TANKOA S501 “VERTIGE” — A Masterpiece of Elegant Efficiency and Modern Italian Craftsmanship

When I toured the TANKOA S501 Vertige during the Monaco Yacht Show 2024, it was immediately clear why this yacht has become one of the most respected 50-meter platforms in the entire charter and private ownership segment. Built by Tankoa Yachts, a boutique Italian shipyard known for precision engineering and refined aesthetics, and represented by Ocean Independence, Vertige strikes a rare balance: she is undeniably luxurious, yet never loud; technologically advanced, yet intuitively human-centered.

From the moment I stepped on board, her proportions, silence, and layout logic made an impression that is difficult to replicate. Unlike many yachts that try to stand out through excess, Vertige stands out through restraint: clean architectural lines, timeless furniture choices, and a clever use of glass that brings the sea indoors without overwhelming the senses. This is an owner’s yacht, a designer’s yacht, and a traveler’s yacht all at once.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what makes Vertige extraordinary — from her performance credentials to her interior design philosophy, her charter potential, and her position as one of the most thoughtfully engineered 50-meter vessels in the world.

1. Italian Craftsmanship at Its Finest

TANKOA has earned a reputation for building semi-custom yachts that feel like full-custom creations. Vertige is perhaps the clearest example of this philosophy.

Her exterior, designed by Francesco Paszkowski, is instantly recognizable: crisp geometric angles, broad open decks, and an elegant but muscular silhouette. She is neither too futuristic nor too traditional — a modern Mediterranean yacht done to perfection.

Inside, Paszkowski and Margherita Casprini created a layout that prioritizes calmness, symmetry, and natural flow. When I walked through the main deck salon, the experience felt more like stepping into a high-end coastal residence than a yacht. Neutral materials, soft tones, and matte textures create an atmosphere of effortless harmony.

This is not an interior that tries to impress with extravagance. Instead, it impresses through quiet sophistication.

2. The Signature S501 Layout — Designed for Life at Sea

One of the most distinctive features of the S501 platform is its owner-friendly, charter-optimized layout. During my visit, several details immediately stood out:

Main Deck Master Suite
  • Full-beam
  • Massive windows at sea level
  • Private fold-out terrace
  • A feeling of openness rarely seen on 50-meter yachts

The terrace in particular is a genuine highlight. When folded out, the space transforms the master cabin into a private beachfront balcony — something that charter guests consistently rave about.

Five Additional Guest Cabins

A thoughtful mix:

  • Two VIP cabins on the lower deck
  • Two convertible twins
  • A flexible cabin arrangement suitable for families or multi-generational groups

The emphasis is on adaptability, and this makes Vertige a yacht that fits many types of clients.

Outdoor Spaces

Tankoa excels at designing decks that feel generous without adding unnecessary volume.

Key features include:

  • A spectacular sundeck with a bar, sunpads, and a dining area
  • A forward lounge space perfect for sunset cocktails
  • A beach platform that seamlessly connects guests to the sea

Every zone feels balanced — not too crowded, not too empty. This is a yacht designed for living, not merely impressing from afar.

3. Performance & Engineering — Silent, Efficient, and Confident

One of the most surprising moments during my visit was learning just how quiet and vibration-free the yacht is underway. Tankoa’s engineering department has developed a reputation for producing yachts that move with remarkable smoothness.

Key performance notes:

  • Twin MTU engines (typical for the S501 line)
  • Approx. 16 knots top speed
  • 14 knots comfortable cruising
  • 5,000+ nautical miles range at economical speed

This combination makes Vertige ideal for:

  • Long-range Mediterranean itineraries
  • Exploring Croatia or Greece in complete silence
  • Crossing between Türkiye’s coastal regions effortlessly

Tankoa tends to over-engineer rather than under-engineer, and it shows. Systems are logically positioned, machinery spaces are clean and accessible, and the overall feel is one of reliability.

4. Charter Potential — Why Vertige Performs Exceptionally Well

Based on industry reviews, charter brokers consistently note the same things:

? Guests love the calm, soothing atmosphere
? The beach club and master terrace are major selling points
? Outdoor dining spaces feel unusually private
? The crew flow is completely separate, ensuring high service standards

Because of these features, Vertige achieves strong charter demand between:

  • The French Riviera
  • Sardinia
  • Greece
  • Croatia
  • Türkiye

If you are considering purchasing a yacht in this segment, experiencing Vertige on charter first is one of the smartest investments you can make. She represents the benchmark of her class.

5. Personal Impressions From My 2024 Visit

Walking through Vertige at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024 was one of the highlights of the entire exhibition. While many yachts impressed in different ways, Vertige struck a balance that few others achieved:

  • The design was modern but timeless.
  • The engineering felt trustworthy and quiet.
  • The spaces felt welcoming rather than intimidating.
  • The yacht had personality — not through flashy design but through refinement.

There is a sense of human scale to this yacht. You never feel lost, you never feel overwhelmed, and you never feel boxed in. Everything is proportioned just right.

Q: What makes TANKOA S501 Vertige unique among 50m yachts?

A: Her combination of Italian craftsmanship, calm interior design, and a charter-optimized layout with a private master terrace makes her stand out.

Q: Is Vertige suitable for charter in Greece, Croatia, or Türkiye?

Yes. With her long range and efficient cruising characteristics, she is ideal for Mediterranean island-hopping.

Q: What is the highlight of her design?

The main deck master suite with fold-out sea terrace and the balanced sundeck layout.

Q: Who designed Vertige?

Francesco Paszkowski and Margherita Casprini — renowned for elegant, modern Italian interiors.

Q: Can I experience Vertige before considering purchase?

Yes — through a charter with Rendez-Vous Yachts, you can experience a yacht in this class before making a buying decision.

7. Final Closing Message about M/Y Vertigue by Tankoa yachts:

If Vertige has caught your attention the same way it captured mine during the Monaco Yacht Show 2024, the best next step is to experience a similar yacht through a carefully planned charter.

Contact us at Rendez-Vous Yachts, and we will arrange a tailor-made charter experience that lets you understand the true feeling of owning such a masterpiece — long before you make any decision.

C. Burak KOREL By C. Burak KOREL