Construction work on the new 72-metre S701, designed by Francesco Paszkowski and now christened Solo, is approaching completion at the Tankoa shipyard in Genoa. On schedule for her late July launch, Solo, will make her international debut at the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show.
Work in progress to date
- Painting of hull: completed
- Painting of superstructure: 95% completed
- Glass installation: 90 % completed
- Laying of teak deck and fittings on sun deck: 90% completed
- Outfitting of owner’s deck: 40% completed
- Outfitting of upper deck (wheelhouse, radio room, captain’s cabin, massage room, upper deck salon): 50% completed. The yacht will be ‘Paperless Bridge’ (ECDIS) compliant according to
regulations entering into force in July 18.
- Supporting structure for the floating floor on the lower and main decks: completed
- Outfitting of main deck cabins and VIP suites, incl. main salon and cinema room: 70% completed
- Outfitting of lower deck crew quarters and services areas: 90% completed
- Outfitting of tank deck technical spaces, garbage room and laundry: 75-80% completed
- Stainless steel fittings (cleats, fairleads, anchor pockets, railing): 80% completed and ready for
installation. Nearly all the usual stainless-steel railings have been substituted with glass for better
visibility and aesthetic enhancement.
- Pool on aft deck and private Jacuzzi on owner’s deck ready for operation.
- Pool on fly deck ready for painting.
- Engine room: 70% completed incl. drive shafts installation, stabilisers and bow thruster. Props and
stabiliser ins will be mounted prior to launching.
- Exterior ceiling panels completed and ready for installation.
- AV room: 95% completed. Entertainment/communication/domotic systems ready for installation of
all components.
- Mast ready for installation once the yacht leaves the build shed.
The Dream Mansion
Although reminiscent of the 69-meter Suerte (S693), Solo is 3 m longer with a larger volume at 1,600 + GRT. Other key differences include underwater exhausts allowing for a substantial gain of volume on all decks and a larger winter garden; larger aft deck with 6-meter transversal pool, glass bulwarks sections for unobstructed sea views; and a wide body upper deck allowing for an oversized panoramic salon. The longer waterline also provides for a higher top speed in excess of 17.5 knots.
Solo has accommodations for 12 guests in six cabins, including the master suite on the private owner's deck, a VIP suite, two doubles and two twins. NB, the hair dressing/massage room and the owner’s study can also be converted in additional cabins as they are both equipped with a full bathroom. The Vip and Guest cabins are all on the main deck.
The beach club is a spacious and welcoming space with sofa, bar, TV, oversized glass walled gym with fold-out terrace, bathroom, sauna (also fitted with its own fold-out terrace) and hammam.
The upper deck houses the wheelhouse with radio room, captain’s cabin, and a hair dressing/massage room that can be converted in an extra cabin. The aft section features an enormous observation lounge/salon with floor-to-ceiling windows, 90” 4K QLED TV screen, baby grand piano, bar and fireplace.
The fully private owner’s deck has direct access from the touch-and-go helideck aft (rated at 4.5 tons for an Augusta 109 or most twin turbine helicopters). This exterior deck is also equipped with its own Jacuzzi, bar, salon, breakfast corner and day head with shower.
Inside, the owner’s apartment features an owner studio/media room that can be converted into an additional cabin with bathroom. The island bed is surrounded by full-height windows for 180° views. With direct access to two intimate side exterior saloon, shaded sun pads and the Jacuzzi with its sky shower.
Tenders and toys storages are split between the foredeck and a twin side-loading garage, providing room for two 7.5m tenders, rescue boat and PWCs. The under lower deck is devoted to laundry room, pump room, storage, fridge and freezer, garbage treatment and cold room and technical spaces.
On the future of solo
Sales and Marketing Director of Tankoa and board member Michel Karsenti recently commented on the present and the future of Solo:
“The owner is a truly experienced boat lover. This is his second build with Tankoa and his wish is now to put Solo on the market for sale and build a new Tankoa, probably larger. It is surely rewarding for all of us at Tankoa to see a client who basically has very little time to enjoy his boat considering his hectic business life but enjoys the construction and creation process so much.
As much as we would like to see the client enjoy his boat, we are truly happy to have developed such trustful relationship with such knowledgeable client. Solo will be exhibited in Monaco and will surely sale quickly as she is an exceptional yacht that will demonstrate that Tankoa is the alternative to Northern European shipyard to build a high-quality yacht at reasonable cost and extreme flexibility.
But overall, the most amazing factor between his previous yacht, Suerte and the new one, Solo, is the countless number of technical details that have been improved. The interior is also very different with all seats and tables by Fendi Casa. I am pretty sure Solo, like Vertige, will have a big impact on the market at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show.”
A word from the owner's rep
Solo is destined for charter and the owner’s brief called for a circulation plan that allowed the crew to work completely independently from the owner and guest areas for maximum privacy. He further requested a décor that is modern, elegant and warm. Both the GA and décor are the result of a collaborative effort by Francesco Paszkowski and Margherita Casprini.
Acting as build engineer and owner’s representative, Albert McIlroy has monitored the construction process throughout:
“I can now really feel the shipyard is truly backed up by the experience of Tankoa’s managers and technical office and the guys are raising the bar of quality and engineering yacht after yacht,” says McIlroy, who has built a number of yachts in North European shipyards. “Edoardo Ratto, the General Manager, is also deeply involved in bringing the latest technologies on board and is really giving me a hand with this. Even more than Tankoa’s previous projects, I feel that everything is organized and timed to stick to contractual delivery schedules. Time management and operation processes are
paramount for the team here and there is no room for improvisation, despite the great deal of flexibility they provide when needed. As I tell my colleagues, working with Tankoa is like being in northern Europe, but you also have the world’s best cuisine!”
Spanish marina operator Ocibar has entered its first international venture by acquiring a 25% stake in Marina d'Arechi, a major Italian marina located in Salerno. The facility, developed and operated by the Gallozzi Group, offers 950 berths for vessels from 10 to 100 meters, along with winter storage and maintenance services.Antonio Zaforteza, CEO of Ocibar, stated: “Marina d’Arechi is one of the great examples of success in marina development in the Mediterranean and still has significant growth potential. Our alliance will further enhance this marina and integrate it into a unique value proposition for its customers and those of the various Ocibar marinas.”Ocibar, which manages marinas in Tarragona, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia, sees the investment as part of its Mediterranean expansion strategy. The Gallozzi Group, active in shipping and port operations since 1952, welcomed the partnership.Agostino Gallozzi, CEO of the Gallozzi Group and Marina d’Arechi, said: “We had contemplated expanding the shareholder base of Marina d’Arechi and are very happy to have Ocibar joining us with a 25 per cent participation, based on shared values and principles of business ethics. Our partnership will propel Marina d’Arechi into a new phase of development.”Planned upgrades include berth expansion, infrastructure improvements, and the construction of a hotel to support Salerno's tourism initiatives.Credits: Marina d'Arechi
April 18, 2025
GB Marine Group, the parent company of Grand Banks and Palm Beach Motor Yachts, has named Lynn Fischer as its new Global Chief Marketing Officer. The appointment follows recent expansions, including a 114,000-square-foot factory upgrade, and aligns with the company’s focus on brand growth and owner services.Fischer, previously Chief Marketing Officer at private aviation firm Vista, brings experience in luxury and premium brand strategy. In her new role, she will oversee marketing, brand development, and customer engagement for GB Marine Group’s yacht brands.Lynn Fischer“GB Marine Group is not only a heritage builder – celebrating nearly 70 years of Grand Banks Yachts and 30 years of Palm Beach Motor Yachts – it's a company at the forefront of next-generation yachting,” said Fischer. “From its ocean racing-inspired manufacturing approach that redefines performance and fuel efficiency, to its use of advanced technology and materials, GB Marine Group is pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the water.”CEO Mark Richards stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Lynn to the GB Marine Group. Her deep expertise in building aspirational brands and delivering personalized client experiences will be instrumental as we bring even more exciting new products to market, expand our global footprint, and evolve our factory-direct strategy.”Fischer’s responsibilities will include brand strategy, digital marketing, global campaigns, and enhancing owner experience programs. The move comes as the company prepares new product launches and expands its factory-direct sales model."GB Marine Group owns and operates three premium yacht brands: Grand Banks, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, and Eastbay YachtsCredits: GB Marine Group
April 18, 2025
Itama has introduced the Itama 54, a new 16.44-meter open cruiser designed to enhance onboard comfort and living space while retaining the brand’s signature style. The model, presented at boot Düsseldorf, marks Itama’s return to the 50 to 59-foot segment.Developed by the Ferretti Group Product Strategy Committee and the Group’s Engineering Department, with exterior and interior design by Tommaso De Luca, the Itama 54 features a streamlined aesthetic with functional innovations. The exterior includes a forward sun pad integrated into the deck and a redesigned transom that provides 1,800 liters of storage for water toys. Access to the bow has been relocated to the starboard side for improved convenience.The deck layout prioritizes comfort, with a large aft sun pad and a dual-cockpit design. The main cockpit includes a convertible dining area, while a second cockpit behind the windscreen offers a sheltered relaxation space. Both are served by a portside bar unit. The helm station features an ergonomic seat and a floating dashboard.Below deck, the Itama 54 accommodates two cabins, two bathrooms, a galley, and a dinette. The master cabin includes a central bed with storage, while the guest cabin offers a choice between a queen-size bed or bunk beds. Interior materials include wood, leather, and fabric, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. Side glazing runs the length of the hull, contributing to a modern silhouette.The yacht is powered by twin MAN i6-730 engines (730 HP) as standard, delivering a top speed of 33 knots and a cruising speed of 28 knots. An optional upgrade to MAN i6-850 engines (850 HP) increases performance to 37 knots top speed and 33 knots cruising speed (preliminary data).The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
April 18, 2025
Camper & Nicholsons announces the establishment of its fourteenth office in Viareggio, Italy. This strategic move underscores the company's ongoing dedication to maintaining leadership in yacht construction and design.Located within one of Europe's premier yacht-building hubs, the new facility will focus on new-build sales, refitting services, and comprehensive project management. It symbolizes Camper & Nicholsons' evolving approach to yacht design, aiming to set new benchmarks for creative innovation and superior craftsmanship.According to Paolo Casani, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, “The rising demand for new builds and project management necessitated establishing a specialized presence to enhance client service delivery. The Viareggio office provides an advanced structure guiding owners throughout all stages of yacht creation, from concept to completion.”Led by Daniela Duck, Managing Director of Camper & Nicholsons Italy, the office aims to cater to the expanding market for customized yacht solutions. Beyond conventional sales and project oversight, the Viareggio branch envisions becoming an inspirational space where clients engage directly in the design process, shaping their visions collaboratively with experts.Additionally, Camper & Nicholsons is pioneering novel digital tools to streamline and elevate the design phase further. This innovative initiative reinforces the company's reputation for pushing boundaries in yacht engineering and aesthetics.With its latest venture, Camper & Nicholsons seeks to usher in a transformative period for yacht development, blending tradition with modern technology. The firm welcomes stakeholders and enthusiasts alike to join in creating the next wave of exceptional vessels.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
April 17, 2025
U-Boat Worx's submarines aboard Viking and Seabourn expedition vessels are transforming marine exploration, enabling unprecedented discoveries and advancements in oceanography. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, these submersibles facilitate detailed observations and data collection in previously unreachable marine habitats.Recent highlights include the rare documentation of the giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea) in Antarctica, marking the first publication of such findings by a cruise line. Other achievements encompass exploratory dives in the Great Lakes, leading to extensive surveys of historic shipwrecks. Most notably, Seabourn Pursuit located the long-lost Titania, a German supply vessel, which had remained undiscovered for over a century.Equipped with sophisticated instruments capable of diving to 300-meter depths, these submarines enable researchers to assess marine biodiversity, evaluate climate change effects, and monitor delicate ecosystems. Their presence aboard Viking and Seabourn ships underscores the synergy between luxury travel and scientific progress, setting a precedent for environmentally conscious exploration.Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, emphasized, "Every voyage provides opportunities for scientific discovery… Our expedition vessels and scientists have already contributed to research that might not have been possible otherwise." Similarly, Robin West, VP and GM of Expeditions at Seabourn, highlighted the company's dedication to pioneering exploration: "These experiences are a testament to the spirit of expedition... taking guests to places where no other human has ever ventured."By integrating luxury with scientific rigor, Viking and Seabourn exemplify how maritime exploration can yield valuable insights, enhancing global awareness of marine ecosystems and advancing efforts toward sustainable conservation.Founded in 2005, U-Boat Worx leads the global market in designing and manufacturing submersibles for private, research, and cruise industries. With over 60 operational units worldwide, the company prioritizes safety, performance, and comfort, continuously innovating underwater exploration technologies.Credits: U-Boat Worx
April 17, 2025