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Tayya is a 16.55 m Nauta 54, designed by Scott Kaufman and built by Nauta Yachts. Her journey from the Mediterranean to the rough and tumble of the Atlantic gives an insight into what this type of yacht is really worth when confronted with open seas, strong winds and long weather.
A sailboat designed for rough seas
The Nauta 54 belongs to this generation of elegant ocean cruisers, designed to sail far, heavy and long. With a displacement of 17.60 t and a draught of 2.80 m, Tayya's proportions emphasize stiffness and stability. The thick hull, by the standards of the late 1980s, accepts stress without sudden reactions.
This philosophy was confirmed in real-life conditions. During a delivery trip back from the Azores, Tayya faced a strong upwind wind at force 8. The entire deck, from bow to transom, was drowned by the breakers. The sprayhood was torn off, but the structure showed no sign of weakness. The boat continued on its way, without any water ingress or major damage. This kind of episode says much more about a sailboat than any technical data sheet.
From sailing school to ocean cruising
Tayya's first life was spent as a school sailboat. She then passed into the hands of a Sardinian owner who did little sailing, leaving the boat in generally sound condition. In 2020, at the end of the COVID period, two friends bought Nauta 54 and repatriated her to Douarnenez. The program changed dramatically. The boat set off for the Atlantic, heading for the Canaries and then the Azores. These cruises highlighted the boat's balance under sail and its ability to maintain a steady, high average speed while cruising, without overtaxing the crew.
Stéphane discovered Tayya on his return from the Azores. The bad weather encountered during this crossing acted as an eye-opener. Although living comfort on board remains spartan in these conditions, the feeling of security prevails, often a decisive point for a sailor committed to the long term.
Deck layout and rigging designed for the open sea
The teak deck, refurbished in 2013, offers unobstructed, safe circulation. The two cockpits provide excellent protection for the crew, reducing fatigue on long watches. The three-spreader aluminum mast, repainted in 2021, can carry a substantial sail area, up to 330 m² downwind, while maintaining well-distributed loads. The yacht is fitted with a genoa, but can also be rigged as a cutter with a yankee and a tranquette.
An interior designed for long voyages
Inside, Tayya offers four cabins for eight people, a configuration that's consistent with a crewed offshore cruising program. The furnishings are in teak, offering a beautiful light color. The saloon can accommodate six to eight guests, without feeling confined, and the long galley remains functional at sea.
The leather upholstery and mattresses were renewed in 2021. The well-separated navigation station features modernized electronics with B&G and Raymarine equipment, and a VHF AIS installed in 2022. Two plotters, one at the helm and a second for the crew, ensure safe navigation.
A technically monitored sailboat, between refit and actual use
Since her arrival in Douarnenez, Tayya has benefited from targeted updates. The Vetus electric bow thruster, windlass motor and Webasto heating were installed or renewed in 2022. The 90 hp Volvo engine offers an estimated range of 500 to 600 nautical miles on 600 L of diesel. Freshwater capacity is 420 L, supplemented by a 70 L water heater.
Today, Tayya is moored in Douarnenez. Stéphane, forced by illness, must reluctantly part with her. However, the boat remains true to what it has always been: a yacht designed for sailing, made for rough seas and accumulated miles, more than for quiet marinas. In perfect condition, she is ready to set sail again with a new crew.
