As the curtain rose on this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, visitors to the Mishi Yachts stand had no idea of the epic journey that lies behind the gleaming 27-metre Mishi 88 yacht. Freshly released, the boat seemed to dazzle the crowd, yet it had just conquered a gruelling 1,500 nautical mile passage by sea from Istanbul.
A crew of four intrepid sailors braved the stormy autumn Mediterranean, conquering the distance in a mere seven days. This daring feat showcased the Mishi 88’s undeniable prowess as a comfortable and capable ocean-going yacht. While it was all in a day’s work for seasoned Captain Ferhat Tosun, it was a thrilling new adventure for Alp Helvacı, a seasoned Laser dinghy sailor who has represented Turkey on the world stage.
“We aimed to maintain an average speed of 9.5-10 knots - an easy pace for the Mishi 88. We don’t look at it solely in terms of sail or motor; sometimes we used just sails, sometimes just the engine and sometimes a combination of both. Our maximum sailing speed was recorded at 13.5 knots. It was an exhilarating moment!”
Captain Tosun
Their journey led them from the bustling heart of one of Asia’s largest metropolises, through the historic Corinth Canal and past the iconic islands of Messina, Capri and Elba, ultimately arriving at Monaco’s glamorous epicentre of Mediterranean yachting. Favourable conditions allowed them to harness the wind’s power, sailing more than half the distance and maintaining their impressive pace.
Cruising in comfort
Conceived as a compact superyacht for sailing families, the Mishi 88 is not only capable of sustaining impressive speeds but also offers unparalleled comfort. The delivery crew spent most of their time lounging in the spacious cockpit area, which is shielded from the elements by a robust carbon-fibre deckhouse. Here, they could relax and unwind, enjoying panoramic views without being hindered by sailing controls.
When the weather turned inclement, the spacious saloon became the yacht’s social hub. Even as the Mishi 88 sliced through the waves, the saloon’s plush sofas remained incredibly comfortable. At anchor or in port, it was the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a film or indulge in culinary delights in complete privacy.
The spacious U-shaped galley, not only superbly equipped but also strategically located near the boat’s centre of gravity, offered a serene cooking environment. The delivery crew had the luxury of choosing from three generously sized cabins. While the master cabin forward was the pinnacle of luxury, the two aft cabins, configured as twins, were ideal for restful passage. All cabins were en suite with spacious separate shower cabins.
“This journey showcased Mishi’s design features of comfort, performance and ease of use. The boat’s stability and manoeuvrability helped us maintain safe sailing even under challenging weather conditions. The spaciousness and functionality of the interiors provided opportunities for resting and socialising during long journeys. Additionally, the ease of use allowed the crew to quickly and effectively address their needs. These features elevate the sailing experience with Mishi to a higher level”
Captain Tosun
Eye-opening sailing
The outward journey to Monaco was a dash to the finish line, a race against time to make the show. The return leg, however, was a different story. It was a leisurely cruise, a chance to savour the journey. The crew fished under sail, marvelled at dolphin escorts and indulged in memorable meals along the sun-kissed coasts of France, Italy, Greece and Turkey.
Storm-bound in the picturesque village of Porto Venere they sank their teeth into Ligurian cuisine, savouring the region’s famous pesto. Capri, a bustling island of luxury and crowds, offered a stark contrast to the serene beauty of Zakynthos, where they indulged in local meze dishes and discovered secluded beaches. Of course, such a grand adventure across 3,000 nautical miles wasn’t without its share of challenging weather.
Spectacular show
The 3,000nm journey to Monaco and back was an epic feat, but the prestigious yacht show itself was the ultimate goal for Mishi Yachts. Yonca, the parent company with decades of expertise in advanced composites, was determined to showcase the Mishi 88 as the superyacht-quality family sailing vessel it truly is.
The Mishi 88 captivated visitors and sparked conversations within the industry. The show provided an ideal platform to network with industry players and assess the competition. It was heartening to see that Mishi Yachts had found a unique niche in the market, offering unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.
