Zenji: Perini Navi’s 56‑Metre Ketch Anchors Palm Beach 2026 as the Largest Sailing Superyacht

At the 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show, Zenji—Perini Navi’s 56‑metre ketch—stood out not merely for scale but for pedigree. Launched in 2004 as the second hull in Perini Navi’s 56‑metre series and penned by naval architect Ron Holland, the yacht arrives on the market having completed a lightening interior refit in 2022 and a comprehensive 2024–2025 program that modernised both her systems and sail inventory.

Design and construction

Zenji is a full‑displacement aluminium ketch with teak decks, marrying seakeeping and rig performance with voluminous deck spaces more commonly associated with motor yachts. Her dimensions are classically substantial: 56 m (183 ft) LOA, a beam reported at approximately 11.5 m (with alternate listings at 11.95 m), and a full draft of 3.95 m (with another source noting a 9.7 m measurement with the centreboard extended). The yacht’s internal volume is listed at 499 GT.

Refits and interior

Perini Navi’s in‑house styling originally characterised Zenji’s interiors; a 2022 refit replaced the darker American‑cherry trim with a lighter, contemporary palette. The subsequent 2024–2025 work refreshed mechanical systems and sailing hardware—new sails, rigging upgrades and engine overhauls—ensuring the yacht is prepared for extended cruising and charter service. Marble bathrooms and lighter, marble‑decorated cabins are among the more recent interior interventions.

Layout and amenities

The yacht’s arrangement emphasises social life and owner comfort. Official listings describe six cabins with a full‑beam owner’s suite, two double cabins and three twin cabins (two of which include Pullman berths). Sources vary on guest capacity: some coverage cites accommodation for 12 guests, while pre‑show commentary noted the ability to take up to 14 guests. Zenji carries 11 crew and features a main saloon with bright woods, cream and blue furnishings, large windows, a formal dining area, a flybridge with 360‑degree views and a large jacuzzi, aft alfresco dining, and a fold‑out swim platform that doubles as a modest beach club. Onboard amenities include Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, a 6.25‑m Castoldi Jet tender and a selection of water toys.

Performance and range

Configured for long‑range passages, Zenji is powered by twin Deutz TBD 616 V12 diesels rated at 1,239 hp each. Reported performance under power lists a top speed of roughly 15–16 knots and a cruising speed in the 11–13 knot band. Range estimates cited for the yacht vary—one listing gives up to 4,000 nautical miles at 13 knots, while other sources note approximately 3,000 nm—reflecting differing measurement approaches and operational assumptions.

Market positioning at PBIBS 2026

Displayed in downtown West Palm Beach from 25–29 March 2026 among more than 30 superyachts over 150 ft, Zenji was marketed by broker Edmiston and promoted in show materials as the largest sailing yacht at the event. At the time of the show she was offered for sale with an asking price of approximately $24,950,000 and was also available for charter: weekly seasonal rates cited start at €230,000 plus expenses (presented in listings as roughly $266,000 for summer charters and $230,000 in winter).

Industry context: why Zenji still matters

Zenji exemplifies a particular strand of the superyacht market where classic sailing architecture is kept relevant through meticulous refits. Perini Navi’s name continues to carry weight among owners who prize ocean‑going performance and traditional rig aesthetics, while the yacht’s motor‑yacht comforts—expanded deck living areas, jacuzzi on the flybridge and generous guest accommodations—broaden her appeal beyond purist sailors. The combination of Ron Holland’s naval architecture and successive refits makes Zenji a notable case study in maintaining long‑term value for larger sailing yachts.

Key highlights

• Builder: Perini Navi; delivered 2004 as the second hull in the 56‑m series.
• Designer: Ron Holland (naval architecture); Perini Navi in‑house exterior and interior styling.
• Dimensions: 56 m LOA; beam ~11.5 m; 499 GT.
• Refits: Major interior refresh in 2022; extensive 2024–2025 refit including new sails, rigging upgrades and engine overhauls.
• Accommodation: Six cabins with full‑beam owner’s suite; listings cite accommodation for 12 guests (some coverage notes up to 14).
• Performance: Twin Deutz TBD 616 V12 (1,239 hp each); cruising speed ~11–13 kn; top speed ~15–16 kn; range reported between ~3,000–4,000 nm.
• Market: Listed for sale through Edmiston at ≈ $24,950,000; charter weekly rates starting at €230,000 plus expenses.

Zenji’s showing at PBIBS 2026 underscored the continuing market for large, well‑maintained sailing superyachts: vessels that can offer true ocean capability without sacrificing the on‑board lifestyle expected by today’s charterers and owners. For buyers seeking a Perini Navi ketch with renewed systems, refreshed interiors and ample deck living, Zenji presents a compelling, well‑documented option.

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