Open aft areas are an ongoing trend in superyachting. The idea is to open up the stern to nature rather than closing it off. In the past, the cockpits of the main deck were usually designed so that closed rows of seats protected the dining areas and salons in front of them from prying eyes in the marina. With the T55 Sportiva, Tankoa and designer Luca Dini are continuing the new open-plan concept.
The pool, which is around five metres long, is almost level with the waterline and leads past bulkhead glazing through fully glazed doors into the interior. On the port side of the spa, laminated glass provides views above and below the surface of the water. Nemo Lounges are unusual for a 55-metre format and are more likely to be found in larger individual buildings.
"Rose" owner wanted three pools
With the T55 Sportiva, Tankoa is operating what is known as platform construction. With the semi-custom approach, customers can make minimal adjustments to the exterior and have maximum freedom in the interior design. Piero Lissoni took care of this for "Rose". Five guest cabins are located on the lower deck, while owners stay on the forward main deck with a private terrace in the immediate vicinity of the tender car park. This had to be moved to the foredeck as a consequence of the nature-centred aft section.
Luca Dini's open stern layout was the deciding factor for the buyer of the first T55 unit, who also asked Dini and his team for two Jacuzzis - next to his suite and on the sun deck. Commenting on the launch, the Florence-based architect said: "The Tankoa T55 Sportiva is a perfect balance between elegance and performance, where every line and surface is designed to enhance both form and function. She is a yacht that feels effortlessly dynamic - sleek, light and in constant dialogue with the sea."
Tankoa defies the volume trend
A striking feature of the T55 Sportiva is the slender hull platform, which measured just nine metres in the floating dock. Tankoa's successful model, the six times built since 2018 S501, has a width of 9.40 metres - and is five metres shorter. Tankoa is also taking an interesting approach in terms of interior volume. Competitors in the length segment reach 760 gross tonnes, whereas the T55 Sportiva remains under 500 gross tonnes. Cubatures below this magic mark bring with them a number of regulatory advantages. The longest motor yacht under 500 gross tonnes, Royal Huisman's "Phi", measures 58.50 metres from stem to stern platform. Tankoa welded "Rose" entirely from aluminium and claims a displacement of 455 tonnes (fully loaded).
Two more T55 Sportiva from Tankoa
The Genoa shipyard does not provide any current performance data. In an initial project presentation, there was talk of 16.5 knots, which would be just under the hull speed. This is not the first displacement boat to play a confusing game with a decidedly sporty look and score points for fuel efficiency. However, such a generous aft deck layout is unlikely to be used in marinas where the boat is moored sternwards, i.e. "Roman Catholic".
A second T55 Sportiva is to be launched at Tankoa before the summer. According to the shipyard, this will be for a young European owner who will probably offer "Loewe" for charter via Ocean Independence from 400,000 euros per week. The Genoese are also welding a third hull from the new 55-metre series, which is due to be launched in 2027.
