Turkey

Tuzla Shipyard

When she first hit the water on 28 February 1931, the regal 135.94-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> was the world’s largest yacht. What ensued for the German-built motor yacht was nearly a century worth of prominence, demolition, abandonment, scandal, and resurrection.&nbsp;The yacht was originally designed for American heiress Emily Roebling Cadwalader, granddaughter of John A. Roebling, who was an engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge. She nonetheless belonged to a range of owners throughout her history, including founder of modern-day Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/33371/image/large-3eb4c0c0d7d5c49d131ef783da2e8592.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/33371">Christened after an African swan living in the Indian Ocean, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> features exterior design crafted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/94" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cox & Stevens (Company)">Cox &amp; Stevens</a>, while her interior styling stems from the drawing boards of London-based studio <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>.&nbsp;Described as “probably the most sumptuously fitted yacht afloat” by Janes Fighting Ships in 1949, the yacht even made an appearance on the big screen, alongside a star studded cast in the 1934 German science-fiction film Gold. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/31761/image/large-d066336e7cc55460a349d9871cfdb588.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/31761">After spending seven serene years in the ownership of Cadwalader, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> was purchased by the Turkish government in 1938, and gifted to the country’s then ailing president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.&nbsp;Following the late president’s death in November of that year, just six weeks after obtaining the yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>’s glory days were seemingly behind her. The once majestic watercraft was left to gather dust in Kanlıca Bay on the Bosporus throughout World War II. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/33377/image/large-ae0dcca36409c937e28d97d8f4d1564d.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/33377">However, by 1951, the tide was beginning to turn for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>, as she was converted and repurposed to the training ship Güneş Dil, which translates to “Sun Language” in English, going on to explore the globe for the next 28 years.&nbsp;Unfortunately, disaster struck for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> once again in October 1979, when a fire broke out onboard the Turkish navy school ship off Heybeliada Island in the Sea of Marmara, leaving her ravaged beyond use. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/75270/image/large-67263cca37648ff4adad4b1c093ed31e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/75270">Now only a shell of her erstwhile self, the demolished superyacht was deserted and virtually forgotten over the course of the next decade. It wasn’t until 1989 that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> became the centre of any attention, when she was chartered for 49 years by Turkish businessman Kahraman Sadıkoğlu. Sadıkoğlu undertook an extensive refurbishment of the vessel, restoring her to her former glory.&nbsp;Carried out at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tuzla Shipyard (Company)">Tuzla Shipyards</a>, the thorough three-year rebuild saw <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>’s original steam turbine engines get replaced by modern <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> diesel engines. Her updated engines propel the superyacht to a cruising speed of 16 knots along with a top speed of 18 knots.&nbsp;The refit breathed new life into the superyacht’s interiors, so that she could play host to the rich and famous across her 16 guest staterooms, in order to preserve the memory of her best known owner, President Atatürk. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/318/image/large-1e9f9e8716c3fd882c7880399e204fba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/318">In addition to her new luxurious accommodation, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> was now home to a Turkish bath, a movie theatre, and a library suite, which paid tribute to the late Atatürk through the presence of several of his personal artefacts, including his handkerchief and gloves. Meanwhile, the standout 86-metre gold-trimmed, grand staircase from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>’s previous life still remained following this refit.&nbsp;Other notably lavish features onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> were her helipad, Jacuzzi’s, swimming pool, water sports facilities catering to water-skiing, jetskiing, scuba diving, windsurfing and sailing, along with her well-appointed fitness centre. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/323/image/large-30edb6ee0ee66881eb0344cd160803bf.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/323">It wasn’t until August 2014 that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> would be ready for official use again, after a 10-month restoration period. This refit involved the renewal of her electronic devices and installations, as she was fitted with the latest technology. Additionally, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>’s capacious saloon was redecorated to accommodate new seating and dining arrangements, making her ideal for hosting larger social gatherings.&nbsp;On 4 March, 2014, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted the first official reception on board, which involved a cruise along the Bosporus with his guest, the Bosnian politician Bakir Izetbegović.&nbsp;Most recently, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> benefitted from nearly a year-long refit at the Istanbul Shipyard Command’s drydock as part of the recommissioning efforts launched by the Turkish Naval Forces. The drydocking maintenance and repair operations first commenced in September 2023, and the historic superyacht was relaunched in the summer of 2024. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/319/image/large-c679b7e984afaeb10f0d859436185335.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/319">According to Turkish media reports, the Naval Forces had discovered asbestos in the coatings, circuits, and insulation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> during their 2023 repair works. Not only that, but materials failing to meet certain quality standards were present in the vessel’s electric cables and pipe circuits. In light of these flaws, the Istanbul Shipyard Command proceeded to decontaminate the affected areas in late November 2023. Furthermore, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>’s twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines and the machine control system were overhauled during the comprehensive maintenance and repair work carried out by the shipyard personnel.According to local media outlets, the Defense Ministry announced that moving forward, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> would be used for the sea training of Naval Academy students. Thus, in spite of her repurposing and refurbishing, as well as her many trials and tribulations, the legacy of the historic superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a> continues to live on. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/31760/image/large-ee102ff5872944f4e4d5d72ab7314ce0.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/31760">This article was first published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/newspaper/newspaper-issue-52" target="_blank">Issue 52 of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, available for download at this website.</a>

The Blohm and Voss yacht Savarona's refit history 

Ellen Ranebo takes a deep dive into the rich and tumultuous history of the 135.94-metre historic Turkish yacht Savarona. 


From riches to rags to restoration: Savarona's refit history 

The 33.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/184" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tuzla Shipyard (Company)">Tuzla Shipyard</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3954" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merve33.4m (109'7&quot;)Tuzla Shipyard2009">Merve</a> sold in an in-house deal, with Erman Aytas of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6592" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ultimo Yachts (Company)">Ultimo Yachts</a> representing both the buyer and the seller.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252441/image/large-2337ccb0a4360443f83d9dd2756f4ef7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252441"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3954" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merve33.4m (109'7&quot;)Tuzla Shipyard2009">Merve</a> was launched in Turkey in 2009 and features a full design by her builder. She has a 136 GT and can accommodate as many as 10 guests between five staterooms. She has been chartered over recent years, but is in good condition for her new owner. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252443/image/large-52a804ff20c336a4b46445dc3d46212c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252443"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3954" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Merve33.4m (109'7&quot;)Tuzla Shipyard2009"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/252442/image/large-ce2ec4137e5f446ec8a6a682006817ba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/252442">Merve</a> can accommodate six crew alongside her 10 guests and top features include a Jacuzzi on her main deck. She has a cruising speed of 18 knots and a top speed of 22 knots. Her last known asking price is unknown.

Tuzla motor yacht Merve sold

The 33m Tuzla motor yacht Merve sold in an in-house deal by Ultimo Yachts.

33m Tuzla motor yacht Merve sold in an in-house deal

Built by Heesen Yachts in 2001, the 37.70 metre aluminium superyacht AlumerciA undertook an extensive refit that was completed last year. In just 100 days, she was completely transformed by her new owner, including an overhaul and total customisation of the interior design as well as many significant changes to her exterior - notably the extension of the fly deck by an impressive 30 square metres. 

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With help from VripackThe final result is a yacht that looks dramatically different to before, with a traditional tri-deck luxury profile and a wealth of additional amenities and modern features to satisfy any discerning family-orientated owner. Taking the title of best refit at the 2015 edition of the World Superyacht Awards, the hard work clearly paid off.

We caught up with the man behind the refit, Serkan Borancili, on board the yacht at the latest edition of the Monaco Yacht Show, where we were warmly welcomed on board to hear the story of AlumerciA’s transformation and why Borancili is on the lookout for a bigger project.

Tell us a little bit about your background.

I live in Istanbul, and I studied architecture there. After I graduated I pursued a career in architecture before I quit in 1999 to focus on several entrepreneurial dreams I had had for a while. In 2000, I launched a website in Turkey which was an online marketplace business, similar to eBay. I actually sold my business to eBay after around a decade in business, in 2011.

Following that I used my experience and knowledge from my previous business and started investing in internet companies, which I’ve been very successful with, but my background from childhood is very connected with maritime; my father was a gulet producer. Gulets are traditional Turkish sailing boats, which are very popular in Turkey. We were chartering these gulets that my father built, and when I was at university - in the summer time - I was working on the yachts. So my family life is very connected with boating from a very early age.

Was AlumerciA your first motor yacht?

No, I previously owned a 30 metre motor yacht. She was an Azimut yacht, the 103S, which I purchased from Mr. Vicelli, the founder of Azimut, and I spent three seasons with her. She was a very nice yacht and I was happy with her, but I couldn’t cruise particularly long ranges with her, so after three seasons I decided to change. I brought the captain of the Azimut to AlumerciA with me, and we’ve been working together for six years; so this is our sixth season cruising this year. 
	 

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What were you looking for in your next yacht when you made the decision to sell your previous yacht?

In 2013 we started to look for the right boat for me. Amongst the requirements was having a long range and full displacement. At the Monaco Yacht Show of that year, we saw AlumerciA. She was totally different at that time. I went inside and, as an architect, I immediately started thinking of what I could change, and I quickly realised that I could do many things with this yacht. It was like a project for me. So I bought AlumerciA in March 2014. We then sailed to Istanbul and we started work on the refit.

What in particular interested you about AlumerciA when you saw her for the first time?

It wasn’t just that she was bigger than the Azimut - which was for sure a factor - but I like her design a lot. She is timeless. When you have a design like hers you can do many things with it, as I noticed when I first saw her. I knew it was possible for me to change her to suit my living style. She’s a unique boat because she has shuttle drive, and only around nine private yachts in the world have shuttle drive. She’s a very smooth cruiser with no vibrations, she also has low fuel consumption - just 85 litres per hour - so that was a priority for me. She’s a unique yacht. She’s also travelled around the world many times, so she’s a proven yacht with an interesting story.

Why didn’t you change the name when you bought AlumerciA?

The previous owner earned his living with aluminium, so AlumerciA came from playing on the word of aluminium… she’s a full aluminium yacht so it made sense to keep the name for me! People say it’s bad luck to change the name of a boat. Maybe it’s true, because I didn’t change Paolo Vitelli yacht’s name either, Gogamigoga, and I had a great experience with her. 

Have you ever been interested in getting into the charter market with AlumerciA?

With the amount of time I spend on board, we don’t really have much time left over for charter. I’m full time with my family on board, so I bring my young daughter, my mother and father, my wife’s mother and father. Together we’ve travelled a lot. I think Croatia is definitely one of our favourite cruising grounds - I’ve not been to the Caribbean yet, so if we don’t sell AlumerciA then we’re planning on heading there. And the Norwegian Fjords of course, I find that very fascinating.

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The 100 day refit of AlumerciA saw the yacht completely transformed, taking the title of Best Refit in the 2015 World Superyacht Awards. Tell us about the process.

We changed a lot on AlumerciA. One of the biggest changes is seen on the sun deck - which just didn’t exist in the same way as it does now - as well as with the interior. In 100 days we changed the whole exterior and interior, which was a very rewarding challenge. We didn’t touch the engine room as this element of a refit is always pretty time intensive, and we still wanted to catch the season. So after the 2015 season we returned her to the yard for another refit, this time focusing on the engine room. We overhauled the main engines, shuttles and generators. AlumerciA is now in tip top condition, and we had a very smooth, nice season this year.

The refit was undertaken by Borancili Marine in collaboration with Istanbul Tuzla. Can you tell us more about Borancili Marine - the company is yours, correct?

Yes, Borancili Marine is my company. I often get asked the question of whether this company was established just for the refit of AlumerciA… and the answer is yes. One of my friends actually offered his own yacht’s refit project to Borancili Marine, but I didn’t take him up on it. We don’t do that. Borancili Marine is only for AlumerciA, but it is still an existing company.

After investing a substantial amount of time and money into AlumerciA, why did you decide to sell?

I want to have a slightly bigger boat - a maximum of 45 or 46 metres. I’m looking at a second hand boat, but I’m also interested in embarking on another project boat. I’d be more than happy to do another refit. So we’re looking for a hull right now to build up from scratch.

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Are there any superyachts here in Monaco that stand out to you?

Enigma is a very cool boat. From 1991 and she looks unbelievable. I wouldn’t ever buy such a big boat, but she’s impressive. It’s like running a factory when you get that big… it’s a huge hassle. Especially with something like Enigma which is a very complicated yacht. So I’ll continue looking for something around the 45 to 50 metre mark, and hopefully we find something that captures our interest in the foreseeable future!

This article was featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. To read the full interview, subscribe <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">now</a> and never miss another issue.

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