted in a tradition of meticulous, custom craftsmanship. CBI Navi, established in 1984, built a formidable reputation on creating custom superyachts using metal hulls—specifically steel and aluminum.
Think of CBI Navi’s philosophy as the perfect blend of strength and speed. They take the robust, reliable technical foundations usually reserved for commercial or naval vessels, and then marry them to the exquisite, refined luxury that only Italian design can deliver. When you see a CBI Navi yacht, you know it’s built to endure, but styled to impress.
BELITA is a shining example of their high-performance series, officially known as the CBI 50. What makes this particular class so technically fascinating is the material combination: a steel hull paired with an aluminum superstructure.
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| The CBI Navi BELITA yacht |
I know, that sounds counterintuitive for a high-speed yacht, right? A steel hull is heavier, typically used for full-displacement yachts designed for long range and stability (like an explorer vessel), not for speed. But CBI Navi, working alongside the technical masters at Hydro Tec, knew exactly what they were doing.
By building the robust, heavy, wave-piercing structure (the hull) out of steel, they ensured unparalleled strength and comfort in rough seas. But to offset that weight, they constructed the entire upper portion—the superstructure, housing the guest areas and flybridge—from lightweight aluminum. This smart hybridization, combined with naval architecture honed for speed, allowed them to push the performance envelope far beyond what a typical full-displacement steel yacht should achieve. This combination is key to unlocking the vessel's hidden power, which we'll explore in the next section.
CBI Navi, now part of the Fipa Group (alongside Maiora and AB Yachts), stands today as a testament to Viareggio’s commitment to quality over quantity. And BELITA, launched in 2011, represents the pinnacle of their bespoke, high-speed luxury line.
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| The CBI Navi BELITA yacht |
Part II: The Speed Secret—8,400 Horsepower and the 24-Knot Mystery
Her statistics are genuinely startling for a vessel built of steel and aluminum, clocking in just under the 500 GT limit (she sits comfortably at 498 GT).
| Specification | BELITA (CBI Navi) | Typical 50m Displacement Yacht | Significance |
Max Speed | 24 knots | 16 knots | 40-50% faster than average |
Cruising Speed | 20 knots | 13-14 knots | Maintains exhilarating pace |
Total Horsepower | 8,400 hp | 3,000 to 5,000 hp | Massive power density |
Engine Model | Twin MTU 16V 4000 M93 | Various lower power models | High-performance, proven reliability |
Hull Material | Steel | Steel | Performance achieved despite material |
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| The CBI Navi BELITA yacht |
The core of her blistering performance lies in the Twin MTU 16V 4000 M93 engines. MTU is the gold standard for high-performance yacht power, and the 16V 4000 series is their workhorse, known for delivering immense power reliably. With 4,200 hp pouring out of each engine—a colossal 8,400 horsepower combined—she has the necessary grunt to push that steel hull past typical displacement speeds and up to a top end of 24 knots.
I’ve been on yachts where the noise and vibration at high speed makes the experience less than pleasurable. But this is where the Hydro Tec naval architecture and the CBI Navi build quality come in. Hydro Tec, led by Sergio Cutolo, is famous for designing seaworthy, efficient hulls. They achieved a shape that, when combined with that vast horsepower and the lightweight aluminum superstructure, can almost lift itself out of the typical displacement mode.
What does this mean for the owner or a charter guest? It means flexibility.
Imagine you're anchored off Sardinia and decide, last minute, you want to be in Monaco for dinner. On a typical yacht, that’s a 15-hour, overnight cruise. On BELITA, shaving six to eight knots off the journey time means you can cover that distance dramatically faster. It transforms the Mediterranean into a much smaller playground.
The compromise, as with all fast yachts, is range. At her high cruising speed of 20 knots, her range is about 1,800 nautical miles—enough for any Med or Caribbean hopping, but not a transatlantic journey without refueling. But that trade-off—a few hundred miles of range for eight knots of speed—is one I know many demanding owners are happy to make, especially when the yacht is built for speed and style, rather than pure expedition.
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| The CBI Navi BELITA yacht |
Part III: The Studio Vafiadis Vision—Luxury That Looks Fast
The lines of BELITA were penned by Studio Vafiadis, an Italian design house that handled both the exterior styling and the entire interior fit-out. This consistency is crucial; it ensures the yacht, previously named Aifos, has a cohesive identity, reflecting luxury that is both contemporary and highly functional.
The Exterior: Aggressive Elegance
The first thing I notice about BELITA's exterior is her sheer dynamism. Studio Vafiadis gave her a sharp, masculine, and sporty look that hints at the power within. The hull is clean, and the window lines are horizontal and sleek, emphasizing her length.
A key design feature that aids both aesthetics and performance is the strategic slimming of the superstructure, especially toward the bow. Unlike some large motor yachts where the upper decks balloon out over the sides, Vafiadis kept the lines tight and contained. This contributes to her impressive top speed by reducing aerodynamic drag and keeping the weight centered and low.
The four decks are expertly tiered, providing vast amounts of usable outdoor space:
The Sun Deck: This is the ultimate leisure hub, featuring a generous Jacuzzi (spa pool), surrounded by sun pads and often two large tables capable of seating ten people each for al fresco dining. Being the highest point, the views here are unparalleled, making it the perfect cocktail hour location.
The Upper Deck (Skylounge): A vital social space, often featuring a dedicated lounge area and offering privacy. The fact that the Master Suite is on this deck (a huge selling point!) means the owner has direct access to their private outdoor area.
The Main Deck: The heart of the yacht, connecting the main saloon to the aft cockpit and hosting the large swimming platform for easy tender access.
The Lower Deck: Guest accommodation and crew quarters.
The CBI Navi BELITA yacht
The Interior: A Study in Refined Warmth
Inside, Studio Vafiadis created an interior that earned BELITA a place as a finalist in the 2012 ShowBoats Design Awards for Interior Design. It’s an environment that perfectly balances luxury materials with a practical, welcoming atmosphere.
The design philosophy favors natural light and spaciousness. Think classic Italian refinement, but with a modern twist. The main saloon is generally characterized by:
Rich, High-Gloss Woods: Often dark, contrasting wood accents against lighter panels, creating depth and a sense of traditional luxury.
Neutral Furnishings: Creamy or light-toned leather seating and soft carpets provide a luxurious, comfortable base that lets the wood and artwork stand out.
Technological Integration: The saloon, for instance, houses a state-of-the-art home cinema system complete with a large plasma TV (reports mention a 60-inch screen). This is crucial for modern luxury—seamlessly integrating advanced entertainment systems without making them visually intrusive.
The accommodations are structured to maximize comfort and privacy, hosting 12 guests in six cabins:
Owner’s Stateroom: A luxurious Upper Deck Master Suite. Placing the Master here (instead of the main deck) is a popular layout choice for yachts under 500 GT, providing the owner with supreme privacy, 270-degree views, and immediate access to their dedicated outside deck area.
Guest Suites: Five additional spacious guest cabins are typically located on the lower deck. This includes full double suites and potential convertible cabins, allowing for flexible guest arrangements.
The sheer volume—498 GT—means the interior feels open and airy. Every space, from the dining areas to the on-board gym, is designed to feel vast, allowing guests to relax without feeling confined, even at 24 knots.
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| The CBI Navi BELITA yacht |
Part IV: The Divorce Drama—Why You Can’t Erase a Name
Now, let’s pivot from the engineering brilliance to the human drama that gave this exceptional yacht three different identities. This is the story that sets BELITA apart, making her a legend not just for her speed, but for her emotional baggage.
The yacht was originally commissioned by the renowned Greek shipping magnate, John Coustas. He is a figure of immense wealth and influence, and when he commissioned this 50-meter yacht, he wanted it to carry a name that signified the most important person in his life at the time: his then-wife, Sofia.
The yacht was launched in 2011 and christened AIFOS.
If you haven’t immediately spotted the poetic irony, look closer: AIFOS is SOFIA spelled backward. It was a grand, public declaration of love, etched onto the side of a $20-25 million floating palace.
For a few years, Aifos sailed the Mediterranean as a symbol of Coustas’ success and his family life. But in the world of high-stakes finance and superyacht ownership, things rarely stay calm. Coustas and Sofia’s marriage dissolved, leading to what was reported to be one of the most explosive and costly divorces in modern Greek history. Reports indicate Sofia claimed a staggering settlement, estimated to be around $180 million.
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| The CBI Navi BELITA yacht |
For the owner, the yacht named after his now ex-wife must have become a highly visible, 50-meter-long reminder of that painful chapter.
So, in 2014, the yacht was renamed Drad.
The name Drad is cryptic and less emotionally charged than Aifos. Whether it was an acronym, a nickname, or a word chosen to be as far removed from the previous identity as possible, it represented a clear attempt to symbolically start fresh. You can imagine the instruction given to the crew and the yard: “Erase the previous name. Get rid of that memory.”
But the sea remembers. And the yachting world, with its detailed registries and tracking databases, definitely remembers.
The yacht was eventually sold, and with the change of ownership came the third, and current, name: BELITA.
This name—BELITA—is the final piece of the puzzle. It’s a beautiful, feminine name that stands on its own, finally divorcing the yacht from the Coustas-Sofia drama. It allows the vessel to be appreciated purely for its technical brilliance and luxurious attributes, free from the shadow of its contentious past.
I find this fascinating. BELITA is a powerful, high-speed machine that carries a very human story of a billionaire attempting to literally scrub a relationship from his maritime legacy. Every time she speeds across the Aegean (where she is often spotted), she carries the ghost of two former names, reminding us that even in the world of ultimate luxury, the personal dramas of life always find a way to leave their mark.
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| The CBI Navi BELITA yacht |
Part V: The Onboard Lifestyle—Built for Entertaining at 20 Knots
Let’s switch back to the fantasy—the immersive experience of being onboard BELITA. If you were one of the 12 guests sailing on this speed machine, what does a typical day look like?
Morning: Wellness and Water Toys
The morning starts with a workout in the dedicated onboard gym. It’s located in a space carefully designed to utilize the yacht’s beam, ensuring guests can maintain their fitness routine regardless of where they are in the world. After a workout, the vast swim platform is deployed from the stern. This isn’t just a small step; it’s a dedicated area for water access.
The twin tenders, carefully stowed in the spacious garage, are launched, giving guests options for waterskiing, wakeboarding, or simply being ferried to a secluded beach. For a 50-meter yacht, having a proper tender garage and dedicated water toy space is a huge feature, ensuring the main deck remains uncluttered and elegant.
Afternoon: Al Fresco and Panoramic Views
Lunch is likely served on the Aft Cockpit of the main deck or perhaps on the Sun Deck. Both areas offer extensive, comfortable seating. The Sun Deck, in particular, is the place to be, offering 360-degree panoramic views as the yacht cuts through the water. The CBI Navi-Hydro Tec hull design, paired with stabilization systems, ensures that even at 20 knots, the ride remains remarkably smooth and comfortable.
The design choice to give the main deck access to a large saloon and formal dining area means the spaces are versatile. Guests can transition seamlessly from the shaded aft cockpit into the air-conditioned elegance of the saloon for a more formal or protected gathering.
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| The CBI Navi BELITA yacht |
Evening: The Owner’s Private Retreat
As evening falls, the owner retires to the Upper Deck Master Suite. This level is essentially a private apartment. Imagine stepping out onto your private balcony, cocktail in hand, watching the sunset paint the sky over the Greek islands. The location of this cabin, high up and forward, gives the owner a sense of command and retreat.
Meanwhile, the guests might gather in the main saloon to utilize the home cinema system. A 60-inch plasma TV and a full sound system turn the space into a true cinematic experience, creating a cozy, yet technologically advanced, end to the day. For those who prefer the stars, the Sun Deck Jacuzzi becomes the gathering point, perfectly lit and sheltered from any breeze.
The fact that BELITA carries a crew of 11 for 12 guests speaks volumes about the level of service and care. This crew-to-guest ratio ensures everything, from housekeeping to food service to navigating the fastest route, is executed flawlessly.
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| The CBI Navi BELITA yacht |
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Italian Speed
BELITA is a yacht that offers two remarkable stories for the price of one.
On the one hand, she is a technical triumph. She is the ultimate high-speed cruiser from one of Italy’s finest custom shipyards, CBI Navi. She combines the robust, blue-water capability of a steel hull with the exhilarating performance of 8,400 MTU horsepower, all wrapped up in the sleek, contemporary styling of Studio Vafiadis. She is a powerful argument for Italian excellence in the 50-meter, sub-500 GT market, proving you don't need a megayacht to hit megayacht speeds.
On the other hand, she is a vessel haunted by a dramatic past. Her journey from the declaration of love (Aifos) to the attempt at erasure (Drad) and finally to her current, serene identity (BELITA) makes her a unique celebrity in the yachting world. She is a reminder that these magnificent floating cities often carry the deep, personal histories of their owners.
For the yacht enthusiast, the information gain here is tremendous: we learned about the Hydro Tec naval architecture secret that allows a steel-hulled yacht to reach 24 knots. For the curious reader, we uncovered the dramatic human story behind her successive name changes.
BELITA is sailing proof that a yacht is never just metal and teak; it is a monument to ambition, a testing ground for technology, and sometimes, a very expensive personal diary written on the waves. And that, in my book, makes her one of the most satisfying vessels to analyze.