56m Benetti AELIA Sold with IYC After 2024 Refit

IYC has announced the sale of the 56-metre Benetti motor yacht AELIA, with Global Managing Partner Michel Chryssicopoulos and Head of Sales UK Richard Gray representing the seller. Built in 2015 and comprehensively refitted in 2024, the 988GT tri-deck yacht combines eight guest cabins, extensive wellness facilities and a recent engineering overhaul by Benetti-Lusben.

A 2024 refit refreshed both the interior and machinery

AELIA underwent a comprehensive refit in 2024, including an interior programme valued by IYC at €4 million. Studio Vafiadis handled the interior work, while Benetti-Lusben carried out a full engineering and mechanical refit intended to return the yacht to a strong turnkey position.

The scale of that programme is significant for a yacht delivered in 2015 because technical condition and recent investment can materially affect both operating risk and near-term maintenance requirements. Buyers at this level typically examine not only visual refurbishment but machinery records, class history and the detail behind major refit invoices.

Eight cabins create unusual guest flexibility

The 988GT yacht accommodates up to 12 guests across eight cabins, including two master suites on the upper deck. That arrangement gives the yacht more cabin flexibility than many vessels of similar length and can support large family groups or charter parties without sacrificing substantial communal space.

The upper-deck master arrangement also separates principal accommodation from the busier main-deck guest areas. For charter use, the ability to offer multiple high-quality suites can broaden the yacht’s appeal across different group compositions.

Wellness and entertainment spaces support charter use

AELIA’s amenities include a beach club, on-deck Jacuzzi, cinema, gym and massage room. An elevator connects the decks, improving circulation for guests and adding a level of accessibility that is still not universal across yachts in the mid-50-metre range.

IYC also highlights AELIA’s established charter record. That operating history, combined with the recent refit, positioned the yacht as an acquisition that could continue in commercial service without the delay of a major initial upgrade programme.

IYC represented the seller in the completed transaction

IYC says Michel Chryssicopoulos and Richard Gray represented the seller, with sales consultant Costas Dimopoulos supporting the transaction. The company did not disclose the final sale price or identify the buyer.

The completed transaction adds another recent-build, high-volume Benetti to the 2026 brokerage sales record. As with most large-yacht sales, the public announcement confirms the deal and broker representation while leaving commercial terms and the new owner’s future plans private.

Official sources: iyc.com.