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.
Antonini Navi presented the Sport Utility Yacht – SUY 135, a groundbreaking superyacht conceptualized by Aldo Manna, Partner and Sales Director, in collaboration with designer Fulvio De Simoni. Moravia Yachts has been appointed as the Central Agency for this innovative vessel. The hull number #1 already in construction, the SUY 135 is slated for delivery in 2026.The SUY 135, part of a broader initiative by Antonini Navi, sets the stage for the introduction of the SUY 190 and SUY 108, completing the range of all-around seafaring yachts. These vessels are tailored to meet the burgeoning demand for a new class of superyachts that seamlessly blend comfort and luxury with a deep connection to the ocean and marine life.Under construction at the shipyard's facility in Italy, the SUY 135 spans 44 meters in length and boasts approximately 480GT. This displacement motor yacht represents the maiden offering in Antonini Navi's Sports Utility Yacht line, skillfully crafted from steel to ensure unrivaled performance and durability."The SUY offers the opportunity to experience the vessel with no limits, akin to an SUV in the automotive world," remarks Aldo Manna. "Designed to cater to the diverse recreational activities offered by the sea, the SUY epitomizes versatility, allowing owners and guests to indulge in a 360° yachting experience."Alessandro Diomedi, Sales Broker at Moravia Yachting, expresses excitement about the collaboration with Antonini Navi. "The Antonini SUY series presents an interesting and innovative concept, with ample volumes and the capacity to accommodate large water toys while prioritizing the owner's privacy and lifestyle," he comments.The SUY 135 offers extensive customization options, both internally and externally, allowing clients to tailor the yacht to their preferences. The proposed interior layout features a spacious owner's suite on the main deck, complemented by four en suite cabins on the lower deck. Additionally, the yacht provides separate accommodation for the captain and five crew members, ensuring privacy and comfort for all onboard.Exterior highlights include a veranda with al fresco dining, a beach club with a transom Jacuzzi, and a sun deck boasting panoramic views and luxurious amenities. The yacht's transversal tender garage accommodates a 7-meter RIB and an array of water toys, providing endless opportunities for exploration and leisure.With a range of 4,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots and a top speed of 16 knots, the SUY 135 combines performance with efficiency. Zero-speed stabilizers enhance onboard comfort, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable yachting experience for all.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
May 8, 2024
Cantieri di Pisa is pressing forward with its ambitious modernization and expansion project at its headquarters in Pisa. Situated along the Navicelli Canal, the facilities are poised to surpass 50,000 square meters, aligning with the vision of owner Enrico Gennasio and CEO Marco Massabò to restore Cantieri di Pisa to its former glory in collaboration with the Pisa Port Authority.The next phase of development will see the introduction of a fleet comprising ten models crafted from steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, drawing inspiration from the shipyard's storied history. Renowned for their innovative designs, materials, and performance, Cantieri di Pisa's historic yachts serve as a guiding beacon for this expansion.A substantial investment of 6 million euros over the past two years underscores the commitment to revitalizing Cantieri di Pisa. This investment is part of a comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate the esteemed brand, spearheaded by Enrico Gennasio, who assumed ownership in 2021, and CEO Marco Massabò. The modernization initiative encompasses various aspects, including the refurbishment and expansion of existing structures.Key elements of the project include the extension and elevation of the main warehouse to a height of 20 meters, alongside the construction of a new shed and connecting covered structures dedicated to yacht passage. Once completed, the production facilities and administrative spaces will cover an area of 17,500 square meters, with an additional 900 square meters allocated for offices.Furthermore, Cantieri di Pisa will enhance its offerings by providing a refitting service within an 18,000-square-meter space, catering to diverse client needs.The restructuring efforts represent a pivotal component of the managerial reorganization plan outlined by Gennasio and CEO Marco Massabò. With a wealth of experience exceeding 20 years in the luxury boating sector, Massabò emphasizes the objective of returning Cantieri di Pisa to its former prominence through the introduction of ten innovative yacht models across different categories."We have dedicated two years to refining the new iconic lines of Cantieri di Pisa," remarks Massabò, underscoring the dedication to excellence and innovation.The renovation of the shipyard marks an essential milestone in the overarching strategy devised by the new ownership to position Cantieri di Pisa as a leading facility in the production of carbon fiber, steel, and aluminum yachts. 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
May 8, 2024
The yacht charter market in 2024 has kicked off with a bang, with clients clamoring for more destinations, excursions, and toys. We caught up with the Denison charter team to uncover the latest trends in yacht vacations. Kristina Gagliardi, Jennifer Saia, Megan Cashmore, and Nadia Martinez from Denison shared their insights.This year, chartering is all about the toys. Guests are requesting a variety of toys, but two stand out: e-foils and slides. "Toy lists are pretty specific sometimes," says Kristina. "Clients want the e-foils or slides, especially those who have spent hours enjoying them in the past."Nadia and Megan echo this sentiment, highlighting the popularity of e-foils and slides. "People love e-foils," Megan enthuses. "Slides are also a big hit. It's all about the toys. Clients choose yachts based on the toys they offer."In addition to toys, clients are seeking unique destinations. "Croatia, with its off-the-beaten-path allure and moderate VAT, has become increasingly popular," shares Kristina. "Greece remains a perennial favorite, with its island-hopping experiences."Jennifer notes a growing interest in extreme destinations like the Faroe Islands and the Galapagos. "Clients are seeking unique experiences, and yacht charters offer the perfect platform to explore these remote locales," she explains.Nadia highlights the surge in last-minute inquiries for destinations like the British Virgin Islands and New England. "Water temperature is a crucial factor," she emphasizes. "Guests want to enjoy water activities, so destinations with warmer waters are preferred."While amenities like hot-tubs remain popular, Nadia advises flexibility. "Focus on the overall experience rather than specific features," she suggests. "Consider alternative amenities like swimming areas."Exciting innovations are also emerging in onboard dining. "Chef provisions, akin to gourmet meal kits, are gaining traction," Nadia reveals. "These solutions streamline meal preparation, enhancing the dining experience."The charter market continues to evolve, offering more options and customizations than ever before. Denison is at the forefront of this evolution, delivering unique vacations tailored to every client's desires.As the summer season unfolds, yacht charter enthusiasts can look forward to unforgettable experiences on the high seas, complete with thrilling toys, breathtaking destinations, and unparalleled luxury. It's time to set sail and embark on the ultimate adventure.Credits: Denison Yachting
May 8, 2024
The Italian Sea Group (TISG) announces the sale of the fifth Admiral 50 meters C.617 from its esteemed "semi-custom" series, destined for the azure waters of the Gulf in the UAE."Following the recent sale of the fourth yacht in the series, the commercial triumph of TISG in the semi-custom projects segment is evident," remarks Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group.The design ethos of the Admiral 50m emphasizes seamless transitions between internal and external spaces, fostering a harmonious dialogue across expansive volumes and intricate structural details. The interiors, curated by the TISG Style Centre, exude sophistication and warmth through the meticulous selection of luxurious materials such as wood, stone, and refined metals.A standout feature of the project is the strategic layout of the guest and owner cabins, with the owner's area situated on the upper deck, offering panoramic views on three sides and a private deck at the bow, while all guest cabins are located on the main deck with ample windows providing stunning vistas of the surrounding seascape.With a voluminous 499 GT, the Admiral 50m yacht accommodates up to 12 guests, complemented by two additional lounge rooms that can be converted into extra cabins on the lower deck.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
May 7, 2024
Lusben's Viareggio shipyard witnessed the technical launch of M/Y Sofia 3, marking the culmination of extensive refurbishment and modification work on the 42-meter Baglietto vessel. The project, undertaken by Lusben, encompasses a range of enhancements spanning from structural alterations to mechanical updates and aesthetic refinements.Following her unveiling at Lusben's facility, Sofia 3 is poised for the commencement of fitting-out operations. The collaboration between the discerning owners of this magnificent superyacht, crafted by Baglietto, and the Viareggio-based Shipyard, has been a multi-year endeavor. Initially engaging Lusben in 2018, the owners entrusted the yard with significant tasks, including a substantial stern extension and the installation of a pop-out transformer before the yacht's relocation to the United States. In November 2022, additional enhancements were commissioned, reflecting the owners' unwavering confidence in Lusben, leading to a comprehensive seven-month project duration, further extended to encompass a series of upgrades.Notable transformations include the application of an elegant dark grey hue to the hull and superstructure, accentuated by ceilings adorned with wood-like paint, infusing a sense of warmth and originality. The sundeck layout at the bow underwent modifications, featuring a new sofa and teak deck, while outdoor ceilings were revamped with marine ply panelling, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Structural interventions addressed water infiltration and corrosion issues, with significant glazing replacements, including the wheelhouse windows.With these enhancements completed, Sofia 3 stands poised for interior outfitting, guided by designs crafted by Viareggio-based firm La Mandragola, promising an exquisite interior tailored to complement her enhanced exterior allure.Lusben was founded in 1958 in Viareggio. The shipyard has over 60 years of experience in the yacht refit sector. Credits: Lusben
May 7, 2024