Tankoa launches third all-aluminium S501

Featuring a number of customizations and deviations from previous S501 models, the third hull of this line was launched in Genoa earlier this week.

Named OLOKUN, the 50m (163’) superyacht will be delivered to her Owner in the coming months following the successful completion of sea trials.

OLOKUN has hit the water at the Tankoa shipyard in Genoa. She’s the third unit in the S501 model line, after 2017’s award-winning VERTIGE and last year’s  BINTADOR. 

Similar to numerous other Tankoa-built yachts, OLOKUN’s exterior was penned by Florence-based design studio Francesco Paszkowski. Meanwhile, her interiors have been curated by Casa Dio.

The superyacht has been heavily customized for her Owner, creating an innovative platform that’s harnessed the latest in design and technology.

Superyacht Olokun before launch at Tankoa
Third Tankoa S501 on the ramp ready for launch
Tankoa S501 leaves shed ready to hit the water in Genoa

One of the biggest differences between OLOKUN and her predecessors is her aft deck arrangement. It swaps the traditional main deck dining set-up with a large alfresco lounge space, designed to add increased privacy when the yacht is in port.

In another deviation from past models, OLOKUN also boasts a convertible cabin attached to the master stateroom. It can function as an adjoining study or independent space, depending on the wishes of the Owner. This flexible arrangement is great for families with small children.

In total, she can accommodate up to twelve guests in six cabins, with further provisions for a crew of ten.

OLOKUN marks the third unit in the S501 model line, after 2017’s award-winning VERTIGE and last year’s BINTADOR.

The superyacht plays host to a large beach club on the aft and a side-loading tender garage, which can conveniently deploy tenders and toys.  

The all-aluminium design of OLOKUN has proven popular on past models, allowing for fast performance and improved fuel efficiency.

She’s powered by two MTU diesel engines for a total output of 3,840hp, while her semi-displacement hull is designed for both cruising and high-speed performance.

Olokun being reversed into the water ahead of its launch

The all-aluminium design of OLOKUN has proven popular on past models, allowing for fast performance and improved fuel efficiency.

OLOKUN’s highest comfortable cruising speed is 14 knots, and she’ll peak at a top speed of 17.5 knots. That’s 1.5 knots more than VERTIGE, which won the International Superyacht Society Award for Best Power in 2018.

OLOKUN has a 65,000-litre fuel tank. At her economic speed of 11 knots, she is expected to have a range of 4,500 nm.

The Olokun logo and nameplate, as found on the superyacht itself

While both VERTIGE and BINTADOR sport classic white hulls, OLOKUN has a black hull offset by a metallic grey superstructure. 

Darker hulls typically absorb more sunlight than their lighter counterparts; Tankoa has used a “high-performance coating” for OLOKUN that, the shipyard claims, can lower the temperature by up to 10°c.

Olokun in the water during its launch from Italian shipyard Tankoa
Olokun propped up outside of its Tankoa shipyard
Like her sistership Vertige, Olokun has a high-deadrise bow that's good for stability when at anchor

OLOKUN is on schedule for delivery towards the end of 2020. Her sistership VERTIGE has proved to be a highly popular charter yacht, so it’s possible we will see OLOKUN join the world of private yacht charter as well.

If you’re interested in purchasing a model from this range, take a look at all S501 yachts for sale.

To compare this model against others from the Italian yard, you can check out all new and pre-owned Tankoa yachts for sale.