Mako Shark: The bold 27m pocket explorer designed to conquer all conditions

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.”