In conversation with designer Giorgio Cassetta onboard the 45m Tankoa superyacht Go

Launched in 2024, Sophie Spicknell stepped onboard the 45-metre Tankoa T450 superyacht Go with her designer Giorgio Cassetta to discover more about her custom-designed interiors.

Amidst the polished decks and sun-drenched quays of the Palm Beach International Boat Show, Go quietly stole the spotlight. The appearance of the 45-metre superyacht from Tankoa Yachts marked the official debut of the Italian shipyard’s all-new T450 series, an ambitious leap into the competitive sub-50-metre segment that maintains the brand’s signature blend of elegance, functionality and innovation.

But while her world premiere may have taken place in Florida, Go’s real story lies not in the fanfare of the docks, but in the finely honed collaboration between, a visionary young owner, designer Giorgio Cassetta and the boutique Genoese yard that brought her to life.

Go may measure in at just 45 metres, but every inch reflects Tankoa’s superyacht DNA. From her minimalistic yet sculptural exterior profile to her serene, custom-designed interiors and high-volume layout, this is a project that embraces restraint without ever feeling limited. At the heart of Go’s design is Cassetta Yacht Designers, the Italian studio whose long-standing partnership with Tankoa Yachts has shaped some of the shipyard’s most celebrated superyachts. With Go, they have turned their attention to a more compact scale, yet without sacrificing the hallmarks of the brand: harmony, sophistication and a commitment to timeless design.

“She’s a statement,” explained designer Giorgio Cassetta as we walked through the yacht’s airy interiors and precisely tailored decks. “This is what happens when you remove trends and fashion from the equation and start instead with the question: what should a yacht be? Designing at this scale is all about precision and clarity, you need to make every line count, every material needs to work harder, not only aesthetically, but functionally too.”

The result is an ambitious 454 GT platform that packs immense volume and design sophistication into a sub-50-metre length. Built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, Go’s American owner pushed the limits of the original brief, increasing the yacht’s gross tonnage from 430GT and working closely with the shipyard and design team to customise every inch.

“The layout was perfected to the owner’s needs and wishes and is more than ever coherent and connected to the exterior design and outfitting,” Cassetta explained. “The result is a minimalistic yet striking interior that will certainly turn heads with its understated elegance.”

Onboard Go, that coherence is immediately felt. Step into the main saloon and you are surrounded by light. Floor-to-ceiling glass on three sides creates 270-degree views of the surrounding seascape. The space has been conceived as a calm retreat, with muted materials and clean lines, a space where, as Cassetta puts it, “nothing is excessive, yet nothing is missing.”

Forward on the main deck, the full-beam owner’s suite is a continuation of this philosophy. A vast and private apartment, it has been designed as a sanctuary rather than a statement, with warm tones and a calm palette offering a clear counterpoint to the often hyper-decorated world of large yacht interiors. “You don’t need chandeliers to make a space feel luxurious,” Cassetta said. “True luxury is about proportion, light and the way a space makes you feel.”

The same thinking applies to the five guest staterooms located on the lower deck, all of which are ensuite and finished to the same high standard. They offer ample space and equal comfort across the board, creating a private retreat for each guest. The consistency of quality throughout Go is notable; there’s no hierarchy of design, only a continuity of thought. “For our firm, Go represented an extraordinary concentration of design challenges,” explains Giorgio Cassetta. “Regarding the exterior style and layout, it was necessary for the project to effectively express Tankoa's very specific identity, especially considering that the T450 line is intended to be produced in multiple units, customizable by individual clients. The interior design, on the other hand, is strongly oriented towards the owner's taste, who gave us complete freedom in every decision, including decoration and the selection of soft goods. After verifying from our very first proposals that the design concept we had in mind was perfectly aligned with his desires, he entrusted us with this task with total confidence. This approach burdened us with a great sense of responsibility, but also rewarded us with immense satisfaction once we reached the final result.”

Functionality is a central pillar of the T450 platform. Tankoa’s team, led by Sales & Business Development Manager Claudio Corvino, worked closely with the owner to refine every technical detail. “Go is an incredibly flexible platform on which we can create semi-custom yachts, offering big volumes without compromising on the sleek and elegant lines,” Corvino said. “This first unit is a statement of what Tankoa can offer even at this size.”

Leticia Claudia Perez, Lead Interior designer on Go, adds, "Go precisely expresses my approach to interior design. I believe in a stylistic and design approach aimed at seeking simplicity and refinement in every detail, while paying special attention to achieving a balance between style and the needs and desires of the owners. I am extremely satisfied because Go is the perfect synthesis of what I love to express in my projects."

A prime example of this is the fully walk-around upper deck. This level, which includes a forward-facing fire pit lounge and a dedicated gym aft, is a triumph of ergonomic design. The gym, enclosed in glass gives the impression of a floating fitness suite suspended above the sea. It’s a space designed to be used, not simply admired, with enough headroom and openness to make it inviting even in less-than-perfect weather. Up top, the sundeck features a hydromassage tub, shaded dining area and sun loungers that surround a clean, open expanse. It's another example of the balance between sociability and serenity that runs through Go. There is no wasted space onboard, only spaces designed to serve a purpose and to do so beautifully. 

Down at water level, the beach club is a standout feature. Here, folding side platforms expand the deck to wrap around the transom, while a sliding sunpad can conceal the pool during passage. The transition between lounging and bathing is seamless, with careful attention paid to safety, ease of movement and access to the sea.

“From the brightwork to the refined structural furniture, to the natural teak exterior ceilings, all details are crafted to an extremely high standard,” said Cassetta. “We wanted Go to feel refined without being flashy. There’s strength in simplicity.” 

While the yacht’s profile retains the signature Tankoa DNA, with taut, horizontal lines and vertical elements in the superstructure, Go introduces a few new notes. These include a slightly more angular aft deck silhouette and an increased focus on exterior-integrated storage. Large volumes have been carved out for tenders, toys and provisions, making Go not just a coastal cruiser, but a capable long-range platform.

In terms of performance, Go is equipped with twin MAN engines, providing her with a top speed of 17 knots, a comfortable cruising speed of 14 knots and a range of over 4,000 nautical miles at 10 knots.