Carbon composite Mishi 88 superyacht perfectly balances safety and comfort under sail

A new force is emerging in the exclusive world of super sailing yachts, with the introduction of the 27-metre Mishi 88. This balanced cruising superyacht aims to ally luxury and safety in a beguiling package that will appeal to experienced owners from both a sailing and a motoring background. Uniquely, the whole yacht comes with RINA certification as a guarantee of build quality.

Mishi Yachts’ philosophy is to maximise cockpit space with comfortable seating for 12 in deep sofas around elegant extending tables. At the touch of a button, the tables lower to transform the sofas for elegant lounging – all beneath the shade of the hard-top. The cockpit offers 35 square metres of comfort.

Sailing functions are concentrated farther aft, where slim helm pedestals give access to push-button sail controls and an overview of the boat’s systems on large 12-inch displays. Four electric sheet winches are positioned on a low coaming, where they are clear of the cockpit social area. Similarly, the main sheet is fastened to the hard top, well out of the way.

An entertainment platform

Entertaining guests and family is right at the heart of the Mishi 88, so each deck area has been developed with this in mind. Once at anchor, the entire foredeck has been conceived as a convivial relaxation area. A broad removable cushion transforms the forward edge of the coachroof into a comfy seat, with folding tables and stools to make this a good spot for a morning coffee or a sundowner. Cushions under the boom provide sunbathing for four.

At the other end of the boat is an oversized bathing platform, courtesy of the large fold-down transom. With its bathing ladder installed, there is easy access to the water for swimming and water sports – or simply use it as a dedicated sun lounger at the water’s edge. The platform hides a cavernous aft garage space, where there’s plenty of room for a 3.5m inflatable tender, water toys and sailing spares.

“I conceived the Mishi 88 as the ultimate cruising yacht for my home waters in Turkey,” said Mishi Yachts founder and chairman Şakir Yılmaztürk. “I wanted lots of entertaining space in a protected and comfortable cockpit, and I wanted to put the rest of the deck to good use once the boat was safely anchored. Before everything else, though, the Mishi 88 is a safe boat that is satisfying to sail.”

Superyacht interior

A broad companionway leads below to a raised lounge which again offers luxurious seating for a full complement of 12 or more guests. There are alcoves for artwork and two large flat screen TVs, which can be cleverly concealed with a slatted blind. This is an area flooded with natural light, thanks to the windows in the coachroof and numerous hatches overhead. Yılmaztürk’s sailing experience shows here, with handholds and fiddles that guide you safely across the open floor and 2.07m of headroom.

A well-equipped galley lies down a few steps, with plenty of fridge-freezer room and high-quality appliances. In the first version of the Mishi 88, it has been kept open to the saloon so that the owner can prepare food for family or guests without having to leave the conversation. But it could equally be closed off for full crewed operation. In total, this main interior space amounts to over 20 square metres.

Accommodation is split between a fabulous master suite forward, two flexible twin/double cabins aft and a midships cabin fitted with bunks. All four cabins are ensuite and feature beautifully styled bathrooms with dedicated shower cabinets. Naturally enough, the master cabin is largest, with a king size bed positioned on the centreline and the sort of storage normally associated with much larger yachts. There are bunk berths for two crew in the bow.

Aylin Örs of ORS Design was brought in to help with the interior design. “The yacht’s base finishes are grey and beige, chosen for their timeless elegance,” said Örs. “These are also the best colours for creating different atmospheres with variable lighting scenarios. Varied surface materials, including furniture and wall coverings, were selected for their specific textures to enhance artistic expression and provide the basis for lighting design.”

Lightweight carbon composite hull

Decades of advanced composite expertise stand behind the design of the Mishi 88. That’s because the brand, new as it is, has been conceived by Turkey’s Yonca shipyard, which has been building high performance tactical vessels for more than 30 years. The carbon fibre hull of the Mishi 88 and its bigger sister, the Mishi 102 (the project will be unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show 2024), will both be built at Yonca’s first-class composite facility in Tuzla using a lightweight vacuum infused construction.

It is this experience that stands behind the decision to build not just the hull but the deck and superstructure of the new Mishi 88 to full RINA certification. Normally, this applies only for the hull of boats of this size. Meeting RINA standards guarantees that all the boat’s structures exceed exacting quality standards, and improve eventual resale values.

Sailing speeds of 10 knots and more are well within the reach of the Mishi 88, thanks to a generous sail plan. The mainsail covers 167 square metres, as does the self-tacking jib, and there is the option of in-boom furling. Under power, the yacht is capable of a maximum 11.5 knots, but even the 8-knot cruising speed will devour the miles. At this speed, the range still exceeds 1,000 nautical miles – more than enough to avoid a storm or run for shelter.

“Yonca’s skills in composite work are appreciated by law enforcement around the world, so it made sense to harness that experience when it came to building the new Mishi line,” says Yılmaztürk. “There is no better quality cruising hull, in my view, and it is perfectly set off by the exceptional design of the spacious interior. I am really excited by the prospects of this brand.”

Mishi 88 short specs

L.O.A: 88ft / 26.82 m

L.W.L: 81ft 5in / 24.82m

Beam: 20ft 3in / 6.20m

Draft: 10ft 6in / 3.20m

Cruising speed: 8kts

Max speed: 11.5kts

Range: 1,000 nm (@cruising speed)

Displacement: 70t