Tanju (Istanbul 1961) started sailing an Optimist at the Suadiye Yacht Club, of which his father was a founder (1971). He studied in Robert College, Southampton University (Ship Science) and University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne (Marine Technology). Started in Sedef Shipbuilding Inc. working as a naval architect in December 1983.

Desire to design yachts came out with publication of Yelken Dünyası magazine in May 1984 which he still contributes. He completed his military service working in the design office of the Taşkızak Naval Shipyard (1985-1986) followed by a short stint in Turkey’s largest commercial (now naval) shipyard in Pendik . Early years became a foundation period, Tanju worked in jobs related to yacht building and yachting. As a sailor in heart, he participated in yacht races. About nine years until 1996, he was the measurer for racing yachts which was a valuable exposure to many different designs. He left measuring to be able to design his first racing yacht Alesta (1996).

Tanju’s megayacht adventure began as project manager (1988-1994) with the 50 m Dubois designed motoryacht Turquoise. He had an experience in Pendennis Shipyard for two years (1997-98) as assistant project manager of another Dubois design 45 m Ilona. During this period he designed boats to be built in Turkey: KISRAK (now ORSA 31.5’) racing sailboat and 43.6 m ANATOLIA (now AMPHITRITE) which became famous as VAJOLIROJA owned by Johnny Depp. Also he managed the technical side of the first Proteksan-Turquoise yacht MOSAIQUE (styled by Dubois). After the sale of this yacht, Tanju got the permission from Mr. Kamhi to lengthen this hull to 53.5 metres which was styled by Don Starkey and sold to Bernie Ecclestone. It was again Bernie who showed his confidence in the yard and naval architect; Tanju and his team designed a 58 metre Petara (2005). To go fully independent, Tanju left his position of chief designer in Proteksan-Turquoise. His largest megayacht to date became 72 metre AXIOMA delivered by Dunya Yachts which has a Sterling Scott styling and Alberto Pinto interior, 2013.

He set up Taka in 2000 to establish as a designer and to build smaller boats: lobsterboats, clinker dinghies, megayacht tenders, classic commuters, sailing yachts (26 and 41 feet) and a 23 metre trawler style yacht ( all wood-epoxy). One 38 feet lobsterboat COMMUTER went to the US ordered by friend and teacher Don Patton, surveyor. His collaboration with master craftsman Ahmet Kesgin has been very productive, dating back to 1995 and including landmark projects like MELIS, REBEL (Turkey’s first fast lobster) FUGU (trawler) and ILIOS (classic ketch). Tanju built 36 m gulet styled motorsailers and 42.5 m ROXANE (2010) with an interior by Remi Tessier. Latest deliveries were 28.5 m commuter styled DARWIN (2013) and 33.6 m classic ketch IN LOVE (2014) All with wood-epoxy laminated structures.

Current project is a 46 metre motoryacht being built in Antalya by Sarp Yacht, delivery 2015, which has Turkey’s largest composite superstructure on a steel hull. In addition very interesting proposals are being worked on by the Taka design team.

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Osman Tanju Kalaycioglu

Rauf Orbay Cad. Rahman Sok. No :3

P: +90242 259 45 52

F: +90242 259 45 35

Osman Tanju Kalaycioglu is IAD member since 2015, with 14245 IAD rating.