Construction work has started at Tankoa’s other metal work facility in La Spezia on two allaluminium, 50-metre projects, sister-ships to S501 project, that was officially unveiled at the last Monaco Yacht Show, with exterior design by Francesco Paszkowski.
The decision to start spec builds was based on three main factors.
1. The success of 50-metre Vertige (S501), and the rapid sale of her hybrid-powered sister-ship S502 Elettra, currently in build and due to launch in February 2019 for an early May 2019 delivery.
2. The constant demand for similar model coming from around the world with the clear desire from clients to shorten delivery time as much as possible showing the great potential of the S501 line.
3. The tremendous charter success of Vertige since delivery last year. Vertige did over 20 weeks of charter and covered more than 12,000 trouble-free miles between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. S502 Elettra model, the second 50 meter currently in build, also began as an on-spec project but was quickly sold to a European owner last April.
“Building on spec represents a major investment even for a financially strong, debt free shipyard, but it makes strategic sense by reducing the delivery time,” says Edoardo Ratto, General Manager at Tankoa. “Many owners are not interested in the first 6-8 months it takes to build the hull and superstructure, but they do want to be involved in the layout and interior décor, and in the choice of features and equipment, which can be decided when the metal work is already well advanced.”
The two new, sub-500GT superyachts (S501 type Hull#5 and S502 Elettra type Hull#6) replicate the dynamic yet graceful exterior styling of their predecessors and are based on the same naval architectural platform.
The basic general arrangement is also similar with fold down terraces in the owner’s suite on the main deck forward, a side-loading tender garage aft, and a generous beach club at the transom. However, prospective clients will be able to tailor both the interiors and exterior layout to suit their own preferences.
Hull#5 will be powered with conventional diesel propulsion, whereas Hull#6 will come with a hybrid propulsion package developed in collaboration with Diesel Center in La Spezia. Like her sister ship, she will have four flexible propulsion modes: diesel-electric, full electric, traditional diesel and fullspeed mode.
“Given the direction the market is moving in, reflected in the investment engine manufacturers are making on hybrid solutions, we decided three years ago to push forward and build the first 50m Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.
“Elettra” with hybrid propulsion, providing excellent performances and range combined with reduced emissions and quieter cruising,” says Edoardo Ratto. “It all comes down to a question of customer choice.”
Construction work on Hull#5 and Hull#6 began first week of May and both yachts will be available for delivery for the 2020 summer season.
For Michel Karsenti, Sales & Marketing director, the spec construction of this particular model represents a winning formula:
“In today’s market, affluent clients do not want to wait for the time it takes to build a yacht under 500 GRT from scratch. Building on spec is a fantastic solution for many reasons. Not only will a client be able to come to us and see his future boat already well advanced, he will also be able to choose his décor and layout, and take delivery the following season. Moreover, with a boat already half-way built, they don’t have to worry about putting together bank guarantees. As strong as Tankoa is, having to deal with financial security is always a process owners don’t like to handle. Instead, it is the shipyard that takes all the risk with its own cash flow. With this new spec build programme in place, the plan is to start a new build every time one sells...”
Tankoa Yachts is a project born late 2008, thanks to a very competent team of managers and investor already involved in the yachting industry, and with a long professional history of successes. Since its inception, TANKOA Yachts' business plan is based on a new philosophy of yacht construction. “Boutique Shipyard” are the most accurate words to describe TANKOA's philosophy, a top-quality shipyard focused on yachts ranging from 50 to 90 meters. Limited production, attention to details, use of the latest technologies, precision, rich specifications, ethics and emphasis of the Italian building
excellence are just a few of TANKOA's values. TANKOA Yachts has opted for “a multi-cultural approach of yacht construction” by integrating various criteria. At TANKOA, the management team is proud to have successfully merged business ethics, high quality precision engineering, and Italian DNA in design and flexibility.
Camper & Nicholsons has been appointed central agent for the sale of the 40.05-meter Sunseeker motor yacht Berco Voyager. Built in 2018, the vessel is offered at €13.9 million with VAT paid. Sales advisor Maël Fiolet is handling the listing.The yacht represents one of the final hulls in Sunseeker's 131 series, featuring upgraded interiors and specifications exceeding standard models. The current owner has maintained the vessel with additional custom features distinguishing it from sisterships.Berco Voyager accommodates 10 guests across five cabins with crew quarters for seven personnel. The yacht has demonstrated charter operational capability and includes extended engine warranty coverage.Currently located in Sardinia, the vessel will relocate to Southern France for the upcoming show season. The listing presents a rare opportunity to acquire a 40-meter Sunseeker with proven charter history and comprehensive maintenance records.Since 1969 Sunseeker Yachts has built composite semi-custom yachts from 12m to 47m. The shipyard's main facility is located in Poole.Credits: Camper & Nicholsons
August 20, 2025
American shipyard Hargrave Custom Yachts has unveiled a new 36.5-meter design in its 120 Series, featuring exterior and interior styling by Italian designer Patrizio Facheris. The raised pilothouse model represents a departure from the yard's typical in-house design approach.Constructed in carbon-reinforced E-glass epoxy composite, the yacht meets RINA Pleasure classification standards. The vessel accommodates 12 guests and 7 crew members, with a 7.6-meter beam and 1.9-meter draft. Light displacement measures 130 tons.Performance specifications include twin Caterpillar C32 engines producing 1,900 horsepower each, enabling a maximum speed of 21.5 knots and a cruising range of 945 nautical miles. The electrical system incorporates twin Northern Lights 56kW generators with 120/208 VAC power distribution and 24V DC engine starting.Exterior finishes feature hand-laid Burmese teak decking with non-skid paint options. Hull and superstructure coatings utilize AWLGRIP and International products for durability.Hargrave includes a six-month management package with each sale. The vessel remains available for inspection ahead of its Cannes showing.Credits: Hargrave Custom Yachts
August 20, 2025
Damen Yachting has simultaneously delivered two vessels to a single owner: the 60-meter Xplorer After You and the 53-meter Yacht Support Emotional. Both yachts were constructed at Damen's Antalya shipyard with Dutch engineering support and brokered by TWW Yachts.The Xplorer 60 is designed for global exploration ranging from polar regions to Mediterranean destinations. The Yacht Support vessel provides additional crew accommodations, toy storage, and helicopter facilities to complement the main yacht's operations.Jorrit Pilaar, Damen Yachting Sales Manager, stated: "It was an absolute pleasure working with the team of TWW Yachts over the last months to get the first Xplorer 60 and the 53-metre Yacht Support ready for delivery."Enrique Tintore, Product & Design Manager, added: "This double delivery is a landmark moment for Damen Yachting," acknowledging collaboration between the company's Antalya and Vlissingen facilities.David Westwood, CEO of TWW Yachts, noted: "Their technical proficiency and reliability as a supplier allowed us to focus on the Owner's priorities with complete confidence."Both vessels will appear at next month's Monaco Yacht Show before beginning operational service. The delivery represents Damen Yachting's continued expansion in the expedition yacht and support vessel market segments. The Xplorer series (formerly SeaXplorer) and Yacht Support vessels complement Damen's existing Amels superyacht portfolio.Damen Yachting, the yacht-building division of Damen Shipyards Group, employs approximately 500 professionals across its Amels, SeaXplorer, and Yacht Support vessel programs. No purchase price was disclosed for the new build.Credits: Damen Yachting
August 20, 2025
Tureddi Group has sold the first superyacht under its recently established Tureddi Yachts brand. The 36-meter Azzurra is currently under construction with delivery scheduled for 2027. Worth Avenue Yachts brokered the sale and will provide project management during construction.The steel and aluminum yacht features exterior design by Italian studio Giamboi Design and naval architecture by Dutch firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. The interior designer remains undisclosed, described only as a "renowned international design house" by the shipyard.Project details remain confidential, though the yard references a "wide beam, generous volume and high-level specification" incorporating latest marine technologies. Worth Avenue Yachts' Europe managing partner Mathieu Bardon stated: "This sale represents an incredible collaboration between all parties involved, supported by the trust of the buyer through a long-standing relationship."The sale marks Tureddi Group's transition from component supplier to independent yacht builder after 40 years in the marine industry. Company president Alessandro Tureddi noted the significance of this milestone for the family-owned business.The Italian shipyard recently expanded its portfolio with two new designs currently available for sale. Construction progresses at Tureddi's facility with the Azzurra representing the brand's inaugural superyacht project.Credits: Tureddi Group
August 19, 2025
William J. Healey, co-founder and former president of Viking Yacht Company, passed away on August 14, 2025 at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, New Jersey. He was 97 years old.Healey established Viking Yacht Company with his late brother Robert T. Healey Sr. on April 1, 1964, building the New Gretna-based operation into a leading manufacturer in the recreational marine industry. Under his leadership, the company became known for its luxury yacht production and innovative workplace practices.Healey maintained direct relationships with employees, personally greeting workers by name as they left the factory each evening. He implemented comprehensive employee benefits including an on-site health department providing free medical care to workers and their families.The industrialist pioneered several manufacturing advancements, including a tri-generation facility for power generation, wastewater treatment systems, and early adoption of computer numerical control technology. He oversaw installation of solar panels on company buildings and invested in advanced manufacturing equipment including a $1 million five-axis CNC router.Healey retired in October 2013, succeeded by his son Patrick, but maintained regular presence at the New Gretna facility. His brother and co-founder Robert Healey Sr., who led the successful campaign to repeal the federal luxury tax on yachts, predeceased him in 2021.Viking Yacht Company continues operations under family leadership, maintaining its position in the luxury yacht market. The company's New Jersey facility remains one of the largest yacht manufacturing operations in the United States.Credits: Viking Yacht
August 19, 2025