11 Fascinating Facts About Tankoa’s Library-Quiet 169-Foot Project Secret
Tankoa Yachts is having a moment. The Italian shipyard’s newly delivered 148-foot Go, which will premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival next month, and full custom 190-foot Diamond Binta, debuting at the Monaco Yacht Show two weeks later, represent the range of the Genoa shipyard. Owners looking to get in on the action can satisfy their cravings with Project Secret, which boasts a whirlpool hydro-spa on the sun deck, a beach club built for entertaining and a fine-tuned acoustic interior to enhance the “sounds of the sea.”
The 169-footer, currently under construction, is listed through Edmiston for $42 million. That includes an unusually fast delivery time of 2025, even more noteworthy considering the option to fully customize is included.
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Project Secret was commissioned by an owner who decided to sell before taking delivery. He made several design stipulations, including enlisting FM Architettura for the interior and mandating a beach-house aesthetic. The exterior design is spearheaded by Philippe Briand and hails from his Vitruvius collection. Other yachts within the Vitruvius series include 217-foot Alchemy delivered by Rossinavi in 2023 and 180-foot explorer yacht Galileo G.
Tankoa is best known for its semi-custom cruisers, such as the 164-foot Grey, the fifth hull in its S501 series, which Robb Report toured last summer. It also has experience with hybrid yachts that use about 59 per cent less than conventional pure-diesel engine alternatives. Project Secret’s hybrid system powers the hotel load for up to 8.5 hours, with only a 60-minute charging period before it’s ready to go again.
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Superior Acoustics
Willem van Cappellen, a specialist in yacht acoustics, was brought into the project to manage the internal acoustics and vibrations to meet the owner’s strict requirements to accentuate the “sounds of the sea”—in other words, nothing above 40 decibels, or the sound of a library. When sailing, noise levels of around 80 decibels require guests to speak loudly. Anything above 90 decibels means shouting. When Project Secret eventually sets sail, according to the builder, the only audible soundtrack will be lapping waves and an ocean sea breeze.
Stairway to Heaven
The design plan called for a calming beach house aesthetic. Francesca Muzio and her team at Italian firm FM Architettura answered with an interior where bare woods and soft textured fabrics give a coastal-inspired décor. One of the most striking elements in the main salon is the floating staircase on the main deck that is more artwork than structure, set against a backlit screen.
Clubbin It
Project Secret’s beach club is a key feature of the overall design. It includes a wellness area with an infrared sauna, sunbeds and a seaside dipping pool on the swim platform. A pair of fold-down bulwarks extend the waterside relaxation. The large gym is also accessed from here via sliding tinted glass doors.
Owner’s Suite
The asymmetric full-beam owner’s suite has a push-button balcony that overlooks the water, a floating king-sized bed and textured carpet for barefoot appeal. It’s matched with an ensuite marble bathroom with his and hers basins separated by glass dividers, and a large walk-in closet.
Working 9 to 5
On the approach to the owner’s suite is a dedicated office space for two that can be sealed off from the bedroom. It has views out to sea and direct access to the private balcony.
Electric Avenue
Equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, Project Secret can cruise at 10 knots in full-electric mode or use the batteries to power the hotel load silently for eight to 12 hours. “It’s different from other systems in that the two 300 kW electric motors are in line with the main engines, so it’s more compact and efficient than other hybrid systems,” says Vincenzo Poerio, CEO of Tankoa Yachts.
Style and Sustenance
For entertainment, guests head to the upper deck salon where a grand piano, cocktail bar and large TV will keep everyone amused. A custom teak and metal circular table on the exterior deck brings further dining options.
Main Aft Deck
The main deck aft has fully retractable and flush-to-the-floor glass doors to allow for a seamless transition to the outdoor bar. Further aft, a large lounging area with oversized sunpads, a table and outdoor seating is the ideal place for guests to socialize.
La Dolce Vita
A flush hydro pool (rear center) with stepped access and integrated loungers is the star of the sun deck. It’s next to a curved bar with a rippled-effect front and comfortable seating underneath the shaded hardtop.
Surf and Turf
Unlike most yachts in this size range, the dining table is not located behind the main salon. Instead, it is positioned waterside with a retractable panel that opens to reveal the full al fresco dining experience. Glass balustrades keep guests safe. A fixed glass chandelier brings soft illumination at night.
Flexi-Foredeck
Flexibility is key to the yacht’s design. A large area for relaxing on the foredeck can be used as a dining table, coffee table or full sunpad depending on the mood of the guests.
