The founder of Oceanic Yachts, a brand using Canados for construction for the past two years, has acquired the Italian shipyard. He’s Michel Karsenti (below), a familiar face in yachting.
Karsenti has been involved in a number of new builds from 69 to 262 feet (21 to 80 meters) at different shipyards over the past two decades. He created Oceanic Yachts in 2014 as an expedition-yacht brand, with Canados serving as the sole builder. Karsenti additionally owns the yacht-consulting company Yacht-Ology, established in 2013. He and that company are the powers behind Suerte, delivered last year by Tankoa Yachts, plus another in-build project at the same shipyard. From 1988 to 2013, he owned the media company Yachts Group. Karsenti still has media holdings, currently Invictus magazine.
Canados opened its doors in 1946 on the Tiber River near Rome. Specifically, it’s in Ostia, about four miles (seven kilometers) from Fiumicino International Airport. The facility had served as a hydroplane manufacturer for the Italian Navy. The Navy, Coast Guard, and local harbor masters were all Canados’ first customers. Business soon started coming from other European countries and as far as the Middle East. In the mid-1950s, Canados turned its attention to yachts, following an inquiry from a Middle Eastern royal. From that point to today, Canados has specialized in fiberglass construction and has delivered more than 700 yachts to 118 feet (36 meters). It’s also among the few Italian builders creating nearly all aspects in house.
In a statement on the acquisition of Canados, Karsenti says, “I’m fascinated, year after year, visit after visit at Canados to still have the same magical feeling of how strong maritime traditions are embedded in workers’ DNA. I cannot say if this is linked to the 70 years the shipyard has been in business, or due to the fact Canados is located in the world’s richest region in terms of architecture, style, and history Rome is known for, but I can surely say that the same feeling is shared by all the clients visiting us. I’ve truly seen incredible technical achievements performed by this unique team of craftsmen!”
The acquisition of Canados was finalized just prior to Christmas. Karsenti is currently investing in improvements to construction sheds and two private marinas that Canados owns. All told, Canados sits on 20 acres (80,000 square meters) of property.
Also related to the acquisition, Canados is now offering three fiberglass series: Canados Yachts, Gladiator Yachts, and Oceanic Yachts. The latter, as mentioned above, includes explorer yachts. Their stepped hulls are said to improve fuel efficiency and overall performance. The Canados Yachts line is dedicated to five flying-bridge designs. They’re the styles that the shipyard has been producing for years. Buyers will still be able to select interiors. As for Gladiator Yachts, they’re what other builders call sport yachts. Canados will offer the Gladiator projects as your choice of Sport or Performance power configurations. Sport translates to traditional prop shafts, while Performance means surface drives.
elizabeth
it’s amazing how people can deal with several businesses at the same time.
Steve Miklos
It is great to see Michel doing so well and creating beautiful Yachts. We miss him in American powerboat racing.
Best wishes on continued success Michel!
Steve