United States

Magnum Marine

The 23.77-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2059" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magnum Marine (Company)">Magnum Marine</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16830" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gioco a Due23.77m (77'12&quot;)Magnum Marine2008">Gioco a Due</a> is on the market with Pierre Vezilier of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/244" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="IYC (Company)">IYC</a>. Delivered in 2008, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" target="_blank">yacht for sale</a> is one of only two yachts of this size ever constructed by the American builder.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/382988/image/large-5063b00473710547485bda8f2b5124b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/382988">Previously named Mamimo II, she features naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2059" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magnum Marine (Company)">Magnum Marine</a>, paired with a striking, sleek black exterior profile designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a>. This bold aesthetic is complemented by a shallow 1.37-metre draft, making her ideally suited for coastal cruising and easy access to shallow anchorages.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383060/image/large-8faea9b7f3530d8668e6654bfe3156ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383060">The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/motor/for-sale" target="_blank">motor yacht for sale</a>’s dramatic exterior carries through to her interior spaces. Inside, her main saloon showcases a refined, low-light luxury atmosphere, defined by lacquered surfaces, warm timber accents and softly illuminated architectural lines. The interplay between deep, glossy finishes and crisp white furnishings creates a sophisticated, almost cinematic onboard environment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383063/image/large-38c5a9b8d9593e58f4273f43ceed1840.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383063">At a volume of 19 GT, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/gioco-a-due" target="_blank">yacht Gioco a Due for sale</a> can accommodate up to six guests across two well-appointed staterooms. Her thoughtfully considered layout has been optimised to maximise both privacy and liveability onboard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/383056/image/large-2548a7714366fe14f9d6169644af797a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/383056"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/16830" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gioco a Due23.77m (77'12&quot;)Magnum Marine2008">Gioco a Due&nbsp;</a>was also equipped with zero-speed stabilisers for comfort both at anchor and underway. In terms of performance, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/magnum-marine/for-sale" target="_blank">Magnum Marine yacht for sale</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, giving her a cruising speed of 36 knots and a top speed of 50 knots.

Magnum Marine yacht Gioco a Due for sale

The 23.77-metre Magnum Marine motor yacht Gioco a Due is on the market.

24m Magnum Marine yacht Gioco a Due for sale with a top speed of 50 knots

Francesca Webster sits down with serial yacht owner Herb Chambers to find out more about his extraordinary life with boats.&nbsp;For American automobile mogul Herb Chambers, yachting is more than just a passion. His love affair with boating began as a child, visiting his grandmother on the south Boston coast and spending time on a friend's 40-foot Chris-Craft. Over the years the friend upgraded to a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5884" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Boston Whaler (Company)">Boston Whaler</a> and whenever he had the chance Herb was on the water, he explains, “I don't know what the original attraction was or how to describe it, but I just loved it. I have never been able to understand why not everyone is in love with boating like I am, and from those early experiences my dream was to have my own boat but that took a long time!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/332822/image/large-0cbe11c9e429279d45194ecd9b843184.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/332822">By the time Herb was 22 he had started his first company, which turned out to be fairly successful and after about 3 years he was able to buy his first boat, a 30-foot Trojan motor boat. With six berths, she was a great little boat for entertaining friends, but within a few years Herb was married with a baby and began looking to upgrade to something a little more spacious. “We kept her in a marina down in Connecticut and every time we were there I was looking at the other boats and dreaming of what might come next – it's kind of a dangerous thing because you have all these temptations around you.” Eventually he upgraded to a 38-foot <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5767" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Chris Craft (Company)">Chris-Craft</a>, before moving onto a 47-foot Concord a few years later. At that time Herb became friendly with another boat owner from the marina who owned the 35-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> Claybeth, now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3558" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Odalisque35.36m (116'0&quot;)Feadship1973">Odalisque</a>, who offered Herb a tour and ignited a lifelong love of yachts from the Dutch shipyard.As Herb’s yacht ownership developed, he continued to upgrade in size, from the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/222" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Concorde Yachts (Company)">Concord</a> to a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/466" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hatteras Yachts (Company)">Hatteras</a> and then a 24-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Broward Shipyard (Company)">Broward</a>, though also owning two or three cigarette boats in the middle. “It is safe to say that I am a boat-aholic, I subscribe to every boating magazine there is and ultimately the owner of Claybeth explained how he rented out the yacht for charter to cover some of the costs and I really admired him, so I started thinking about doing the same thing.” Eventually Herb sold his business with considerable financial gain and the first thing he did was decide to buy a yacht, reaching out to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, the only yacht builder he knew. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/243632/image/large-3d50ab60434244be48566f6dc3f3b2d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/243632">That first superyacht was the 41.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alaia41.8m (137'2&quot;)Feadship1986">Excellence</a>, designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/30" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="De Voogt Naval Architects (Company)">De Voogt</a> and launched in 1986. Originally intended to be 36-metres, Herb had the aft extended to accommodate a cockpit on the aft so that he could go game fishing and the yard reengineered the boat to his customisations. From there, Herb’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> obsession began and within a few years he’d ordered the 47.55-metre Excellence II (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/616" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Princess Too47.55m (156'0&quot;)Feadship1999">Princess Too</a>) delivered in 1999, meanwhile also owning a 63-foot <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2059" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magnum Marine (Company)">Magnum</a> – continuing his trend of one big boat and one fast boat. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/79741/image/large-1fa11afecacc815a17e627f80ea71c7c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/79741">Around this time, Herb met John <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/17" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bannenberg & Rowell Design (Company)">Bannenberg</a>, who designed a yacht and gave him the model as a gift, though John passed away before the project could ever come to fruition. “I was then contacted by broker Jim Wallace who wanted me to take a look at a yacht under construction at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking &amp; Rasmussen</a> to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/41" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald Starkey Designs (Company)">Donald Starkey Designs</a>. I knew nothing about <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking</a>, so I talked to my captain and he said no, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> has been brilliant, why change, but I sent him to have a look and he was blown away, so we went for it and she became Excellence III.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/225427/image/large-30d6e27401c45b7f5ba636fc30f0b5e3.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/225427">The 57.3-metre yacht, now known as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/688" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dream57.3m (187'12&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2001">Dream</a>, was Herb's first foray with the German yard, but, like with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, the yacht sparked a long term relationship with the shipyard. During these years, Herb had built up the chartering business and had become very successful, running the yachts as a business, often selling them at a profit after a number of years. It was then in the early 2000s that he saw renderings for a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/56" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reymond Langton Design Ltd. (Company)">Reymond Langton Design</a> with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking</a> for a beautiful yacht with a very pointed bow. “I thought she looked like a great boat but I met with the team and didn’t like some of the elements, so we sat down together in France and I sketched out the idea I had of a yacht with very big windows and this long pointed bow. Windows are a big priority for me, as you can see on all the yachts, and we eventually settled on the design for the 78.43-metre&nbsp;Excellence IV (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/60" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Eminence78.43m (257'4&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2008">Eminence</a>).” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/69063/image/large-4d10edb93ea7291c848aad92814155f7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/69063">Launched in 2008, Herb was approached with an offer for the yacht before he ever took delivery, selling her on and buying another <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking</a>, the 60-metre Excellence V&nbsp; (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2616" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arience60.0m (196'10&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2012">Arience</a>), and taking delivery of her in 2012. The reason for the downsizing, he explains, was due to length restrictions on Nantucket Island that limited the length to 60-metres, though making up in GT what she missed in length with a volume of over 1,600 GT. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/75430/image/large-868c486385eaf4574e16af845e81c2e2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/75430">By 2015, Herb was thinking about his next project, and while he loved Excellence V, it was time for something larger. During the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/224" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Monaco Yacht Show - 2024">Monaco Yacht Show</a> that year he spotted a rendering of a Andrew <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/69" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Winch Design (Company)">Winch</a> design at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking</a> stand. “That yacht stopped me in my tracks. I immediately thought wow I love that boat, with these interesting lines and unique superstructure arrangement.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/282296/image/large-0b78143b3b79a2244659e03878a546c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/282296">“I called up <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/44" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Abeking & Rasmussen (Company)">Abeking</a>,” he adds, “and we sat down with Andrew and I said ‘look I want to put a different bow on the yacht, raking it right back’, he wasn’t convinced at first but I remembered seeing motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A 119.0m (390'5&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH2008">A</a> in the Caribbean and that was the bow that inspired the current <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Excellence80.0m (262'6&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2019">Excellence</a>.” Despite mixed opinions on the shipyard and designer side, Herb stuck with his guns and Andrew redesigned the raked, sharp bow and added some of the largest windows the industry has ever seen. “Yachts are a bit like flavours of ice cream, you love it or you hate it, but when she was launched in 2019 she took the industry by storm and has been an incredibly successful charter yacht ever since.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/108648/image/large-c883feca82f113b59aef3add3e50b8dc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108648"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/108412/image/large-d48e4dc88ea8e25255d719e797708a99.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108412">Today Herb runs <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Excellence80.0m (262'6&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2019">Excellence</a> more as a charter business than a personal vessel, spending most of his own time aboard the smaller 46.22-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Excellence V46.22m (151'8&quot;)Feadship2014">Excellence V</a>, which he acquired second hand in 2023 and retains for private use. Given his track record for moving to his next yacht after four to five years, it may not be too long before we see <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Excellence80.0m (262'6&quot;)Abeking & Rasmussen2019">Excellence</a> come on the market, and Herb has received many offers over the years. “Chartering her has opened up lots of opportunities to sell, which is great, and I am really enthusiastic and excited about the design and construction process, so it might be time to move onto the next build fairly soon.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/116911/image/large-ab66ea67f7d94cb8a35d2c89f606b195.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/116911"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/116917/image/large-90fa4e3059c5291cab7fd1d906e2081b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/116917">Clearly passionate about engineering and design, Herb thoroughly enjoys visiting the shipyards and getting stuck into the technical details. Incredibly though, the above list only details some of the yachts he has built over the past years, and his ownership record includes a myriad of other superyachts, from the 46.63-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> acquired in 2018 now called <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1008" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mystique46.63m (152'12&quot;)Feadship2001">Mystique</a>, to a new-build 27.96-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/584" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pershing S.p.a. (Company)">Pershing</a> called <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6908" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Coal Blooded28.04m (91'12&quot;)Pershing S.p.a.2014">Coal Blooded</a> (then Excellence IV) launched in 2014 and sold on in 2018. That is aside from the major number of smaller boats and yachts that Herb thinks rack up to around 45 vessels in total over the years. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/109265/image/large-6e71369db5bb84cd5a11cd7f335772cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/109265">Owners like Herb, who pour their love and passion for yachting into the industry, are a gift to the entire sector and we thoroughly look forward to seeing whatever he has in store next.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330062/image/large-fae20c1adbfb93b502d9649ff3ed0c6c.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330062">This story and more are published in Issue 50 of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper" target="_blank">SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>, out now!

Herb Chambers on his passion for yachts 

Francesca Webster sits down with serial yacht owner Herb Chambers to find out more about his extraordinary life with boats. 

Serial yacht owner and automobile mogul Herb Chambers on his passion for yachts

Working like a well-oiled machine, the refit process involves many parts and people. The role of the designer is to be a leading authority on how an existing superyacht design can be refreshed, reorganised and relaunched. Here we ask two designers upfront about their experiences during some of the industry’s more impressive refits and transformations.&nbsp;Luca Dini of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/58" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Luca Dini Design & Architecture (Company)">LUCA DINI Design &amp; Architecture</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/90492/image/large-9805458b7b85564c883dccd0ae94d1a2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/90492">Now listed as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale</a>&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2208" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Imperial Yachts (Company)">Imperial</a>, the 41.1-metre&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/78" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legenda41.1m (134'10&quot;)Mondomarine SpA2009">Legenda</a>&nbsp;is considered by some to be one of the most versatile and unique superyachts to leave the&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mondomarine SpA (Company)">Mondomarine</a>&nbsp;shed. You oversaw her 2016 refit, tell me about the works which were carried out.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/67848/image/large-8c4a3b0b882e4fe973b06b59b1a3a002.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67848">The owner requested a ‘soft’ refitting of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/78" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legenda41.1m (134'10&quot;)Mondomarine SpA2009">Legenda</a> within a certain budget where she was to be refreshed with a lighter image but remain timeless and classical. By using balanced colours, we were able to reach a classical-modern style, with mirrors and a light palette that collaborate to make the perception of the space wider. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/78" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Legenda41.1m (134'10&quot;)Mondomarine SpA2009">Legenda</a> is an extremely comfortable and livable boat, with well-lit and airy interior spaces and an intense connection between the interior and exterior areas. During the refit works, we paid great attention to the layout and how best to use the spaces. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/67845/image/large-66a67a5a23cd2d7c23896a634a282bdd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67845">Without upsetting the original binding style and briarwood she was born with, the damaged burl wood panels were replaced and the fabric panels were upgraded with brighter textures and galuchat leather accents. The ceiling dome was enriched with 8x8 golden leaves created by a specialised artisan from Florence. The free-standing furniture was replaced with more modern pieces by Visionnaire and Fendi, plus a chandelier from Baldi. We also intervened in the décor and used some of the most classic images of Massimo Listri and exposed them in a modern way with no glass, using the original panels as framing. In the outdoor areas, we used Summit teak line free-standing furniture and upgraded the upholstery and marble countertops.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/67851/image/large-eb55a3de5f5e729f15110b93cbd77a3f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67851">What is it like for a designer to be involved in a refit? It is a very stimulating challenge to have to always come up with something different. Elegance, harmony and balance always play an extremely important role in my projects, and even more so during a refit when you are intervening in an environment that has already been created. Refitting is always a matter of extreme sensitivity because you must find harmony between the existing and the new: a very stimulating test for us designers.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/67855/image/large-783e46e59ff546150011acb8c74d1864.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/67855">Tommaso Spadolini&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/118" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Design Studio Spadolini S.r.l (Company)">Design Studio Spadolini</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/24762/image/large-a627ab0a4f80c10060f6d716f9fe0861.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/24762">What are the standout refit projects within your extensive portfolio?&nbsp;We have been involved in many interesting refits, including some smaller yachts such as the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2059" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magnum Marine (Company)">Magnum</a> 70 Gigagi, 20-metre classic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a> Cujo and the 20-metre Dutch sailing yacht Lady Stella. On top of this, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1697" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A237.6m (123'4&quot;)Eurocraft Cantieri Navali srl2008">A2</a> (ex-Madhuri) was a challenging and exciting experience. As a 37.6-metre motor yacht built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1050" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Eurocraft Cantieri Navali srl (Company)">Eurocraft</a> in 2008, her owner wanted to make significant changes to the exterior and interior and gave the refit team just six months to complete the job. The original boat had no hull windows and was built on a very traditional layout and so we opened up windows in the hull which required new certification. The layout was completely revised with a big open-space lounge on the main deck and three comfortable cabins, a captain’s cabin, a laundry room. We also added two whisper-quiet <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2383" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seakeeper, Inc. (Company)">Seakeeper</a> stabilisers.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/102277/image/large-024149d35cf9913043f843f27a80eda0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/102277">For the interior, we worked closely with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1107" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Peter Marino (Company)">Peter Marino</a>, the famous New York architect, who had previously collaborated with the owners. While Peter chose all the materials and fabrics, fixtures and fittings, we made sure his proposals could be integrated into the yacht. After taking delivery and spending three weeks on board last August, the owners said it was the best family holiday they had ever had, which is music to a designer’s ears!<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/102306/image/large-db5a9f90666a0ebb06c34b1a62ca45e6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/102306">How are your experiences as a designer working on a refit?A successful refit requires understanding what the owner wants but also involves an appreciation of what the original designer was trying to achieve. It is more than a science: it’s an art that demands knowledge, experience and respect for the heritage of yacht design. I think it is important for a designer to be involved, especially as the refit market has steadily grown in importance and so, we tend to have at least one major refit on the go in addition to a lot of smaller projects.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/102237/image/large-ba7a1aa07fc5e0bafbb1ae4407bd48fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/102237">This article is taken from <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/first-summer-issue-of-the-superyacht-times-newspaper-out-now" target="_blank">the May/June edition of The SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To receive the latest issue straight to your door,&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">subscribe to the newspaper here.</a>

Talking about the superyacht refit process with two heavyweight designers

SuperYacht Times talks to two designers about the superyacht refit process.

Insight: Luca Dini and Tommaso Spadolini talk superyacht refit

Last September, Eva Orsi was appointed president of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa Yachts,</a> the shipyard set up by her industrialist father and former owner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a>, Guido Orsi. She took over the role from her brother, Guido Jr. SuperYacht Times travelled to Genoa to talk to the new company president (and mother of three) following the technical <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-binta-d-or-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">launch last weekend&nbsp;</a>of 50-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Binta D'Or49.9m (163'9&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2019">Bintador</a>, the shipyard’s latest motor yacht with hybrid propulsion. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/77086/image/large-a9cdc4e6aafe2a7ce3eac052b7617427.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77086">Why did you step in to replace your brother as&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa Yachts&nbsp;</a>president?I had always followed the shipyard from behind the scenes, so when my brother decided that he wanted a change for personal and professional reasons it seemed like the ideal opportunity for me to step in. There was no pressure from my father; in fact, ever since I was at school and then university, he always encouraged me to pursue what interested me rather than go into the family businesses. So it was my own decision, but one that was fully supported by my father and the other shipyard directors. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/77083/image/large-a2322b9851a28cdf1488d84040437d31.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77083">Your professional background is in art and design; what does that work experience bring to your new role? I think I have a different perspective and new or fresh ideas, maybe because I have less experience in the yachting sector and fewer preconceptions. I’ve noticed – and this is something that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa</a> already does – there is a need for more innovation in terms of design and technology, but also experiential. This was evident when I went to the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MYBA Charter Show - 2019">MYBA&nbsp;</a>event in Barcelona last week where <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2851" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Solo72.0m (236'3&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2018">Solo</a> was on show and there was a lot of curiosity in the yacht because she is perceived as being different and not your standard white boat. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/57142/image/large-161506e5c0e9514e99fd8c4da7fecc3b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/57142">I should add that I’ve been immersed in the yachting world since I was a child. The first family boat I remember was a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2059" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Magnum Marine (Company)">Magnum</a> called Lunar Park and I recall spending summer holidays aboard in St Tropez when the boat became a children’s playground. Then we had the 31-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/162" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Codecasa S.p.A. (Company)">Codecasa</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2488" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Sky31.2m (102'4&quot;)Codecasa S.p.A.1994">Blue Velvet,&nbsp;</a>which was followed by the 42-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/928" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue East42.0m (137'10&quot;)Baglietto S.p.A.2004">Blue Eyes.</a> Then my father took a break from yachting, but was eventually pulled back in and bought a smaller <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2515" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mochi Craft (Company)">Mochi&nbsp;</a>Dolphin 64 called Blue Ray. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/10829/image/large-2b77fdca402a8d8e3386724801e3440a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/10829"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa Yachts</a>&nbsp;was set up right at the start of the financial crisis in 2008 and the first few years were tough. Was the family ever tempted to pull out of the business altogether? &nbsp; I remember we had some bad luck right at the beginning and there were some very difficult decisions to make. But my father always believed in the brand, in the product and in the team, which is mostly made up of former <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a> staff like our CEO Euro Contenti and general manager Edoardo Ratto, who are also stakeholders in the brand. I think that confidence has been vindicated with four yachts now on the water and two 50-metre projects in build on spec, one of which is in an advanced stage of negotiation with a client. Another key consideration for clients is that we’re an independently financed shipyard and have no problem in providing a bank guarantee when they sign a contract to build with us. &nbsp; &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/57189/image/large-42a813d2a00a65c739de7779ee0d3162.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/57189"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2852" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Suerte69.0m (226'5&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2015">Suerte&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2851" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Solo72.0m (236'3&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2018">Solo</a>&nbsp;are based on a common platform, as are&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5902" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vertige49.99m (164'0&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2017">Vertige,</a>&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Binta D'Or49.9m (163'9&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2019">Bintador&nbsp;</a>and the 50-metre spec projects, but you’ve also announced a full-custom division. What’s the plan for future production?&nbsp; The family line of yachts designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/586" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Francesco Paszkowski (Company)">Francesco Paszkowski</a> has clearly been successful and building series yachts means we can deliver more quickly. But over the last year or two we’ve seen a big increase in requests to respond to bid packages for full-custom projects in the 50- to 100-metre range and we’re working on custom designs with other designers, although I can’t reveal any details yet. In terms of size, we can build up to 90 metres, but a construction shed can be extended up to 100 metres if required. We’re currently delivering one yacht a year, but our aim is to increase that to two a year, which would mean having four hulls in build at any one time. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/77084/image/large-8ab0760c8e05d0234f7b2890309c3ee9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77084">In terms of brand positioning, how does&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa</a>&nbsp;fit into the yachting industry in Italy and overseas? &nbsp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa&nbsp;</a>occupies a strategic niche in the market. We aim to compete with north European shipyards in terms of quality, technology and engineering. This also means that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa</a> yachts cost more than most of our Italian rivals, but less than in Holland or Germany. With the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/superyacht-binta-d-or-launched" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">launch</a> of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6614" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Binta D'Or49.9m (163'9&quot;)Tankoa Yachts S.p.A.2019">Bintador</a>, our first yacht with hybrid propulsion, and growing interest from owners and brokers in custom projects, I think the market is increasingly aware of what <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1661" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tankoa Yachts S.p.A. (Company)">Tankoa</a> can offer. &nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/76740/image/large-af7c4f6a49b82e2c910a40075c0d9929.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/76740">

5 Questions with Tankoa Yachts president Eva Orsi

Following the launch of the yard's first ever superyacht with hybrid propulsion, Bintador, SYT sits down with Tankoa Yachts president, Eva Orsi.

5 Questions with Eva Orsi, president of Tankoa Yachts

Lürssen has appointed Alberto Perrone Da Zara to support their sales team. Alberto, who has extensive experience in the industry, joins the shipyard to further strengthen its position and brand recognition.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149013/image/large-36da878698a9483be5f659887e95e81e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149013">"This job is a huge challenge", says Alberto. "Lürssen is an awe inspiring shipyard with four large locations that are all impressively equipped. These facilities give Lürssen the capability and logistics to deliver constantly 2 to 3 new yachts ranging between 70 to over 100 meters every year and also to perform refit and/or repair jobs. I had never seen this before and I am very proud to become part of the Lürssen team."Alberto, a trained naval architect, has spent the last two years as Sales Director for Benetti Yachts in Italy and before that worked for important companies such as the Ferretti Group, Vicem Yachts, Magnum Marine to name but a few. During the past 21 years he has gained extensive experience ranging from engineering, design, construction, sales, to marketing and customer service.Michael Breman, who has successfully headed the sales to date, is looking forward to receiving support from Alberto. "The shipyard has grown over the last years and for every yacht that we deliver, we have to come up with a new contract. Furthermore, we want to build up the refit and repair business and want to further strengthen our position in this market, especially for our own yachts. With the new rising markets like Asia, India or Brazil, an increase in sales horsepower was absolutely necessary."Peter Lürssen underlines the necessity to expand the team. "Alberto's experience in different sectors of the yachting industry will help us to achieve our goals. Our strength lies in the fact that we are a family run business and we intend to do everything to keep it this way to ensure the yard's future prosperity."

Alberto Perrone Da Zara joins Lürssen sales team

The new Magnum 100' model, presented by Magnum Marine, will be Magnum's largest yacht and is expected to be delivered by 2012. The styling was designed by the talented young, Italian designer, Alberto Mancini, and offers a completely new concept of outdoor cockpit livability. The Magnum 100' has different seating, dining and viewing areas, with an expandable top providing various and movable shaded areas. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/129855/image/large-45574730635d59eeab03ff196fdf49fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/129855">Technologically designed by Magnum to be eco friendly , Magnum emphasizes weight saving through the use of stronger and lighter materials. The vessel is built in advanced composite foams and carbon fiber, allowing critical HP to weight ratios to be met with lower power, thus saving more than 20% in weight compared to similar models; also making the vessel structure more rigid and more efficient. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/129856/image/large-bb063492d50c18c86080eecaf512dff8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/129856">For less drag and therefore improved fuel consumption, Magnum installs surface drives which not only reduce consumption but also increase top speed. For slow speed operation, the new Magnum will have an electric "harbor" drive: an electric wing engine for slow speed operation, which runs virtually silent and smoke free. No noise and no more exhaust fumes. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/129857/image/large-e1831f8b5d97a5622a792881ef262f58.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/129857">The Magnum designed Interior LED and fluorescent lighting will increase efficiency and decrease interior heat load. Interiors will be custom designed for her owner and include four double and very large staterooms, heads, reception and salon areas and of course comfortable crew cabins. All has been designed to be the most environmentally friendly, the most comfortable, the most seaworthy and fast new yacht in the world. Magnum Marine Corporation +1 305 931 4292 <a href="mailto:sales@magnummarine.com?subject=Magnum%20100%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">sales@magnummarine.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.magnummarine.com">www.magnummarine.com</a>