Due to previous success selling on-spec superyacht projects, Tankoa Yachts is increasing its investment in the process. It therefore now has its fifth and sixth hulls, sisterships to S501, in the early metal-cutting stages. What’s more, it intends to start a new spec yacht every time it signs a contract.
Because they’re based on S501, a.k.a. Veritge (below), the new yachts both measure 164 feet (50 meters). They’re also each fully aluminum and within the 500-gross-ton threshold. Tankoa revealed the designs, by Francesco Paszkowski, to the media at last year’s Monaco Yacht Show. However, at the time, there were no plans to start construction just yet.
The shipyard’s management team mentions to a few factors influenced changing its mind. As mentioned, it sold other spec superyacht builds. These include Vertige and S502, a.k.a. Elettra (top), the latter of which launches next year. Another reason is what piques owner involvement. “Many owners are not interested in the first six to eight months it takes to build the hull and superstructure,” says Edoardo Ratto, Tankoa’s general manager. But, he adds, “they do want to be involved in the layout and interior decor, and in the choice of features and equipment.” Spec builds allow that involvement. Finally, Tankoa sees strong potential clients coming from charter. It’s because Vertige booked more than 20 weeks in her first year of availability. On a related note, the yacht further covered more than 12,000 miles in the Med and Caribbean on those trips. The yard asserts the journeys were without issue.
The two new spec superyacht projects are following in their predecessor’s propulsion footsteps. Hull 5 will use Vertige’s traditional diesel-engine arrangement, whereas hull 6 will use diesel-electric, like Elettra. “It all comes down to a question of customer choice,” Ratto says. The yard sees more buyers attracted to the emission reductions and quieter cruising offered by hybrid power. Simultaneously, Tankoa sees plenty of buyers sticking with conventional power.
In terms of creature comforts, both spec superyacht projects have fold-down balconies in the master suites. Tankoa and Paszkowski are giving each beach clubs and side-launching tender garages, too. The rest of the interiors, of course, are up to clients to decide.
Both yachts should be ready to cruise come summertime 2020.
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