"Diamond Binta": Tankoa delivers 50 metres with chopper, charm and balconies

When a shipyard delivers six units of a 50-metre semi-custom model within seven years, that's something to be proud of. Tankoa recently said goodbye to the S501 series "Rilassata". The 9.20 metre wide and 499 gross ton Francesco Paszkowski platform advertises its aluminium hull and sporty look. However, the owners of "Bintador", the second S501 from 2019, wanted more. Before they handed her over to new hands at the beginning of 2022, they signed another contract with the Genoa shipyard for her successor - a one-off build of the kind last built by Tankoa seven years ago with the "Solo" (72 m).

With "Diamond Binta", they increased the length by just eight metres, but doubled the interior volume to 1,013 gross tonnes and opted for steel as the hull material. The focus was on longer trips with the patchwork family or friends. "The owner likes travelling and might even want to go to Australia," reports Guido Orsi, Tankoa's marketing manager and son of the shipyard founder. "He is an engineer himself and knows one hundred per cent what he wants. He accepts nothing but perfection. At the same time, he is a very friendly and likeable person who trusts us and our quality."

Is the one-off starting an evolution or a revolution?

Francesco Paszkowski and Margherita Casprini were once again brought on board for both the exterior and interior design. Thanks to the additional space, the Italian duo were able to focus even more strongly on the personal requirements and style of the client. The owner couple's repeated collaboration with the experienced team and the boutique shipyard saved a lot of time, and their shared experiences were directly incorporated into the new project. In terms of the exterior, the angular profile with the shark bow and the grey or black-painted accents continue the dynamic character of the predecessor with a loss of sportiness.

However, the longer deck overhangs, larger window areas and the vertical glass panes of the bridge make "Diamond Binta" significantly different. The typical features of formats of this cubature have also been incorporated. Such as the spacious beach club with hull openings on three sides and a partially glazed massage room, as well as the air-conditioned fitness area and glass infinity pool on the uppermost of the four guest decks. In addition, there are the "self-evident" features of the larger ships, such as two salons, a comfortable captain's cabin behind the bridge and spacious outdoor decks.

The owner lands on the foredeck himself

Even more remarkable for a 58-metre length is the tender garage on the forward main deck for a 48-knot 9.50-metre saloon alongside a 6.70-metre beach lander, both from Dariel. The certified helipad, on which aircraft weighing up to six tonnes can land, is also surprising. This also includes the owner's Airbus ACH160, currently the most modern civil helicopter with ten seats and a rotor diameter of 13.40 metres. This significant increase in aerotender capacity compared to the previous Tankoa was a no-brainer for the French owner of "Diamond Binta", who is passionate about flying himself.

His enthusiasm for technology is also reflected on the lower deck, where he wanted to see one particular idea realised in any case: the "glass engine room". Comparable corridors with safety glass for exclusive views into the heart of the ship were previously only available on a few, often much larger yachts à la "Kismet" or "Resilience" reserved. During the tour on board "Diamond Binta", Guido Orsi confirms the challenge of creating this direct connection between the beach club and the five guest cabins on the lower deck on a hull width of ten metres.

On "Diamond Binta" through the glass engine room into the cabin

The space in the engine room had to be optimised down to the smallest detail so as not to impede access to the power units. Two 1,350-kilowatt Caterpillar twelve-cylinder engines primarily provide propulsion. The diesels, which fulfil the Tier 4 and IMO III emission regulations, are supplemented by two 150-kilowatt Reintjes shaft generators in addition to two conventional generators. Although "Bintador" already had a hybrid drive and a range of 5,000 nautical miles, the even more variable PTO solution is intended to further increase efficiency and reduce consumption, especially on long journeys. With 105,000 litres in the tanks and at a constant speed of ten knots, the 870-tonne vessel can travel 5,400 nautical miles in one go.

Despite all the differences, the main salon of "Diamond Binta" is initially very reminiscent of the entrance of its predecessor, renamed "SP1". The golden sign with the yacht's coat of arms - the work of an artist friend - is particularly eye-catching and hung in the same place above the dining table, also made of dark glass.

The latter material, together with cream-coloured leather and metal applications, for example in the form of thin satin-finished profiles on the walls, can be found everywhere on board. The same applies to oak wood, which surprises with its versatility: in dark grey high-gloss for ceilings, in dark brown with the characteristic texture of Japanese tatami mats for the flooring or in a light whitewashed form for the wall panels. Round, often asymmetrical shapes dominate instead of corners and edges. There is also no shortage of varied marble variations. Examples include the cream-coloured Botticino flooring in the dining area, white Calacatta in the stairwell and grey Fior di Bosco in the bathrooms. All in all, the owners and designers have developed a mix of materials that creates a harmonious and elegant atmosphere with strong contrasts and tactile sophistication. Almost all the furniture on board is customised and is complemented by sofas, armchairs, dining chairs and tables from Minotti.

The "Diamond Binta" owners cook and dine in the galley

In the atrium of the main deck, a golden statue of a woman once again recalls the owner's African roots and her first name "Binta". However, Francesco Paszkowski not only used LED spotlights to illuminate the staircase area crowned by this statue; he also focussed his attention on the lighting concept and the design of the ceilings. "Integrated LED strips run along irregular, curved beams around the perimeter of the ceiling," explains the designer. "This emphasises important areas and also highlights the asymmetrical sofas and the cosy lounge area in the owner's suite."

This is completed on the starboard side by a fold-down balcony, a desk and the dressing area with generously sized wardrobes. Once again, the design of the galley for the chef and himself was also important to the owner couple. Situated in the usual position amidships on the main deck, it features Gaggenau appliances and high-quality surfaces, making it an inviting place for more than just cooking. The central table with six high chairs from Poltrona Frau is regularly used for informal meals.

Just delivered and already on the market

The tech-savvy owner spends a comparatively large amount of time on the bridge, which has been designed with dark brown leather and reminiscences of sports cars. The crew office to starboard with two workstations is just as spacious as the captain's suite next to it and the six crew cabins on the lower deck. Work and service areas have been designed to be extremely practical. The cooling and storage capacities are also ideal for extended trips with family and friends.

With "Diamond Binta", Tankoa makes its long-awaited return to the terrain of solitaires of over 1,000 gross tonnes with flying colours. The 58 metre long steel displacer is likely to remain a one-off. In any case, no sister ship needs to be ordered if there is interest. As her owners are looking to expand once again, she was listed for sale just a few months after her world premiere at the Monaco Yacht Show last year and before the start of her first Atlantic crossing in January - at the time of going to press, the asking price was USD 64.5 million.

Technical data

• Length over everything: 58 m
• Width: 10 m
• Depth: 3,30 m
• Displacement: 870 t
• Gross tonnage: 1,013 Gross tonnes
• Material: Steel, aluminium
• Motors: 2 x CAT 3512E
• Engine power: 2 x 1,350 kW
• Speed (max.): 17 kn
• Speed (travelling): 15 kn
• Generators: 2 x CAT 7.1 ACERT 118 kW, 2 x Reintjes Shaft Alternator 150 kW; emergency 1 x CAT 4.4 86 kW
• Range @ 10 kn: 5,400 sm
• Fuel: 105.000 l
• Water: 31.600 l
• Guests: 12
• Crew: 13
• Construction: Francesco Rogantin
• Exterior design: Francesco Paszkowski
• Interior design: Francesco Paszkowski and Margherita Casprini
• Class: Lloyd's Register
• Shipyard: Tankoa Yachts, 2024