TAMSEN is the product of a multi-generational ownership philosophy that began in 1973, when seven California families, inspired by clinical psychologist and artist Robert Firestone, purchased an unfinished schooner named Vltava. The intent was to create a seafaring platform that encouraged accountability, capability, and stronger family bonds. That commitment culminated in a 1976 circumnavigation with 11 teenagers serving as crew, establishing a culture that would endure for decades.
With an LOA of 171’ 9” (52.40m) and a draft of 27’ 6” (8.39m) with her keel down, she offers true cruising flexibility. Constructed with a steel hull and aluminum superstructure, she is classed ABS A1 Yachting Services, AMS, compliant with the UK Mega Yacht Code under 500GT, and features a rig classed to Germanischer Lloyds standards.
Under sail, TAMSEN carries 1,170 square meters of sail area across 51-meter and 41-meter aluminum masts with carbon electric furling booms. Powered by twin 720kW Caterpillar C32 engines with controllable pitch propellers, she cruises at 14 knots with a 15-knot top speed under power. Key systems include an ASEA shore power converter, Atlas frequency converter with 110V US sockets throughout, dual Starlink and VSAT domes, and more.
The interior, by Bernardo Chichi, Perini Navi and SFA Design, reflects classic Perini Navi charm with a full-beam main salon forward and formal dining aft for 12 guests, finished in teak paneling and flooring. Large main deck windows bring natural light into the salon, dining area, and wheelhouse. The main deck galley to port, with two U-shaped work areas, centerline island, and dinette, was designed as an integrated social space rather than a closed crew galley. TAMSEN accommodates 15 guests in five cabins, including a full-beam master suite aft with king berth and en-suite. Crew accommodations support up to 13 crew.
Her exterior profile features a dark blue Awlgrip hull with gold cove stripe, raised bulwarks, and a counter stern. The stern cockpit offers seating for 12 across two levels with direct interior connection. The 47-square-meter flybridge includes a jacuzzi, lounge seating, wet bar with stools, hi-lo table, and twin helms with sail controls and navigation displays. The foredeck houses recessed wells for two 25’ (7.4m) Pascoe tenders with integrated lift booms.
TAMSEN was the Winner of the 2008 Showboat Award for Best Sailing Yacht over 45m and presents with a completed ABS Special Survey (2022) and substantial ongoing mechanical and structural upgrades, positioning her as a technically capable and comprehensively maintained 52m Perini Navi ketch ready for continued global cruising.
Key Features
- 52m Perini Navi ketch with swing keel versatility and controllable pitch propellers for optimized cruising performance
- Accommodates 15 guests in five cabins
- ABS Special Survey completed 2022
- Major 2025–2026 yard period with mechanical and structural upgrades, including new Doyle Stratis sail inventory delivering in May 2026
- Unique open layout designed for socialization
- Owned by the same experienced yachting family since built
Specifications
Overview
- Name:TAMSEN
- Yacht Type:Motor Yacht
- Series, Model, Class:52M
- Builder:Perini Navi
- Exterior Designer:Perini Navi
- Interior Designer:Perini Navi
- Refits:2026-01-01
Dimensions
- Length Overall:52.41 metres
- Length at Waterline:41 metres
- Beam:10.3 metres
- Max Draught:8.23 metres
- Gross Tonnage:463
- Displacement Tonnage:520
Construction
- Builder:Perini Navi
- Year of Build:2007
- Hull Number:2094
- Hull Type:Monohull
- Classification:ABS
Performance & Capacities
- Max Speed:15 kn
- Cruising Speed:14 kn
- Fuel Capacity:45527 litres
- Water Capacity:12000 litres
- Range:3400 nm
- @ 12 kn
Engines
- Engine Make:Caterpillar
- Total power:2140hp
Materials
- Hull:Steel
- Superstructure:Aluminium
- Deck:Teak
Accommodation
- Guests:15
- Passenger Rooms:5
- Master Rooms:1
- Double Rooms: 2
- Twin Rooms:1


