PERINI NAVI
TAMSEN embodies a long‑standing, multi‑generational ownership philosophy that began in 1973, when seven California families—guided by clinical psychologist and artist Robert Firestone—purchased an unfinished schooner to create a platform that fostered accountability, capability, and meaningful family connection. That vision culminated in a 1976 circumnavigation with 11 teenagers as crew, establishing a collaborative culture that has shaped every vessel since. Operating under the name Firestone Family and Friends, the ownership group continued commissioning yachts focused on shared experience, ultimately resulting in the construction of TAMSEN in 2007.
Designed by Perini Navi naval architect Franco Romani, TAMSEN reflects the unified direction of her 15 owners: a 52m Perini Navi ketch with a timeless profile and expansive social areas that balance gathering and personal space. She has consistently benefited from involved, attentive stewardship throughout her life.
With a length overall of 171’ 9” (52.40m) and a draft of 27’ 6” (8.39m) with the keel down, TAMSEN is built for flexible global cruising. She features a steel hull, aluminum superstructure, ABS A1 Yachting Services and AMS classifications, compliance with the UK Mega Yacht Code under 500GT, and masts classed to Germanischer Lloyds standards. Under sail, she carries 1,170 m² of sail area across 51m and 41m aluminum masts with carbon electric furling booms. Under power, twin 720 kW Caterpillar C32 engines with controllable pitch propellers deliver a 14‑knot cruising speed and 15‑knot maximum speed. Key technical systems include an ASEA shore power converter, Atlas frequency converter with 110V US sockets, and dual Starlink and VSAT domes.
TAMSEN has been maintained to an exceptional standard with substantial mechanical and cosmetic investments. Major 2018–2019 works included full rig removal and rebuild, a complete Awlgrip repaint, main engine top‑end rebuilds, PLC upgrades, and extensive mechanical overhauls. She successfully completed her ABS Special Class Survey in 2022 and received additional upgrades including generator and AC improvements, tank cleaning, shaft inspections, and compliance work. Her ongoing 2025–2026 yard period includes structural steel renewal forward, Kongsberg pitch control upgrades, DEIF generator upgrades, shore power converter rebuild, new underwater lighting, enhanced silver ion water treatment, and a new Doyle Stratis sail inventory.
Her interior—by Bernardo Chichi, Perini Navi, and SFA Design—delivers classic Perini Navi warmth with teak finishes and generous natural light. The full‑beam main salon is positioned forward, with a formal dining area aft for 12. The main deck galley, designed as an inviting social space rather than a closed crew area, includes dual U‑shaped workstations, a centerline island, and a dinette. Guest accommodations include five cabins for up to 15 guests, highlighted by a full‑beam aft master suite with king berth and en‑suite. Crew quarters support up to 13 crew.
Exterior features include a dark blue Awlgrip hull with gold cove stripe, raised bulwarks, and a counter stern. The stern cockpit seats 12 across two levels with direct interior access. The 47 m² flybridge offers a jacuzzi, lounge seating, wet bar, hi‑lo table, and twin helms with full sail and navigation controls. Two 25’ (7.4m) Pascoe tenders are housed in recessed foredeck wells with integrated lift booms.
Winner of the 2008 Showboats Award for Best Sailing Yacht over 45m, TAMSEN combines a completed ABS Special Survey (2022), major ongoing mechanical and structural upgrades, and a proven ownership pedigree. She represents a technically advanced, comprehensively maintained 52m Perini Navi ketch ready for continued world cruising.
Highlights
- 52m Perini Navi ketch with swing‑keel capability and controllable pitch propellers
- Accommodations for 15 guests in five cabins
- ABS Special Survey completed in 2022
- Significant 2025–2026 upgrades, including new Doyle Stratis sails (delivering May 2026)
- Open, social layout
- Original ownership group since launch
