Inside Out Tankoa Shipyard and Luxury Charter Superyachts SOLO

Genoa is a city rich in history and culture that is thought to date back as a settlement as far as 4,000 years BC. Located at the extreme north of Italy’s west coast, it is no surprise that her history is peppered with mighty naval fleets, explorers, pirates, and adventurous traders. Today the city is still centered around a significant port that is estimated to process well over 50 million tons of cargo every year, but for Northrop & Johnson, our trade interests are directed toward an area close to Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport. Here, in a state-of-the-art shipyard situated by Genoa Airport Marina, Tankoa Yachts has produced some of the most eye-catching and impressive superyachts to be included in N&J’s charter fleet.

The relationship between N&J and Tankoa has always been strong. The brokerage team frequently visit the facility, and the 227-foot (69m) Tankoa build SUERTE was a very successful addition to N&J’s charter fleet. In 2018 Tankoa reached new heights of excellence when they launched a second vessel based on the same naval platform as SUERTE.

An elegant Francesco Paszkowski-designed craft that is brimming with luxurious features, the 236-foot (72m) SOLO has become one of the most desirable charter yachts in the world. She too has been entrusted to N&J for charter, further strengthening the relationship between the two companies.

It is easy to feel enthusiastic about SOLO. While a yacht of this size and stature would be a welcome addition to any charter fleet, it has to possess qualities that enhance its desirability in an ocean that is welcoming an increasing number of sizeable luxury vessels every year. The owner of SOLO worked extensively with Tankoa to ensure that SOLO wasn’t lost among the charter fleet. Every detail has been considered for charter purposes, including the flexibility of her layout. Not only does she offer great privacy for the owner, she also offers a remarkable degree of flexibility when engaged in charter.

The owner’s deck is a strong example of this. An elevator leading to this level can be blocked by a private code and offers a haven of peace and relaxation. A touch-and-go helipad on the aft deck allows easy access to the owner’s apartment and a beautiful stateroom with a king-size bed. The owner’s area has direct access to a private terrace with Jacuzzi. In addition to the grand suite, the owner also has access to a private media and study room which can be converted into an extra cabin for security or close guests.

The deck space onboard SOLO is equally impressive. A private and secluded sundeck offers the opportunity for guests to enjoy the very best views from the highest point of the vessel and is well-appointed with seating and sunbathing areas. The owner’s deck will especially appeal to many charter guests and yacht owners. Here the helipad procures bountiful deck space for use as a dance floor or area for socializing, and a generously proportioned hot tub is flanked by inviting sun beds and overlooked by an outside bar that is within easy reach of a breakfast table. From here, a wide staircase with beautifully polished stainless steel railings leads down to an expansive upper aft deck. This area is well suited to formal dining and can host sizeable parties of guests who can enjoy the fruits of the yacht’s formidable galley, designed by Italian restaurant professional Marrone.

Perhaps the most sensational feature on board SOLO is the sea level beach club. This area is accessed via large sliding windows that let light flood into an area equipped with a Hamman, sauna, gymnasium and a relaxing seating area. Immediately above the sliding doors Paszkowski has found a clever way of gaining sufficient space for a plunge pool, and has added skylights to the bottom of the pool so that light can shine through the rippling water to create a relaxing ambience in the beach club below.

SOLO’s interior is a tribute to Italian design. Dark shades of oak accompany Macassar ebony accents that are punctuated by colorful fabrics and playful works of art. Many of the areas on board, including the master stateroom, benefit from full-height windows so that vast ambient can be illuminated by natural sunlight and the beauty of the natural materials used can be fully appreciated.

Even when every one of the six guest staterooms is fully occupied there is an abundance of space to enjoy, from the casually elegant skylounge, complete with a grand piano, to the sophisticated main deck salon, where a winter garden overlooks the aft deck. The Genovese have always been tremendously proud of their history, and as Tankoa continues to produce yachts like this they have every reason to feel proud of the future, too.

The 236-foot (72m) SOLO is available for charter in the Mediterranean this summer and is priced from €650,000 per week for up to 12 guests.

For more information on chartering SOLO, please contact your N&J charter expert or email charter@northropandjohnson.com.