Few events have ever affected yachting as much as the sinking of the 60 meter Yogi. The largest yacht to ever sink, its wreck strongly hit the Turkish shipbuilding sector and made owners take a hard look at their insurances and dangers, even though no one was hurt. Despite the accident, Yogi was no less of an exceptional yacht.
Yogi was the largest yacht ever built by up and coming Turkish shipyard, Proteksan Turquoise at the time of her delivery in 2011. Reminiscent of an explorer style yacht through her design by Jean Guy Verges, Yogi featured oversized portholes in her hull that brought in tons of flight into the yacht's cabins.
Built for Stephane Courbit, a French media and TV millionaire valued at €450 million, Yogi was built to be operated as a charter yacht part of its hotel collection. Maximizing space, the yacht had many amenities for her size including a swimming pool, beach club, wellness center and media room.
Yet, on February 17th 2012, just as the yacht was days out of leaving the yard where it was undergoing warrantied maintenance work, it sank in the Aegean sea. The weather was particularly difficult during that day and yet it seems to be an engine failure that, tied to a number of circumstantial events, led to the 60-meter yacht sinking to the bottom of the Mediterranean.
The report did, however, clear Proteksan in the quality of its build, focusing on what was a mixture of human oversight and extreme conditions. A Turkish investigations arrived at similar conclusions. Manned by a skeleton crew of 8 during this voyage, it took an hour to evacuate by helicopter the yacht's crew as seas at their peek featured waves of up to 7 meters.
The largest yacht to have ever cruised with the French flag, Yogi was part of Courbit's Lov Collection, a holding company that includes the Les Airelles palace in Courchevel as well as the Pan Dei hotel in St Tropez. Built with charter in mind to its existing and new clientele, the yacht commanded prices of up to €378,000 per week and featured 800 square meter of interior space in a particularly luxurious interior.
A key element in Yogi's design was her large pool with overflow that sat aft of the yacht's main deck, directly on top of its beach club. In the middle of the pool was a glass porthole that flooded the area underneath with light. All around the pool were lounging pads for Yogi's guest to take in the sun when the yacht was anchored off in a bay.
To complement the swimming pool aft of the main deck, a Jacuzzi was also placed aft of the sundeck, for guests that wanted to enjoy the sun in a hot tub. Also surrounded by sunpads, these feature a common beige design throughout the yacht with colored pillows. Same can be said for the customizable lounging area aft of the upper deck.
On the inside, Yogi was reminiscent of Courbit's luxurious hotels. Featuring a beige and creme tone throughout the yacht, the 60-meter was fitted with floor to ceiling windows that visually increased the size of its 800 square meters of interior space. Its main salon was structured into a lounging area and a TV sector with a wide screen built into the wall.
Stretching across the full beam of the yacht, Yogi's master bedroom was no less spectacular with both lots of light and space. A king sized bed throned in the middle of the suite with access through a central corridor to a dressing room and his and hers bathrooms.
The yacht's guest accommodation didn't also pale in comparison with the owner's stateroom. Finished in the same style, the double and twin guest cabins could be connected or separated through double sliding doors. In total, Yogi could accommodate a total of 12 guests across 6 cabins.
Tall windows could be found throughout the yacht and were a real differentiating factor from competition on the market for Yogi. 'The idea was to have a yacht that could be chartered and run just like a resort.' detailed its designer, Jean Guy Verges in a later interview. 'She has been designed to the specific request of her owner. I think this jewel offered more than you would expect of a yacht her size.'
Another interesting amenity of Yogi was her observational lounge up on the sun deck. Finished throughout in glass, the area boasted a 180 degree view into the yacht's surroundings through a climate controlled environment. Equipped with custom furniture from the likes of Hermes, this media lounge separated the sun deck into a Jacuzzi and a raised dinning area.
Down on the upper deck, which also featured a covered dinning room, guests would find an extensive lounging pad with tiles that could be raised or flattened to create lounging chairs or sun beds. Connected to iPods and iPhones, which in 2011 was still rare, Yogi featured an advanced system for her time with TVs that slid out even in front of lounging pads.
Viewed by many as a step forward for the Turkish yacht building sector and as an endorsement of their quality, when Yogi sank, the whole country took a hit. By 2011, yacht owners and charters had started outgrowing the stigma of building in Turkey and the market was picking up for local builders. In fact Yogi was the largest yacht ever built by Proteksan.
Yogi's delivery was followed weeks after by their newest flagship, a 70.5-meter reminiscent of a Dutch-build quality, Talisman C. Shortly after it followed the 72-meter Vicky and it looked like Turkey would emerge as a yacht building destination. This all ended when Yogi sank in February 2012 and owners' stigma towards Turkey developed once again.
Although some Turkish shipyards continued to prosper, many faded down their ambitions in a global recession. This ultimately culminated with the acquisition of Proteksan Turquoise by Dutch-based Oceanco. Backed by billionaire investor Mohammed Al Barwani, the Dutch superyacht builder since set out on a mission to make the yard competitive and got an order for a 77-meter yacht now under build.
Having initially started his career in television in the 1990s, Stephane Courbit where he built a reputation, eventually starting his own production company behind hits such as Miss France. Eventually acquired by Dutch holding Endemol, Courbit exited from the company in 2001.
His LOV Group currently includes companies in the audiovisual space with several production companies behind some of France's most popular game shows. Other investments include several betting sites, which he started in acquiring in 2007. One of his fastest growing divisions has now becomes the Airelles collection of hotels.
After investing nearly $200 million into the purchase and renovation of the five star Courchevel palace, Les Airelles, Courbit acquired the Pan Dei Palace in St Tropez. His hotel portfolio then grew with the Bastide de Gordes in 2014. Two more Airelles hotels are set to open in the next two years, one in Versailles and one in Val d'Isiere.
Damen Yachting has announced the grand reveal of the Amels 6007, the seventh yacht in the Amels 60 series. The unveiling took place at their shipyard in Vlissingen, The Netherlands, marking a significant milestone in the build process. The Amels 60 Limited Editions design is developed by Espen Øino International.Chris Callahan from Moran Yacht & Ship, representing the owner, expressed excitement about reaching this stage and praised the incorporation of personal touches into the yacht. He noted that many customizations and improvements implemented in previous builds, such as ENTOURAGE (Hull 6002), have been carried over to the Amels 6007.The interior of the Amels 6007 has been designed by Harrison Eidsgaard, marking the studio's first collaboration with Amels. The design reflects a contemporary and welcoming style, inspired by beach house luxury, with natural materials and detailed finishes creating a warm and tactile environment.Joppe Osté, Damen Yachting Project Manager for the Amels 60, emphasized the team's pride in achieving this milestone and their focus on completing the final build phase to ensure the yacht is ready for its intended lifetime at sea. Following the launch, the Amels 6007 will undergo final outfitting before delivery to its owner in early summer 2025.A guest capacity of Amels 6007 is 12 people, a crew capacity of 12 members plus the Captain, a gross tonnage is 853 GT.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
February 21, 2025
Turquoise Yachts has partnered with the renowned British design studio Bannenberg & Rowell to introduce a duo of superyacht concepts, measuring 65 and 80 meters, named Above and Beyond, respectively. The 65-meter Above is the first of the two concepts to hit the market, while the upcoming 80-meter Beyond is set to begin construction on speculation later this year. One standout feature of the designs is the crow's nest, creatively envisioned as a custom platform-elevator that ascends the mast’s height.Central to the design ethos is the efficient layout of the main deck, which seamlessly connects six guest cabins to the main saloon and dining areas. The spacious salon flows into the aft main deck, which features a large lounge alongside a stunning glass-bottom pool that allows sunlight to permeate the beach club below.The beach club offers extensive wellness amenities, including a sauna, steam shower, massage room, and a fully equipped gym with a balcony. Additionally, a lounge area with a bar, seating, and dual balconies enhances the onboard leisure experience.Crew efficiency was a key factor in the design of Above, featuring well-thought-out configurations across decks, including generous pantries and a commercial-grade galley equipped with a walk-in freezer. Crew amenities also encompass dedicated laundry facilities, a gym, and a spacious mess area.The 65-meter and 80-meter projects will be available as new construction opportunities exclusively with Denison Yachting.Turquoise was established in 1997 by two leaders of the Turkish boat building industry: Proteksan Yachts Inc. and Turquoise Yacht Construction. After launching the 50m M/Y Turquoise (now called Double Trouble), 20 other megayachts ranging from 40m to 77m in length have since been delivered to an international roster of clients from the United States, United Kingdom, Europe and Russia. Credits: Denison Yachting
February 21, 2025
Riva Classiche will make a striking appearance at The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2025, a prestigious event dedicated to classic and vintage automobiles, held on February 21 and 22 against the stunning backdrop of the frozen lake in the Engadin valley. Known for its mission to restore and preserve vintage powerboats, Riva Classiche will showcase a beautifully restored Riva Olympic boat, elegantly displayed on the ice.The I.C.E. St. Moritz International Concours of Elegance is a celebrated gathering for collectors and aficionados of classic cars, blending art, style, and heritage in a unique winter setting. Each year, the event draws participants from around the globe, and this edition promises to be no exception, emphasizing the intersection of culture and classic automotive excellence.Riva Classiche will not only present its iconic boat but will also create a luxurious Riva Lounge at the Grace La Margna Hotel St. Moritz. This exclusive space will encapsulate the essence of the Riva brand, featuring a selection of collectibles and accessories from Riva Boutique, all while immersing visitors in the brand’s timeless elegance.With its participation in The I.C.E. St. Moritz 2025, Riva Classiche reaffirms its commitment to celebrating the rich heritage of classic craftsmanship, making this event a must-visit for those who appreciate the beauty of vintage powerboats and the art of fine living in the Swiss Alps.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
February 21, 2025
Cantieri di Pisa recently unveiled the stunning interiors of the new Akhir 44 at the Dubai International Boat Show, a key event in the Middle Eastern maritime calendar. Collaborating with Pulina Exclusive Interiors, the design showcases a striking contrast between warm materials, such as bleached oak, and sleek metal finishes, providing the yacht with a sporty yet technological aesthetic.Marco Massabò, CEO of Cantieri di Pisa, emphasized the innovative approach behind this model: “The Akhir 44 is the first in a new series crafted from carbon and glass composite, reaching a remarkable top speed of 35 knots. This yacht marries the iconic lines of our original range with current market needs.” He noted that the interiors are designed for exceptional livability, catering to cosmopolitan owners who appreciate both luxury and functionality.Pulina Exclusive Interiors, founded by Alessandro Pulina, is renowned for its high-end designs across multiple sectors, including yachts, private residences, and hotels. “Our design blends energy in motion with spatial harmony,” Pulina explained. “The contrast of warm and cool materials, paired with a fresh neutral color palette, enhances the interiors’ livability while promoting a sense of openness.”Measuring 44 meters in length with a beam of 8.6 meters, Akhir 44 features an innovative layout emphasizing symmetry and fluidity. The main deck prioritizes guest comfort, with a spacious saloon and an adaptable dining area that can transform using sliding panels. An eye-catching floating staircase, crafted from metal and glass, serves as both a functional feature and an artistic centerpiece.Offering four guest cabins and an owner’s suite with extensive glazing, the yacht ensures maximum privacy while enhancing the connection to the surrounding water. With three powerful 2,600 HP MTU engines, the Akhir 44 promises an exhilarating experience at an average speed of 30 knots, making it a formidable presence on the water.Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
February 21, 2025
The stunning 52-meter Sanlorenzo motor yacht Seven Sins has officially been listed for sale by Virginia Di Antonio of Yachting Partners International (YPI). Currently listed at EUR28,000,000, Seven Sins is situated in the Caribbean. As the inaugural vessel in the esteemed 52 Steel series from Italian shipyard Sanlorenzo, this yacht was delivered in 2017 and has captured attention for its exceptional design by Officina Italiana Design. Seven Sins was honored with a prestigious Neptune award at the 2018 World Superyacht Awards.This listing marks the yacht's second appearance on the market since its initial launch, previously sold as part of a co-ownership arrangement via SeaNet Europe, making her one of the largest superyachts to have two owners.One of the standout features of Seven Sins is its expansive beach club area, complete with a striking glass-bottom swimming pool. This versatile space also includes fold-out balconies, a well-equipped gym, and a sauna. When not in use, the beach club can easily transform into a floodable drive-in tender garage, offering both convenience and functionality.Seven Sins accommodates up to 11 guests across five cabins, which include a master suite, two doubles, and two twin rooms. The sundeck is another highlight and is likely to become the preferred outdoor gathering spot for guests. Equipped with stylish furniture from Paola Lenti, it features an array of sun loungers at the aft, comfortable seating arrangements around coffee tables, a dining table that accommodates 12, and an impressive bar dressed in silver-flecked granite that sparkles in the sunlight. It’s no wonder that Seven Sins enjoys popularity as a charter yacht and is also available for charter through YPI.The yacht is powered by two 2000hp Caterpillar 3512-C diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 17 knots and an impressive cruising range of 4,400 nautical miles at a speed of 11 knots.Sanlorenzo was founded in 1958 in Viareggio by yacht builder Gionvanni Jannetti. In 2005, Massimo Perrotti became the majority shareholder in the shipyard. Sanlorenzo builds yachts ranging from 28.60 to 73 meters in length. Credits: YPI
February 20, 2025