United States

Magnum Marine

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>