Owners usually have to wait around three years for one-offs over 50 metres in length. Perini Navi has now launched the 60-metre aluminium ketch "Katana" (Japanese for "sword") - it is said to have been ordered in 2017, probably by Larry Ellison. The name and typography alone point to the software tycoon, who is known for his love of Japan. Certainty was provided by Perini Navi's insolvency proceedings, during which Ellison came to light as the client of "Katana". The US American, whose Oracle campaigns twice won the America's Cup has already managed a Perini ketch, the "Zenji" (56 metres). Founded by Fabio Perini in Viareggio in 1983, the shipyard dominated the market for voluminous aluminium and steel super yachts in the 2000s and went bankrupt in 2021. By then, the Italian entrepreneurial family Tabacchi had taken over the helm.
Perini insolvency brings construction to a standstill
Ellison is said to have exerted pressure in the ongoing proceedings to stop the construction process of "Katana" - the name of an iconic 75 metre motor yacht and was at times even seen as a possible saviour of the Tuscan shipyard. This was not an unusual approach; many an owner in the making bought a faltering shipyard during the stalled construction of their own yacht. In the end, The Italian Sea Group (TISG) Perini Navi out of insolvency at the beginning of 2022. And so the Italian shipyard group presented "Katana" at its headquarters in Marina di Carrara. Perini Navi last attracted attention there in 2023 with "Artexplorer", although the 46-metre catamaran only received the Perini label at a later date.
"Katana": Sport ketch from Perini Navi
The keel of the 60-metre ketch "Katana" was laid in Viareggio under the old command. Her age could now also be seen in the bulbous hull shape with its sweeping 11.40 metre beam. In fact, it is the third aluminium hull based on Ron Holland's "Seahawk" design from 2013 and not dissimilar to that of "Bayesian" is. Perini Navi emphasises that "Katana" has been given an "extendable" keel. The extra draught is probably due to the fact that Larry Ellison wants to move the 570-tonner in a sporty manner. "Katana's" carbon rig from Southern Spars and the hybrid drive system are also rather unusual for a Perini. The interior fittings will also be lavish, with designer Rémi Tessier, who started out as a carpenter, in charge of the design. Among other things, the Frenchman had to fill chambers for ten guests - certainly with a Japanese touch.
