Eight Is Not Enough: Bond-fond owners buy ninth 007-themed superyacht

Italian yard Benetti has confirmed the delivery of 69-metre (226-foot) superyacht Spectre to new owners John and Jeanette Staluppi. A private ceremony commemorating the occasion took place on 19th November at the shipyard.

The couple’s latest acquisition is their ninth yacht inspired by fictional British secret agent James Bond. It’s the third built by Benetti in a decade following Diamonds Are Forever and Quantum Of Solace, and joins the likes of Moonraker, Casino Royale, Skyfall and The World Is Not Enough in the couples’ spy-themed series. John and Jeanette Staluppi are described as “adoring” the film and book franchise.

Spectre features naval architecture from Mulder Design, continuing the long-time partnership between the firm and the Staluppis which began in 1988 with Heesen-built Octopussy.

Mulder’s work on Spectre includes structural design, the hull and the forward-thinking propulsion system. The so-called ‘high-speed cruising hull’ will allow the new superyacht to be 30% faster than average, with a top speed of 21.2 knots (and a cruising range of 6,500 nautical miles at 12 knots) – speed has always been a big factor in the Staluppis’ purchases, with The World Is Not Enough being particularly rapid at 60-plus-knots.

Although she contains innovative systems and interiors, the exteriors aboard Spectre – penned by Giorgio Cassetta in collaboration with Benetti’s in-house designers – are described as “traditional… [with a] long and sharp bow and extended superstructure”.

Designer Cassetta has called Spectre "a perfect example of a virtuous synthesis between the owners' and builder's cultures."

Inside the vessel, which was formerly known as Hull FB 269, the Staluppis and guests will be welcomed by shimmering teaks, black detailing and steel embellishments. Benetti’s own interior team worked on the final result, explaining that the décor has been inspired by “French hotels and boutiques” and that the main saloon is influenced by the look of a “Parisian Deco-style resort”.

Other key features include a large swimming pool and touch-and-go helipad.

For more information, visit BenettiSign up to our newsletter to get the best of Yachting Pages delivered direct to your inbox every month.

Superyacht News
March 28, 2024
Tried & Tested - Best Yacht Mattresses: Product Review
Tried & Tested - Best Yacht Mattresses: Product Review

In the realm of maritime luxury, the quest to offer yacht charter guests the perfect night's sleep has become an art form, one which luxury bed and linen supplier, CC Design, has fully committed to.

By Ben Cooling
March 15, 2023
Best Yacht Crew Jackets: Product Review
Best Yacht Crew Jackets: Product Review

A jacket completes any crew member's uniform so it's an important garment to get right. In this Tried & Tested, Sea Design pits eight popular jackets against one another to determine which one is best for superyacht crew in 2023.

By Nathan Bees
April 19, 2023
iAQUA Sea Scooters: Product Review
iAQUA Sea Scooters: Product Review

iAQUA creates high-performance, technologically advanced underwater scooters. In this Tried & Tested, a team of experienced testers have rated and reviewed the AquaDart Pro and AquaDart Nano series to reveal the stand-out iAQUA sea scooter.

By Holly Sanderson

Finished reading? Now find your perfect supplier.

Search our industry-leading directory for over 20,000 superyacht suppliers, providers and marinas.

Search now