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.
Virtually new, the sinking of the 60-meter Yogi send shockwaves throughout the yachting space. In addition to engine issues that were believed to have triggered the chain of events that led to Yogi sinking, misuse of watertight doors may have been an issue according to the report. A fact worth noting is that the yacht took over five hours to sink into the Aegean Sea.
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.
The latest addition to Custom Line's Navetta 30 displacement line, the eighteenth hull, was launched on November 7 at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona. The ceremony, attended by Custom Line employees instrumental in the yacht's creation, marked the debut of this superyacht, tailored for an owner in the Asia-Pacific region.Crafted through a collaborative design process, the Strategic Product Department, responsible for exterior styling, worked in tandem with the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. Internally, ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel led the interior architecture, supported by Filippo Salvetti for exteriors and strategic interior design consulting from the Custom Line Atelier.Measuring 28.43 meters in length and boasting a 7.3-meter beam, this superyacht achieves ambitious volumes while radiating a sense of lightness and cruising elegance. The exterior design showcases horizontal lines sweeping towards the bow, imparting a sleek and dynamic silhouette with a touch of timeless classicism. The four-deck configuration maximizes onboard spaces, strategically arranged for conviviality, relaxation, and contemplation. Expansive glazed surfaces, over-two-meter high decks, and generous stern and bow areas provide panoramic views, creating an immediate sense of openness.Seamless integration between interior and exterior spaces defines a linear continuum, optimizing functionality. The interior styling, blending classic elements with a contemporary twist, introduces carbon detailing, sophisticated lacquer finishes, and custom textured claddings. Reflecting the owner's preferences, the decor embodies a sporty chic style, enriched by materials like nubuck leather and a captivating interplay of contrasts using polished Orobico marble and Silk Georgette marble.Dynamic contrasts come to life in a well-balanced fusion of pale, delicate tones – white, beige, and cream – with evocative shades of burnt brown, dark gray, and sepia. 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
November 30, 2023
Antonini Navi announces the sale of the custom 33-meter yacht, Seamore 33, marking another success within a month of revealing the Explorer Yacht 32 M contract. This new yacht, commissioned by an Italian owner, is set to launch in spring 2025 and will debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival the same year. Seamore 33 represents the initial vessel in a semi-custom series, showcasing Antonini Navi’s venture into highly customizable yet series-produced yachts.This broader project involves a collaborative effort between Antonini Navi's Technical Office, Hydro Tec for exterior design and naval architecture, and Hot Lab for interior design. The steel and aluminum construction, based on a Hydro Tec concept, enables modifications to the superstructure and hull sections while maintaining the platform's integrity.Seamore 33’s distinctive design features a high, dominant bow, creating a sleek and sporty profile. The emphasis on open spaces prioritizes flexibility, with over 150 square meters of open-air living space on the main deck, expandable or enclosed by sliding pocket windows. An additional 160 square meters of al fresco space on the upper deck, including 50 square meters under an elegant hard-top, enhances the yacht's versatile layout.The interiors, crafted by Hot Lab, strike a balance between classic elegance and modern innovation. Noble teak wood complements pastel colors, fostering an atmosphere of calm and harmony with the sea. Enrico Lumini of Hot Lab describes the interiors as an "instant classic" with timeless beauty.Simone Antonini, CEO of the shipyard, expresses immense pride in Antonini Navi's achievements and credits the success to the commitment and vision of the group. This recent sale, along with the Explorer Yacht 32 M contract, solidifies Antonini Navi's position as a niche brand in luxury custom yacht construction. Aldo Manna, partner and sales director, emphasizes the challenge of selling two units over 30 meters in less than two months. With three out of four production slots occupied, Antonini Navi aims to conclude on a high note, selling the next unit with delivery in the 2026 season.Sergio Cutolo of Hydro Tec applauds the shared commitment to exceeding expectations, showcasing the success of the long collaboration and ongoing dedication between the involved companies.The Pertusola shipyard in the Gulf of La Spezia was bought by Walter Antonini in 1977. Since then, Antonini Navi has been a family-held leader in superyacht custom build and refitting.Credits: Antonini Navi
November 30, 2023
Burgess is set to make waves in its US expansion with the revelation of a new office in the heart of Miami's bustling financial district.Situated on the 27th floor of the sophisticated 1450 Brickell office tower, a creation of the esteemed architectural firm Nichols Architects, the spacious office is a testament to Burgess's commitment to excellence. The 35-story Class-A tower is home to prestigious tenants such as JP Morgan Chase, Bilzin Sumberg, Boston Consulting Group, Morrison Brown Argiz & Farra, as well as numerous leading law firms, family offices, and private equity firms.Burgess's strategic move to the Brickell area, often referred to as Wall Street South, aligns with the recent influx of prominent hedge funds and tech companies like Ken Griffin's Citadel. It also synchronizes with several notable firms relocating their headquarters to South Florida, including Carl Icahn's Icahn Enterprises and Barry Sternlicht's Starwood Capital Group.Conveniently positioned within walking distance of the city's chef-driven restaurants and luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Miami and Mandarin Oriental, the office offers proximity to the Brightline transportation, facilitating seamless travel for Burgess's team of charter brokers and sales brokers between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach.Jonathan Beckett, CEO of Burgess, remarked, "The location is very strategic as it puts us in the right company and is convenient for our brokers to meet privately with clients. As we look to our future, the US remains our strongest market, and this announcement is the first of several expected in the coming 12 months, emphasizing our commitment to the region and its potential."Having opened its doors in South Florida over 20 years ago, Burgess has evolved from a small team to a robust staff of 19, earning accolades for delivering top-notch services. Their comprehensive offerings include charter, charter management, brokerage, yacht management, and a full suite of owner services.Credits: Unsplash.com
November 30, 2023
Codecasa Shipyards has announced that the new Codecasa 43 – Hull C124 has arrived in the Viareggio facility from the Codecasa production site in Navicelli Pisa, to be completed and to be ready for delivery to the owner scheduled in Summer 2024.The 43 meter C124 is a totally custom-made full displacement yacht with steel hull and aluminum superstructure. She is designed by Codecasa Shipyards in-house technical staff. She was sold in January 2023. Distinguished by its vertical bow, the C124 boasts expansive windows that flood the interior with abundant natural light. With internal volumes just below 500 gross register tons (GRT), its exterior design, marked by clean and elegant lines, ensures optimal comfort and privacy. Two spacious saloons and four large guest cabins, along with the owner's suite on the forward main deck, define the luxurious accommodations. Fully equipped service areas and inviting exterior spaces spanning the three decks enhance the overall experience.Propelled by two Caterpillar C32 "Acert" engines generating 1600 horsepower at 2300 rpm, the yacht achieves a top speed of 16 knots at light displacement. Its cruising range extends to 4,000 nautical miles at a comfortable 11 knots. Codecasa shipyard was established in Viareggio in 1825 by the shipwright Giovanni Battista Codecasa. Still run by the founder’s heirs, nowadays the Codecasa Shipyards Group is able to offer a wide range of Yachts, featured by top quality, technologic innovation, reliability, design and comfort. The shipyard is known all over the world as builders of steel and light alloy motoryachts, ranging from 30 to 70 meters LOA.Credits: Codecasa
November 29, 2023
The construction of the fourth 60-meter ketch sailing yacht by Perini Navi, a brand of The Italian Sea Group, is advancing rapidly. Works at the Marina di Carrara shipyard are in full swing, aiming to deliver a vessel that embodies both safety and efficiency for an unparalleled sailing experience.Developed in collaboration with Ron Holland, who oversaw the naval architecture, the 60-meter yacht caters to those seeking perpetual safety, comfort, and efficiency on the open seas. Crafted with an aluminum hull and superstructure, boasting a gross tonnage under 500 and a displacement of around 570 tons, the yacht integrates carbon fiber masts, booms, and rigging for optimal performance.The sailing system has undergone a redesign, emphasizing ease of handling, speed, and enhanced overall performance. Incorporating cutting-edge technology, a state-of-the-art dynamic positioning system ensures the yacht maintains its position and direction autonomously, eliminating the need for an anchor.Internally, the yacht boasts an innovative design by French designer Remy Tessier, blending modernity with tradition to create an elegant and comfortable ambiance. The owner's suite and the five guest cabins epitomize luxury and refinement in a tasteful and unostentatious manner.Sistership Perseus 3 With the optimization of facilities now completed, the focus shifts to the outfitting and masting operations. The launch and delivery of this remarkable yacht are slated for the end of 2024.Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group, expressed, "The lines of this 60-meter yacht are the result of constant efforts that allowed us to preserve the unmistakable Perini Navi style and, at the same time, create a more modern yacht."The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credits: The Italian Sea Group
November 29, 2023