As more owners look to break away from traditional cruising routes and venture further afield, the demand for robust, long-range yachts in a manageable size bracket is increasing, according to Turkish shipyard Tufan and Brothers.
“Over the past decade, there has been a steadily growing interest in compact explorer yachts, and we anticipate this trend will continue to accelerate,” explains Melis Dogrul, partner and head of design at Tufan and Brothers. “This shift is largely driven by a growing appreciation for the sea, a desire to explore more remote destinations, and a preference for vessels with seaworthy hull designs, spacious interiors, long-range capability and economic operation.”
One of the most recent responses to this growing market is Mako Shark, the shipyard’s 26.5-metre all-weather explorer yacht concept. While naval architecture and construction come courtesy of Tufan and Brothers, Mako Shark was designed in collaboration with renowned Turkish designer Riza Tansu, who is best known for his rugged, military-inspired silhouettes and functional, open-plan layouts.
“I first met Riza Tansu at the beginning of my professional career,” recalls Tufan and Brothers founder Tufan Avsar. “Over the past 20 years of our enduring friendship, I have personally witnessed his groundbreaking contributions to yacht design. Mako Shark represents an innovative perspective within the recent trend of not overly large but fully equipped explorer yachts, capable of navigating in all sea conditions.”
Designed for the modern explorer
Named after one of the ocean’s fastest and most agile predators, Mako Shark belongs to Tansu’s signature Tiger Shark class, embodying the power of its namesake. The exterior design is unmistakably Tansu - muscular, assertive and bold, with clean, militaristic lines.
Built for those seeking autonomy and adventure, Mako Shark is designed to thrive in all sea conditions. Its steel hull and aluminium superstructure would be constructed using a method of continuous welding - a technique that improves structural integrity and ensures a more watertight, durable finish than traditional intermittent welds. With a draught of just 1.8 metres, Mako Shark would be able to access the shallow cruising grounds of hidden anchorages and hard-to-reach coastlines.
True to its explorer DNA, Mako Shark is designed with range in mind. Powered by twin Cummins 630hp engines, it would deliver up to 4,500 nautical miles at eight knots and 3,500 nautical miles at nine knots, with a top speed of 13.5 knots. Additionally, specialist insulation is incorporated into the design to minimise onboard noise and vibration from the engine room, while zero-speed fin stabilisers would ensure comfort both underway and at anchor.
As Avsar explains, the yacht is packed with features designed to support extended voyages far from port: “All our projects are equipped with comprehensive safety features that are critical for long passages, such as sprinkler systems, centralised bilge and fire piping, and engine room fire suppression systems. We also consider as standard the installation of backup systems, such as an auxiliary steering pump and a second radar unit.”
Calm interiors and smart layouts
With a 7.6-metre beam and an internal volume of 200GT, Mako Shark offers generous dimensions for this size category. “With this compact explorer, we worked extensively to ensure that both volume and proportions were balanced and satisfying,” Tansu explains. “Achieving those proportions at a smaller scale is no easy task, but I believe we managed to strike a balance we’re proud of, and we did so without compromising on deck heights.”
Renderings show a light, natural and understated colour palette, featuring dark woods, white and black. “These choices weren’t only aesthetic, they were intended to evoke a relaxed, open and timeless atmosphere,” says Tansu. “Our goal was to create a calm, welcoming environment that reflects an easy-going yet elegant lifestyle at sea. Nothing flashy, nothing forced. Just honest materials and a sense of space that feels both functional and serene.”
The onboard living spaces span three decks. On the main deck, a welcoming saloon with twin sofas leads into a forward galley, while the aft section opens out to an al fresco dining area that connects to the stern swim platform.
The upper deck continues the theme of indoor-outdoor living with a dining space, open galley and bar - one of Tansu’s favourite spots on board - flanked by al fresco lounge areas both forward and aft. Up top, the flybridge offers a secondary helm station and a rear-facing lounge that makes the most of the sweeping ocean views.
Owners can choose between two layout configurations: one optimised for owner operation and another for a more traditional crew setup. In the owner-operated version, the upper deck captain’s cabin is swapped for additional lounge space, and crew accommodation on the lower deck is pared down to a single cabin.
When it comes to guest accommodation, a party of 10 is welcomed across five en suite cabins, including a forward-facing master suite on the main deck complete with a private office, sofa and en suite bathroom. Two double cabins and two twins make up the rest of the guest accommodation on the lower deck.
Dogrul concludes: “Our boutique shipbuilding structure allows us to adapt each project to the specific needs of the owner, offering a level of flexibility that provides significant advantages. Rather than focusing on mass production, we are committed to ensuring that each project is entirely unique. This dedication to tailor-made construction is, without question, what sets us apart from other builders.”
Contact the shipyard to find out more about Tufan and Brothers’ Mako Shark explorer yacht.
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