The 50-meter-long yacht spent four years at the shipyard and is now ready for her first charter season. A Hamburg-based team of companies made the refit a success.
The journey of THANUJA began in 2011 when she was launched by Concept Marine in Turkey under the name GRAYZONE. A decade later, in 2021, the superyacht arrived at Serenity Shipyard in Antalya,Turkey, for what was initially planned as a refit. However, the project soon evolved into a full-scale transformation. The vessel was stripped down to bare metal, the stern and aft decks were extended, and the flybridge underwent significant upgrades.
This extensive reconstruction not only increased her length from 43 to 50 meters but also expanded her volume from 380 GT to 463 GT. The magnitude of these modifications led the classification society to acknowledge the project as more than a mere refit – it was the equivalent of a new build. With this remarkable rebirth, the yacht was relaunched under a new name: MY Thanuja.
The German yacht design and engineering firm iYacht GmbH played a key role in this process, developing the initial concept, exterior design, and naval architecture. Adapting to the constraints of existing structures, materials, and previous design choices, iYacht GmbH very successfully transformed the vessel to align with the new owner’s vision while preserving its original essence.
Alongside the exterior conversion, the interior, originally planned for minor aesthetic updates, evolved into a full-scale reimagination led by Katharina Raczek Design based in Hamburg, Germany. Now, THANUJA accommodates ten guests in five luxurious cabins, while the crew quarters have been expanded to house a team of nine. Katharina Raczek Design delivered their complete range of services, including interior design, custom furniture and lighting design, decoration and outfitting, workshop plan approval, material selection, design project management and quality control.
Incidentally, the Raczek and iyacht teams were complemented by a third Hamburg-based company. Stefan Zucker, founder of the consulting firm Zucker & Partner, played a key role in coordinating the project. The owner himself also provided an experienced project manager.
All decks offer a diverse range of experiences and a seamless Indoor-Outdoor-Connection – from a secluded, shaded retreat on the main deck aft, to the exhilarating open space in front of the wheelhouse. The upper deck features a spacious and inviting sofa arrangement alongside an outdoor dining table and BBQ, while the sun deck is dedicated to relaxation and entertainment, offering a Jacuzzi, comfortable seating and lounging areas, and
a generously sized bar.
Beyond the design transformation, THANUJA also underwent a comprehensive technical upgrade.The entire ship’s technology, including all wiring and piping from bow to stern and top to bottom, was completely renewed.The engine room was fully modernized with new engines, generators, and advanced bow and stern thrusters to enhance maneuverability. Now powered by a pair of MAN engines equipped with SCR units meeting the latest IMO Tier III emissions.
Adelheid Chirco, Central Agent at Ocean Independence for THANUJA, comments: ”With her interior and beautiful decks, this yacht is made for the charter market. Her size in particular is currently in great demand. I am very confident that we will be able to provide many guests with extraordinary experiences.”
THANUJA will be based in the Mediterranean.
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