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!”
Heesen Yachts has delivered the 50-meter hybrid superyacht Orion (YN 20750), marking the Dutch shipyard's third delivery this year. The aluminum-hulled vessel completed successful sea trials in the North Sea before handover to its owner.Orion features Heesen's Fast Displacement Hull Form (FDHF) with hybrid propulsion, achieving silent electric cruising at 10 knots. The propulsion system combines two MTU 12V 2000 M61 (IMO III) engines with electric motors, reducing fuel consumption to 45 liters per hour in hybrid mode. The yacht offers a transatlantic range of 3,750 nautical miles at 12 knots (98 liters/hour) and reaches a top speed of 16.3 knots.Ruud vand der Stroom, Heesen CCO"The delivery of Orion is a moment of great pride for everyone at Heesen," said Ruud van der Stroom. "This yacht perfectly encapsulates our DNA: precise Dutch engineering, innovative hybrid technology, and the ability to deliver a high-quality product through dedicated collaboration."Designed by Omega Architects' Frank Laupman, Orion features a vertical bow and extensive glazing. The 499 GT interior by Cristiano Gatto incorporates 37 material varieties including Italian marble and woven leather. Accommodation includes six staterooms for twelve guests, with a main-deck owner's suite and full-beam VIP.Peter van der Zanden, General Manager Design & Development, Engineering and HeesenPeter van der Zanden, Heesen's Head of Engineering, noted: "Our expertise in lightweight aluminum construction, combined with the efficiency of the Fast Displacement Hull Form and hybrid system make ORION exceptional. This synergy reduces environmental impact while enhancing owner experience."Broker Anton Foord of Ocean Intelligence commented: "Orion offers an exceptional experience defined by performance, elegance, and technical innovation." The yacht will be available for Mediterranean charter this summer.Orion represents Heesen's continued focus on sustainable yachting solutions, following previous hybrid deliveries in its 50-meter series. The shipyard currently has five yachts under construction at its Oss facility, with scheduled deliveries through 2026.Heesen Yachts is a Dutch ship building company that specializes in custom-built superyachts in aluminum and steel from 30m to 70m in size. Founded in 1978, it has launched more than 170 yachts since its inception.Credits: Heesen Yachts
June 6, 2025
The judging process for the 2025 Honours awards has concluded in Amsterdam, with three recipients selected from 238 nominations. The winners will be announced at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) opening ceremony on October 28.Organized by The Superyacht Life Foundation in partnership with Pier 66 and FLIBS, the Honours recognize individuals making significant contributions to sustainability, innovation, and social impact within the superyacht industry. An 18-candidate shortlist was evaluated by a panel including Feadship's Farouk Nefzi, designer Espen Øino, Superyacht Times founder Merijn de Waard, and Royal Huisman's Jeroen Sirag.This year's judging panel included external perspectives from Ink Creative MD Jonny Clark and Untold Stories founder Nicola Chilton, who noted the breadth of industry initiatives beyond typical yachting activities."At its core, Superyacht Life is about celebrating the human stories that define our industry," said Dilan Sarac, Executive Director of The Superyacht Life Foundation. "Our 2025 Honourees embody the very best of what this industry can represent."The selection criteria focused on professional achievements, community engagement, philanthropy, and leadership. The three honourees were chosen unanimously following deliberations at Amsterdam's Royale Industrieele Groote Club.The October ceremony will mark the fourth edition of the awards, which aim to highlight positive contributions extending beyond traditional yachting circles. Previous honourees have been recognized for environmental initiatives, workforce development programs, and technological innovations benefiting broader maritime sectors.Credits: The Superyacht Life Foundation
June 6, 2025
Wally has officially presented its latest high-performance racing yacht, the wallyrocket71, during the 2025 Loro Piana Giraglia regatta. The 21.6-meter maxi yacht was developed through collaboration between Wally's technical team, designer Botin Partners, and owner Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, with construction completed by King Marine shipyard.The wallyrocket71 represents Wally's continued commitment to competitive sailing innovation, featuring advanced design elements including twin rudders, a high-performance bulb keel, and a sophisticated 2.7-ton water ballast system capable of transferring sides in approximately six seconds. With a displacement of 12 tons, the yacht is approximately three tons lighter than comparable Maxi 72 class vessels while maintaining similar sail area and power.Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, commented: "First and foremost, I want to express my thanks to the owner, Giovanni Lombardi Stronati, whose trust in this ambitious vision from day one made it all possible. With the wallyrocket71, Wally sets sail into an exciting new chapter in competitive yacht racing, launching a vessel designed to be one of the fastest in its class."Initial sea trials conducted in Valencia demonstrated the yacht's performance capabilities, achieving upwind speeds of 10.5-11 knots and matching wind speed downwind. Adolfo Carrau of Botin Partners explained the design approach: "We started from a blank sheet of paper, asking how we could beat the most competitive Maxi 72s on corrected time. When they were designed, it was to a box rule, so many parameters were already set. Now, as everyone is optimizing their boats under IRC rules, there is a lot more freedom."The racing crew, including tactician Vasco Vascotto and strategist Guillermo Parada, reported positive initial impressions of the yacht's handling and performance. Vascotto noted: "After only a few days on the water, I'm really impressed by both the construction quality and performance." Parada added: "The boat's performance is in line with our expectations: it is a complex and high-performing vessel that requires careful handling but is very exciting."The wallyrocket71 will compete in major Mediterranean events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, following its debut at the Loro Piana Giraglia.Wally's racing fleet continues to demonstrate strong performance in the 2025 season, with 15 yachts scheduled to compete across various events. Notable recent results include victories by Wally Cento V at the RORC Nelson's Cup in Antigua and dominant performances by Tilakkhana II at Palmavela. The wallyrocket51, Wally's smaller performance model, has also shown competitive results at the Central and Southern Tyrrhenian ORC National Championship.The remainder of the 2025 racing calendar includes prestigious events such as the Admiral's Cup in Cowes, the Rolex Fastnet Race, and the season-ending Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta. Wally's growing fleet of performance yachts, ranging from the wallyrocket series to the larger Cento models, continues to establish the brand's position in competitive sailing circles.The wallyrocket71 project represents approximately 18 months of development from initial concept to launch, with the design team focused on creating a versatile yacht capable of strong performance across various wind conditions and course configurations. The yacht's construction at King Marine incorporated advanced composite materials and weight-saving techniques to achieve its target displacement.With the introduction of the wallyrocket71 and continued success of its racing fleet, Wally maintains its commitment to developing high-performance sailing yachts that combine cutting-edge technology with competitive results across international regatta circuits.Credits: Wally
June 6, 2025
Eastwind Yachts has been appointed as the central sales agent for the 114.2-meter expedition yacht Luna, currently available for €270 million. Built by Lloyd Werft in 2010 and refitted in 2015/16, the vessel is undergoing additional refit work before delivery to a new owner.The Newcruise-designed exterior and Donald Starkey interior accommodate 18 guests in 9 suites with a crew of 51. Luna's steel hull and aluminum superstructure provide a 9,500-nautical-mile range at 16.8 knots cruising speed, with a top speed of 22 knots. The diesel-electric propulsion system and ice-class hull enable global exploration in various conditions.Key features include twin helipads, a swimming pool, beach club, full spa with steam room and sauna, cinema, and two tender garages adjacent to a gym. The yacht's stabilization system ensures comfort at sea."Luna represents the pinnacle of expedition yachting with proven global capability," said an Eastwind Yachts representative. The vessel is currently the world's second-largest expedition yacht.Interested parties can contact Eastwind Yachts for viewings and additional specifications.Credits: Eastwind Yachts; Yacht Harbour archive
June 5, 2025
Viken Group, a global marine design firm specializing in cruise ships and superyachts, has appointed Anna Silvesjö as Chief Executive Officer. Silvesjö previously served as Partner and Group Chief Financial Officer of the company, which owns design studios TDoS (Tillberg Design of Sweden), Hot Lab, and Thalia Marine.Silvesjö outlined her strategic priorities for the group: "Viken Group will continue to expand into new market segments while deepening partnerships with clients through our on-brand design philosophy. Our design solutions align with each client's brand identity, culture, and target audience." She emphasized design excellence, commercial performance, and talent retention as key focus areas.Anna SilvesjöA central initiative under Silvesjö's leadership will be the development of Navigator, the group's integrated service platform for maritime projects. "Rooted in decades of experience across cruise ships, expedition yachts, and private yachts, Navigator simplifies the complexity of shipbuilding while ensuring rigorous cost control throughout development and construction," said Fredrik Johansson, Viken Group Co-Founder.The leadership transition occurs as the marine design industry continues to evolve, with Silvesjö representing one of few female executives in the sector. Her appointment reflects the group's emphasis on financial and operational management combined with design expertise.Viken Group's three subsidiaries maintain distinct specializations: TDoS in cruise ship design, Hot Lab in superyacht concepts, and Thalia Marine in naval architecture and engineering. The group currently operates across multiple international markets, serving both new construction and refit projects.No additional executive changes were announced alongside Silvesjö's promotion. The transition takes immediate effect, with Silvesjö assuming full operational responsibility for the group's global activities.Credits: Viken Group
June 5, 2025