Superyacht Mishi 88 Effortlessly Completes 3,000 Nautical Mile Journey from the Marmara Sea to the Mediterranean and Back

Sailing Superyacht Mishi 88 Tackles 3,000nm Passage with Ease from Marmara Sea to the Med and Back

When the curtain rose on this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, visitors to the Mishi Yachts stand were greeted by the gleaming 27-metre Mishi 88 yacht, a vessel that had just completed a remarkable journey. This stunning yacht had traversed a grueling 1,500 nautical miles from Istanbul, showcasing its capabilities as a comfortable and high-performance oceangoing yacht.

A Journey of Endurance

The delivery crew, consisting of four skilled sailors, undertook the challenging passage across a stormy autumn Mediterranean in just seven days. Captain Ferhat Tosun led the crew, while Alp Helvaci, a seasoned competitor in Laser dinghies, experienced the thrill of ocean sailing for the first time. "We aimed to maintain an average speed of 9.5-10 knots—an easy pace for the Mishi 88," Captain Tosun explained. The yacht’s versatility allowed them to switch between sail and motor power as needed, achieving a maximum sailing speed of 13.5 knots, an exhilarating feat that highlighted the vessel’s performance.

The route from Istanbul to Monaco was nothing short of spectacular, taking the crew through the Corinth Canal, Messina, Capri, and Elba. The conditions allowed them to sail for more than half the journey, with memorable moments including the passage through the Corinth Canal and a night sail on the Zakynthos-Messina route. "The moments when the wind aligned with us during sailing were particularly memorable," said Captain Tosun.

Comfort on the High Seas

The Mishi 88 is designed as a pocket superyacht for sailing families, combining speed with unparalleled comfort. The crew spent much of their time in the expansive cockpit area, which is well-sheltered from the elements thanks to a robust carbon-fibre deckhouse. This space offers 360-degree views, allowing for relaxation off-watch without interference from sailing controls.

When the weather turned less favorable, the yacht’s spacious saloon became the heart of social activity. Even while under sail, the Mishi 88’s gentle motion made the deep sofas in the saloon incredibly comfortable. Whether at anchor or in port, this area serves as an ideal spot for relaxation, movie-watching, or cooking in luxurious privacy.

The yacht features a large U-shaped galley, strategically located near the boat’s center of gravity to minimize motion while underway. The delivery crew enjoyed the choice of three spacious cabins, with the master cabin forward being the largest and best equipped. The two aft cabins were set up as twins, perfect for long passages, and all cabins are ensuite with large separate shower facilities.

"This journey showcased Mishi’s design features of comfort, performance, and ease of use," Captain Tosun noted. The yacht’s stability and maneuverability allowed for safe sailing even in challenging weather conditions, while the spacious interiors provided ample opportunities for rest and socializing.

An Eye-Opening Experience

While the outward journey to Monaco focused on timely arrival for the show, the return leg allowed the crew to savor the highlights along the way. They fished under sail, enjoyed dolphin escorts, and indulged in memorable meals along the coasts of France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. Storm-bound in Porto Venere, they took the opportunity to sample Ligurian cuisine, including its famous pesto, while Capri dazzled with its crowded streets and luxury shops.

The journey was not without its challenges. At the entrance to the Sea of Marmara, winds reached up to 36 knots, and waves hit 4-5 meters. The crew safely anchored at Marmara Island, realizing the severity of the conditions only when they observed another boat struggling nearby. "We perceived the 7 Beaufort weather as no more than Force 5 in the Mishi," Captain Tosun remarked, highlighting the yacht’s robust design.

A Spectacular Showcase

The 3,000 nautical mile passage to Monaco and back was impressive, but the Monaco Yacht Show itself was the true focus for Mishi Yachts. Parent company Yonca, with decades of advanced composite experience, aimed to showcase the Mishi 88 as a superyacht-quality family sailing vessel. The yacht attracted significant attention from visitors and provided a valuable platform for connecting with industry players and assessing the competition.

Mishi founder and Chairman Sakir Yilmaztürk expressed pride in the yacht’s unique offering. "We have brought the comfort of motor yachts to a sailing yacht, enabling us to cover long distances in a relaxed and efficient manner," he stated. The level of interest received in Monaco confirmed that Mishi Yachts’ family-friendly, comfortable carbon yachts resonate with potential owners from both sailing and motor backgrounds.

Route Overview

The journey from Pendik to Monaco included notable stops at:

• Marmara Island
• Bozcaada
• Karystos
• Corinth Canal
• Antikyra
• Patras
• Zakynthos
• Messina
• Capri
• Ischia
• Elba
• Theoule
• Cannes

The return route featured:

• Villefranche
• Portofino
• Porto Venere
• Naples
• Zakynthos
• Corinth Canal
• Karystos
• Bozcaada
• Ekinlik
• Pendik

Specifications

The Mishi 88 boasts impressive specifications:

• Type: Cruising Sloop Yacht
• Length Overall (L.O.A): 88ft / 26.82 m
• Length Waterline (L.W.L): 81.43ft / 24.82m
• Beam: 20.34ft / 6.20m
• Draft: 10.49ft / 3.20m
• Cruising Speed: 8 knots (1,200 rpm)
• Max Speed: 11.5 knots
• Range: 1,000 nm (at cruising speed)
• Displacement: 70t / Ballast 16t
• Gross Tonnage: 71t
• Guest Capacity: 6 guests (1 master cabin, 2 guest cabins)
• Crew Capacity: 2 crew cabins (1 captain’s / 1 crew cabin)
• Naval Architect & Exterior Designer: Osman Tanju Kalaycioglu / Özgür Terzioglu / Taka Yacht
• Interior Designer: Aylin Örs / ORS Yacht Design
• Main Hull: Carbon composite hull structure
• Deck: Composite Divinycell sandwich structure with carbon, epoxy skins for deck; laid Burma teak decks
• Hardtop: Carbon composite hardtop with 316L pillars
• Classification: RINA Classification C+Hull@ Mach Y Unrestricted Navigation

The Mishi 88 is not just a yacht; it is a testament to the fusion of performance, comfort, and innovative design, setting a new standard in the world of sailing superyachts.