I’m going to level with you. You’ve seen the photos, right? That impossibly perfect sunset, the crystal-clear turquoise water, and a silhouette of a yacht so sleek it looks like it was sculpted by a Formula 1 team. It's the picture that floods your Instagram feed every summer, the ultimate fantasy of wealth and freedom.
For years, I looked at those pictures and thought, “That’s the life.” The price tag? Well, that was just a number I mentally filed under "never gonna happen." I figured the cost was the only secret.
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| The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price |
But here’s the truth I’ve learned from diving deep into the world of ultra-luxury yachting: the weekly price tag isn’t the hidden cost. It's the easiest number to find. The real secret, the one that makes the experience exponentially more expensive (and, critically, exponentially more satisfying), is something entirely different. It’s what happens after the initial booking, and it’s what turns a beautiful boat into a fully personalized, floating palace of impossibility.
Today, we're not just looking at a charter price; we're breaking down the full, unadulterated reality of stepping aboard a yacht like the EH2, a magnificent 36.8-meter (121-foot) Benetti Motopanfilo 37M, built by the legends at Benetti. We’re going to look at the money, yes, but more importantly, we’re going to analyze the sheer information gain—the satisfaction—of knowing what you’re actually paying for.
Forget the general luxury fluff. I'm taking you on a personalized tour, detailing the design, the crew, the toys, and the total, all-in financial commitment. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly what it takes to live the EH2 life for a week, and why it provides an experience that almost nothing else on Earth can match.
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| The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price |
Part I: The Illusion of the Sticker Price—Deconstructing the Financial Reality
Let's start with the big question. You clicked this article because you wanted the number. And I’m going to give it to you right away, but with the necessary context.
The Benetti EH2, a masterpiece launched in 2022 and recently refitted in 2024 to keep her immaculate, carries a published charter rate that places her firmly in the ultra-luxury, superyacht segment.
For a week in the glittering Western Mediterranean (think the French Riviera, the Balearics, or the Amalfi Coast), the base price for the EH2 is typically:
Low Season (April to June, September to October): €155,000 per week (or roughly $180,000 USD).
High Season (July and August): €165,000 per week (or roughly $192,000 USD).
Pause. Take a deep breath. That number, $180,000, is what most articles stop at. They slap the price on the screen, watch your jaw drop, and move on.
But that, my friends, is the illusion. That figure is simply the Bareboat Charter Fee. It covers the rental of the yacht, the wages for the crew, and the vessel's insurance.
If you sail away thinking that’s your final bill, you’re going to be absolutely floored when you get back to the dock.
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| The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price |
The Real Cost: APA, VAT, and the Gratuity Game
This is the high-information-gain section—the part that transforms you from a casual browser to an insider. The real cost of a luxury yacht charter is calculated using three major additions:
1. The APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
This is the biggest secret, the most important piece of hidden information. The APA is a mandatory surcharge, essentially a security deposit paid upfront to cover all your variable expenses during the trip.
What it is: A lump sum, usually calculated at 30% to 40% of the base charter fee.
What it covers: EVERYTHING that allows the yacht to move and function for your pleasure.
Fuel: For the main engines (moving from Monaco to St. Tropez), generators (powering the AC, lights, and appliances 24/7), and all the water toys (Jet Skis, tenders). Fuel is a huge cost.
Food and Beverages: All your groceries, wine, top-shelf spirits, and personalized snacks.
Dockage Fees: Mooring in glamorous ports like Capri, Cannes, or Ibiza can cost thousands of euros per night.
Communication: Satellite internet access (Wi-Fi).
Local Taxes/Permits (outside of VAT).
Let's do the math for a High Season EH2 Charter (€165,000):
Base Charter Fee: €165,000
APA (40% estimate): €66,000
The EH2 experience has already jumped to €231,000. And yes, if you burn through the APA, the Captain will ask you to top it up mid-trip! (If you don't use it all, the remainder is returned.)
2. VAT (Value Added Tax)
Cruising in European waters means you are subject to European taxation. The VAT rate depends entirely on the country of embarkation and the itinerary.
The Shock: Rates can be as high as 20% (e.g., if embarking in Monaco or the French Riviera) or sometimes lower if the charter involves international waters or specific cruise exemptions.
VAT Estimate (20% of Base Fee): €33,000
3. Crew Gratuity
While not mandatory, it is industry standard and a sign of respect for exceptional service. A crew of 6 or 7 working 16+ hour days to make your week perfect deserves this.
Standard Tip: 10% to 20% of the base charter fee.
Gratuity Estimate (15%): €24,750
The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price
The EH2 Weekly Charter: The True Bottom Line
| Expense Category | Percentage / Cost | EH2 High Season (€165,000) |
Base Charter Fee | 100% | €165,000 |
APA (Fuel, Food, Docking) | ~40% | €66,000 |
VAT (Taxes) | ~20% | €33,000 |
Gratuity (Recommended) | ~15% | €24,750 |
TOTAL Estimated Weekly Cost | ~175% | €288,750 (approx. $315,000 USD) |
Suddenly, that initial sticker price feels like a warm-up. This is the actual starting point for the ultimate week of freedom. This transparency is the high information gain you won't find on a broker's website. Now that you know the true cost, let's explore what this quarter of a million Euros actually buys you.
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| The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price |
Part II: The Yacht Herself – EH2, A Benetti Legend Reborn
The Benetti Motopanfilo 37M series, to which EH2 belongs, isn't just a new boat; it's a nostalgic nod to a golden era of Italian yachting. The word Motopanfilo literally translates to "motor yacht," but in the 1960s, it referred to the glamourous, classic yachts preferred by European royalty and Hollywood elite.
EH2 is a 2022 interpretation of that timeless elegance, proving that Benetti—one of the world's most renowned luxury shipyards—is a master of blending heritage with futuristic technology.
The Exterior: Francesco Struglia’s ‘Cocoon’
Francesco Struglia Design penned the exterior, and I think he perfectly captured that '60s flair while adding modern function. The lines are surprisingly clean and classic, but two exterior features truly elevate the experience:
The Foredeck Jacuzzi Oasis: The bow of EH2 isn't just for anchoring; it's a dedicated social space. I love this feature. Picture yourself: you're anchored off a private cove in Sardinia, the sun is setting, and you’re relaxing in a large, sunken jacuzzi surrounded by spacious sun pads. It’s a private party deck, completely sheltered from the wind when cruising, and a sun-drenched viewing platform when anchored. This isn’t a small feature tucked away—it’s a destination in itself.
The Observation Deck (‘Cocoon Style’): This is the high-privacy feature that brokers rave about. Located high up, this area is designed to feel like a private, secluded nest. It offers panoramic, 360-degree views but is cleverly shielded, allowing guests to sunbathe or simply observe the coastline with ultimate privacy—a priceless commodity when you are vacationing in the world's most crowded luxury hotspots. It literally feels like a secret club 120 feet above the water.
The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price
The Interior: Lazzarini & Pickering’s Light
Step inside, and the retro-glam aesthetic continues, refined by the famed Italian interior designers, Lazzarini & Pickering Architetti. Their goal was clear: to maximize natural light and maintain a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The interiors are characterized by a sophisticated palette of light wood finishes, white accents, and subtle marine-blue tones. It’s chic, contemporary, and incredibly soothing—you never feel overwhelmed by excessive gold or heavy decoration.
The Master Stateroom: A Room with a Sea View
A key design feature that significantly contributes to the EH2's 'satisfaction score' is the full-beam master stateroom located on the main deck.
Why is this important? Because most yachts of this size put the Master below deck. By placing it on the main deck, the EH2’s Master Suite gains enormous windows on both sides, flooding the room with natural light and giving you uninterrupted views of the ocean as soon as you wake up.
The full-beam design means the room stretches the entire 7.8-meter width of the yacht, providing unparalleled space for a king-sized bed, a private lounge area, and a stunning en-suite bathroom. I can only imagine the feeling of opening those blinds on a Mediterranean morning. It’s a moment that justifies the price tag all by itself.
Guest Accommodation
EH2 accommodates 10 guests in 5 luxurious suites: the main-deck Master, and four versatile cabins located on the lower deck. The versatility is crucial for charter groups: those four lower cabins can be configured as either double or twin beds, making the yacht perfect for families, couples, or a mixed group of friends. Everyone gets a first-class experience.
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| The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price |
Part III: The Ultimate Differentiator—The Crew of Seven
If the yacht is the stunning hardware, the crew is the indispensable, high-performance software. When you charter EH2, you are not just getting a boat; you are hiring a perfectly synchronized team of 6 or 7 professionals led by an experienced Captain.
This is the real differentiator in the luxury experience, the thing that boosts the satisfaction score more than any other feature. This crew is dedicated only to your party of ten.
What 24/7 Hyper-Luxury Service Actually Looks Like
I’ve often heard people confuse a yacht charter with a cruise. They are worlds apart. A cruise ship is designed to serve thousands; EH2 is designed to anticipate the needs of ten.
The Captain: Your ultimate guide and concierge. They don’t just drive the boat; they manage the itinerary, the weather, the port reservations, and the entire crew. Need a last-minute table at a Michelin-star restaurant in Portofino? The Captain makes the impossible happen.
The Chef: This isn't banquet food. The Chef will contact you weeks before your charter to learn your detailed dietary preferences, allergies, favorite cuisines, and even the type of ice cream you prefer. I'm talking about a personalized, world-class restaurant quality meal served for every single breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Want fresh, locally caught sea bass baked in salt on a hidden beach? Done.
The Deckhands and Engineers: They are the invisible workforce. They manage the stabilizers (more on that next), keep the yacht spotlessly clean, and, most importantly, are responsible for deploying and retrieving all the water toys instantly and safely. Want to jet ski after lunch? They’ll have it in the water before you’ve finished your espresso.
The Stewardesses: They manage the interior, serving food and drinks, keeping the cabins immaculate, and handling all guest services. They are highly trained in discretion and etiquette, ensuring you feel completely pampered without ever feeling crowded.
Think of it this way: for every 1.5 guests on the EH2, there is one crew member dedicated to your happiness. That ratio is what defines ultra-luxury service.
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| The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price |
Part IV: Performance and Comfort – Why Benetti Keeps You Smooth
I know what you're thinking: “That’s a beautiful boat, but is it fast? Is it stable?”
The answer is yes, and yes. Benetti built EH2 to be a magnificent cruiser, meaning she’s designed to cross long distances comfortably.
Speed: With twin MAN engines, she has a respectable maximum speed of 18 knots (about 33 km/h). However, the real sweet spot is her cruising speed of 12.5 knots. This is the speed at which she glides effortlessly through the water, offering minimal vibration and optimal fuel efficiency.
Range: EH2 boasts an impressive cruising range of 3,800 nautical miles at 10 knots. That's enough to cross the Atlantic! While you'll likely only be island-hopping in the Med, this long range speaks volumes about the yacht's robust engineering and fuel capacity (35,000 liters!), assuring you of powerful, worry-free cruising.
The Magic Word: Stabilizers
Here's another crucial piece of information that separates a superyacht from a smaller boat: EH2 is equipped with Stabilizers At Anchor and Underway.
If you or anyone you know is susceptible to seasickness, this is a game-changer. These high-tech fins, extending below the waterline, actively counteract the rocking motion of the waves.
Underway: They smooth out the journey, turning choppy seas into a smooth glide.
At Anchor: When you drop anchor for the night, they eliminate the rolling motion that often makes sleeping uncomfortable.
The result? You can enjoy a candlelit dinner, sleep soundly, and lounge on the sun deck, all while maintaining perfect equilibrium. You pay for the view, but you pay a premium for the comfort to enjoy it fully.
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| The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price |
Part V: The Itinerary – Unlocking the Western Mediterranean
The EH2 is typically available for charter in the Western Mediterranean during the peak summer months (April to October), cruising the most iconic destinations on the planet:
France: The French Riviera (Monaco, Cannes, St. Tropez).
Italy: The Amalfi Coast, Gulf of Naples (Capri, Ischia), Portofino, and Sicily.
Spain: The Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera).
Since you've now invested approximately €288,750 (the all-in cost) in a week of EH2 life, let's look at what a personalized, high-satisfaction 7-day charter itinerary might look like.
A Personalized 7-Day Journey on EH2: The Amalfi Coast & Capri
I’ve always dreamed of the Amalfi Coast, so let's use the EH2’s range and luxury amenities to craft the ultimate week, showcasing the value of that high price tag.
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| The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price |
| Day | Destination & Activity (The EH2 Experience) | Value Proposition & APA Expense Focus |
Day 1 | Embark in Naples, cruise to Capri. You meet your crew of 7. The Chef presents your customized welcome menu (Italian seafood feast). We drop anchor near the Faraglioni rocks. You take the tender out for sunset. | Personalization: The crew memorizes your drink order before the end of the day. APA Cost: Initial fuel burn, high-end provisioning. |
Day 2 | Capri & Ischia. Morning exploring the Blue Grotto by tender. Afternoon: EH2 stabilizes at anchor off Ischia. You test the new E-Foil and Jet Ski for two hours. Dinner is served on the sun deck under the stars. | Toys & Fun: Heavy use of the Sea-Doo Jet Ski and Seabob, utilizing a good chunk of the APA’s fuel allocation. |
Day 3 | Positano & Ravello. We anchor off Positano. Take the tender ashore for shopping and a private lunch reservation the Captain secured at a cliffside restaurant in Ravello. Back on board for a jacuzzi soak. | Concierge Service: Captain’s connections ensuring premium dock space and exclusive reservations. APA Cost: Restaurant transfers via tender, expensive dockage fee in Positano. |
Day 4 | At Sea Day & Relaxation. We take a longer cruise south toward Sicily. Use the full-beam Master Suite as your private sanctuary. The crew sets up the gym equipment on the aft deck. Enjoy a full-body massage arranged by the Stewards. | Onboard Comfort: Full utilization of the At-Anchor Stabilizers. APA Cost: Masseuse and trainer fees. |
Day 5 | Sicily – Taormina. Anchor below the dramatic cliffs of Taormina. We use the Williams Jet Tender to explore nearby hidden caves. In the evening, the crew deploys the beach club's massive swim platform for cocktails by the water. | Waterfront Living: The Beach Club is the star. This feature allows seamless access to the ocean, turning the yacht's stern into a waterside lounge. |
Day 6 | Amalfi Coast – Praiano. The Captain finds a quiet, perfect anchorage near Praiano. You and your guests use the inflatable paddleboards (SUPs) to explore the quiet coastline before breakfast. An afternoon wine tasting is arranged on the upper deck. | Activities & Leisure: Crew deploys and retrieves water toys effortlessly. APA Cost: Stocking the cellar with fine regional wines for the tasting. |
Day 7 | Disembarkation. A final gourmet breakfast as we cruise slowly back to Naples. The crew presents a personalized photo album or video montage of your trip. You realize just how much was accomplished in seven days. | Final Service: The crew manages luggage and coordinates all final transfers seamlessly. Gratuity: This is the moment you calculate that 15-20% tip, fully justified by the flawless execution. |
This itinerary proves that the EH2 isn't just a place to sleep; it’s a mobile, customizable, 5-star resort with a crew that exists solely to craft the memories you’re paying for.
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| The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price |
Part VI: The Thrill Factor – Water Toys and the Beach Club
For many, the defining feature of a superyacht charter is the "toy box." The EH2, being a modern yacht (2022 build, 2024 refit), comes stocked with a fantastic collection designed for maximum fun and adrenaline. This is where the APA money truly delivers instant gratification.
When I look at the EH2's toy list, I see intentionality—a selection that caters to both relaxation and high-speed thrills.
The Essential Tools of Waterborne Adventure:
Williams Jet Tender 505: This is your primary limo and shuttle. It’s fast, dry, and comfortable, used for quickly ferrying guests to shore, water skiing, or exploring coves. It's the workhorse that enables the whole itinerary.
Sea-Doo Jet Ski (Wake Pro 230): High-powered personal watercraft for high-octane fun. Crucially, the crew will handle all the refueling, launch, and retrieval. You just hop on and go.
Seabob (Underwater Sea-Scooter): These are like underwater rockets. Hold on, dive down, and zip through the water like a dolphin. They are addictive and require no real skill—pure, simple fun that lets you explore the underwater world instantly.
E-Foil Board: This is the newest generation of water toy and a huge satisfaction point. The E-Foil is a surfboard with a hydrofoil underneath and a battery-powered propeller. It allows you to silently glide above the water, giving you the sensation of flying. Learning to ride the E-Foil is often a major highlight for charter guests.
Inflatable Toys: This includes stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), wakeboards, water skis, and those delightful 2-person inflatable towable tubes (often called doughnuts or similar names). Simple, timeless fun that keeps everyone entertained.
The Beach Club: Living on the Waterline
The most significant modern superyacht amenity is the Beach Club. On older yachts, the transom (the back of the boat) was just a closed garage for the tender. On the EH2, the entire transom folds down, transforming into a massive platform just inches above the water.
The tender is launched.
The water toys are lined up.
Lounge chairs are set out.
Music is piped in.
The bar is opened.
It’s an extension of the yacht’s living space, creating a massive, highly-stabilized, and personalized playground right on the water's edge. This is the ultimate expression of waterfront living that the EH2 offers, and it's something that simply cannot be replicated by land-based luxury travel.
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| The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price |
Part VII: The Final Step – Working with the Charter Broker
If you're serious about the EH2 experience, you need to understand the final layer of high information gain: the process of securing the charter. This isn't like booking a hotel; it’s a contractual negotiation handled by professionals, usually under the MYBA Terms.
Understanding MYBA Terms
MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association) terms are the standard contract used for luxury yacht charters. They ensure a fair and predictable process, but they codify the three cost elements we discussed:
Charter Fee: The base price (the EH2’s €155,000 to €165,000).
APA: The provisioning fund (30-40% of the Charter Fee).
VAT/Taxes: Calculated based on the cruising zone and local laws.
How to Get the Best EH2 Experience: Pre-Charter Planning
The magic happens in the pre-charter planning phase. The EH2’s management company, often represented by your broker, sends you a Preference Sheet that is highly detailed. This is your chance to guarantee maximum satisfaction.
Pro Tip: Be excessively detailed on the preference sheet.
Food: Don't just say "I like Italian." Specify the Chef you want (if you have one), the regional cheeses, the specific brand of coffee, and whether you prefer still or sparkling water chilled to 4°C.
Beverages: List every single wine vintage, spirit brand, and cocktail recipe required. This prevents the crew from guessing and ensures the APA is spent perfectly.
Itinerary: Be flexible but decisive. Say, "We want to focus on the Balearics, prioritizing hidden coves for swimming over crowded marinas for nightlife." This guides the Captain’s planning.
The information you provide in the Preference Sheet allows the crew of EH2 to anticipate your needs so flawlessly that it feels like they are reading your mind—which is ultimately what high-end luxury is all about. You’re not paying for service; you’re paying for anticipation.
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| The 'cocoon deck': The one feature that justifies this Benetti’s jaw-dropping price |
The Verdict: Why the Single Most Important Purchase is Time
I started this article by telling you that the initial charter price wasn’t the real secret. Now that we’ve broken down the €288,750+ all-in cost and explored the EH2’s features—the cocoon deck, the beach club, the flexible cabins, the stabilizers, and the dedicated crew of seven—the true hidden cost becomes clear.
The true hidden cost is the opportunity cost of time spent anywhere else.
When you charter a yacht like the Benetti EH2, you are not buying a week of travel; you are buying a week of optimized, customized, hyper-efficient luxury memory creation.
You're buying back the time you would have spent waiting for a waiter, driving to a destination, worrying about a reservation, or finding a clean beach. The EH2 experience eliminates friction. The crew uses their time and effort (paid for by the APA and justified by the gratuity) to give you back 100% of your own time.
You arrive. You relax. You experience perfection.
If the EH2 is your first foray into the world of Benetti luxury, you’re starting at the absolute top of the satisfaction curve. You’re getting a modern classic that honors history while delivering every contemporary amenity required for an unforgettable Western Mediterranean escape.
So, the next time you see that viral photo of a magnificent superyacht, you won't just see a price tag. You'll see the base fee, the APA allowance, the VAT, and the crew gratuity, all combining to purchase the single most important, non-tangible thing that money can buy: flawless, personalized, and unforgettable time.
EH2 Yacht Specifications Summary
Length: 36.8m / 121ft
Builder: Benetti (Italy)
Model: Motopanfilo 37M
Built / Refit: 2022 / 2024
Guests: 10
Cabins: 5 (Full-beam Master on Main Deck)
Crew: 7
Cruising Speed: 12.5 knots
Key Amenities: Foredeck Jacuzzi, Beach Club, At-Anchor Stabilizers, E-Foil, Jet Ski, Seabob.
Low Season Rate: From €155,000 p/w + APA/VAT.
High Season Rate: From €165,000 p/w + APA/VAT.