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Eva Orsi “making dreams come true” at Tankoa

• August 3, 2023

President of family-owned Tankoa since 2018, Orsi has overseen the recent growth of the Genoa shipyard, which built its reputation producing superyachts by Francesco Paszkowski, but is now building and promoting 45-80m designs by a wide range of Italian designers. Interview: John Higginson

Eva Orsi, President, Tankoa Yachts

Can you outline the brief history of Tankoa and your family’s involvement, after your father Guido bought and sold Baglietto?

After a marvellous experience at Baglietto, my father and some of his colleagues and friends decided to buy and create a shipyard. It was named Tankoa, which means ‘scorpion’ in Genoese dialect. The first yacht already had an owner, who was a family friend, an amazing person who unfortunately passed away.

Then the economic crisis began, which made it hard for Tankoa to survive. At the time, my brother Guido (Jr) was President. He and Euro Contenti (CEO) and Edoardo Ratto (General Manager) believed in Tankoa’s future. My father believed in them and has always been a silent supporter. The team managed to sell the first three yachts and since then we’ve proven to be the shipyard we are today.

A 2023 delivery, Grey is the fifth S501 and will debut at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show

I began as President in 2018 and for me it was a dream come true after growing up with my father and his passion for the ocean and yachts. My brother had different plans and decided to change work, but now we’re finally together and our aim is to maintain Tankoa as a boutique Italian shipyard.

Can you recall some childhood highlights of yachting with your family and whether any of the designs of your family boats have influenced designs at Tankoa?

Since I was a kid, I had the privilege of spending my summers on board my father’s yachts in the Mediterranean. His yachts gradually grew in size, but the common features were clean, linear exterior design and the importance of the furniture.

The Tankoa shipyard is by the Cristoforo Colombo Airport outside Genoa

Tankoa has since grown with Francesco Paszkowski, who has designed many of our yachts. I think he has always kept this in mind, being able to transfer with his hand a timeless feeling and clean lines.

Can you tell us about the Tankoa shipyard beside Genoa Airport, which is only 1-2 hours’ drive from the likes of Milan, Monaco and Nice?

Tankoa is situated in a strategic position, for us, workers and clients, close to Cote d’Azur and the expert workforce in Tuscany and Liguria.

Facilities include two 90m sheds, a 250m-long dock and a submersible 4,000-tonne-capacity dry dock

Our shipyard has two 90m-long, 18m-high concrete sheds plus three smaller sheds for the assembly of the superstructure and the completion of construction. We call building the hull and superstructure ‘dirty work’, so we’ve always preferred this being done in an external facility in La Spezia.

How did Tankoa’s first yacht, the 69m Suerte that debuted at the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show (MYS), help establish the shipyard’s reputation in a crowded superyacht market?

Suerte was our first significant milestone. The small ‘yachting world’ had doubts we would complete our first yacht, but thanks to the passion and knowledge of all our team, we managed to overcome a rough start and prove that Tankoa wasn’t only an idea but a new competitor in the superyacht market.

Tankoa’s 72m Solo (above) was launched in 2018, three years after the 69m Suerte

The owner decided to make it a commercial yacht. Luckily, or let’s say unfortunately, a client who chartered it for several months in the summer of 2016 liked it so much that they decided to buy Suerte and keep it in their private harbour.

How did the 72m Solo , which debuted at MYS in 2018, differ from Suerte and further develop Tankoa’s profile in the market?

Solo was our third delivery and remains a great source of pride for our shipyard due to its avant-garde technology, which led to it winning several awards and prizes including one delivered directly by Prince Albert of Monaco. It was further proof that Tankoa was able to build great superyachts. Not only did people recognise the build quality but the design was outstanding.

Francesco Paszkowski designed Suerte, Solo, the S501 series and the upcoming T580

How important is the Francesco Paszkowski-designed, all-aluminium S501 series to Tankoa?

In 2017, we launched Vertigo and two years later we delivered Bintador , our first hybrid propulsion yacht. After that, we launched Olokun in 2020, last year we delivered Kinda , our second hybrid yacht,  and this year we handed over Grey . The S501 series has consolidated Tankoa’s presence in the market.

The five yachts to date all have similar exterior designs, but have different colours, while all the internal features and design have been customised to meet the tastes and needs of the clients. The sixth sister is under construction and incorporates several small upgrades, as we always want to deliver yachts with the best-possible features.

The black-hulled Olokun is the third S501

What can you tell us about other upcoming models?

Our real strength is having Italian designers representing Tankoa’s yachts. As well as the S501 series and the upcoming T580 (58m) by Francesco, I can’t wait to deliver the first T450 (45m) by Giorgio Cassetta and the first T55 Sportiva (55m) by Luca Dini. The 52m Vitruvius is a project a client brought to us, and I’m honoured we’re now producing it.

We also hope to realise designs including Alberto Mancini’s T760 Apache (76m), Hot Lab’s T500 Tethys (50m) and Enrico Gobbi’s T680 Fenice (68m). Every single yacht we design and produce has characteristics we’re proud of. I can’t wait to have a wide range of Tankoa boats navigating the world. ( For recent sales news, click here. )

Two T450s by Giorgio Cassetta are in build

How closely do you work with your father and your brother, now Tankoa’s Marketing & Communications Manager?

What I like about Tankoa is that we consider it a family shipyard, not only because our father is a silent shareholder with a passion for yachts but also because my brother Guido and I work together and support each other.

Two units of the T55 Sportiva by Luca Dini are in build

Having different roles doesn’t change the way we feel about Tankoa. However, it’s not only because we’re siblings that there’s a connection; the whole atmosphere inside the offices has a family feeling. There’s a great respect and esteem for every single employee.

How has Vincenzo Poerio helped Tankoa since he was appointed joint-CEO (with Euro Contenti) in February 2020?

Since Vincenzo joined our family, not only have we had an internal change and growth but the market has perceived a difference. To me, he is a master, and we can all learn something from him. Over the last three years, he helped Tankoa grow faster than ever before. We’ve nearly doubled our workforce and tripled our yacht production.

Vincenzo Poerio, CEO, Tankoa

This was our objective, although not to grow too much that we lose the direct contact and relationship we have with our clients. What I most like about Vincenzo is that he truly believes in the next generation, giving younger employees the space and education that they need to be able to grow and evolve in their career. He’s able to transfer his passion to whoever he meets and works with.

What else should readers know about Tankoa?

I’d like to emphasise that Tankoa is a boutique shipyard with strong Italian roots. Producing custom yachts is our way of making our clients’ dreams come true, so our main priority is to maintain high quality with a competitive price.

Alberto Mancini’s 76m Apache design

We believe in future generations, which is why our approach is always more sustainable, both in our facility and on our yachts to safeguard the earth and protect the ocean so we can continue to navigate and explore our seas.

http://www.tankoa.it

President of Tankoa since September 2018, Eva succeeded her brother Guido Jr at the helm of the Genoa-based shipyard, which was founded in 2007 by her father, industrialist Guido Orsi, who formerly owned Baglietto. After studying Economics of Art, Culture and Communication at Bocconi University in Milan, Eva earned a master’s degree from IULM University in Milan, specialising in the promotion of Made in Italy. After stints with fashion brands Loro Piana and Ralph Lauren in 2007, she worked in the design and art sectors for a decade before joining the family business.

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Tutto su Tankoa, l’azienda genovese di mega yacht (come quello appena comprato da Carlo De Benedetti)

Conto economico (in rosso), soci e amministratori dell'azienda genovese Tankoa da cui Carlo De Benedetti ha comprato - secondo Dagospia - uno yacht da 72 metri dal valore di circa 63 milioni di euro

Secondo Dagospia   Carlo De Benedetti , 86 anni, ha appena acquistato uno yacht da 72 metri al cantiere Tankoa di Genova dal valore di circa 63 milioni di euro. Si tratta di una azienda sicuramente poco conosciuta al grande pubblico, ma molto nota ai paperoni di tutto il mondo dato che, assieme a poche altre eccellenze della nautica italiana, come Benetti Yachts, sforna navi da sogno per pochi eletti.

COSA FA TANKOA

E proprio da Benetti Yachts (di cui è stato nocchiero per un quarto di secolo) arriva l’attuale amministratore delegato, Vincenzo Poerio salito a bordo della rivale Tankoa Yachts a inizio 2020 affiancando l’attuale amministratore Euro Contenti . Un arrembaggio nel pieno del maremoto della pandemia, che però non dovrebbe riguardare chi fa super yacht per i ricchissimi. “La produzione si è un po’ frenata e chiudiamo in perdita, seppure di poco, un milione e qualcosa, ma contrariamente alle cose che sento dire, penso che anche quando si va male bisogna investire per andare bene”, ha recentemente commentato Poerio .

L’ESPANSIONE VERSO PISA

E infatti nei piani di Tankoa c’è quello di espandersi: Genova sta stretta, nel vero senso della parola dato che non permette geograficamente di allargare i cantieri, quindi si guarda all’acquisizione dei Cantieri di Pisa . “L’obiettivo è far crescere Tankoa, costruendo qualche unità a Pisa, visto che a Genova c’è posto solo per realizzarne due alla volta, e far ripartire il marchio Cantieri di Pisa, che è un bel marchio, ritirarlo su come avevo fatto per Benetti quando lavoravo per Vitelli in Azimut Benetti”, ha spiegato l’ad Tankoa Yachts .

COSA VORREBBE FARE TANKOA CON I PISANI

I due marchi resterebbero separati e si allargherebbe la gamma dell’offerta nei maxiyacht: Tankoa realizzerebbe barche sopra i 45 metri e Cantieri di Pisa fra i 30 e i 45 metri. “A Genova abbiamo un cantiere piccolo, bene organizzato, ma stretto fra Fincantieri e alcuni riparatori di piccole barche. Per crescere abbiamo iniziato a guardare all’area del distretto toscano e ho trovato Cantieri di Pisa”, ha spiegato sempre Poerio . Tankoa ha messo sul piatto 15 milioni di investimento, fra acquisizione, ristrutturazione del cantiere, prodotto e processi.

ADDIO A GENOVA?

“L’obiettivo – rassicurano dall’azienda – non è spostare Tankoa. Ma se fra 5 anni ci renderemo conto che per ottimizzare sarà meglio trasferire tutto a Pisa lo faremo. A meno che non arrivino risposte per crescere qui: se potessimo accordarci con Fincantieri per uno spazio di 7 mila metri quadri basterebbe. Potremmo ampliarci dove abbiamo strutturato la nostra azienda e sviluppare a Pisa l’altro marchio: due aree distinte e due brand non in sovrapposizione ma complementari”. Genova rischia insomma di perdere una eccellenza della nautica a favore dello storico avversario pisano.

CHI C’È IN TANKOA

Attualmente, Eva Luna Wally Orsi è il presidente del CdA, mentre come si diceva Vincenzo Poerio ha affiancato lo spezzino Euro Contenti  nel ruolo di Ceo. Chiude la rassegna degli amministratori il consigliere Alfredo Delli . Quanto alla composizione societaria, socio di maggioranza è la lussemburghese Rivas International, seguita da Iniziative Toscane Finarno. Con distacco Contenti Euro , Eduardo Ratto  e Orsi Immobiliare. Quanto al conto economico, a fronte di ricavi che superano i 19 milioni di euro, nel 2019 i costi hanno raggiunto i 20,6 milioni, con una perdita dunque attorno agli 1,3 milioni, comunque in calo sull’anno passato quando superava i 2,7 milioni di euro (il 2017 si era invece concluso con utili per 156mila euro ).

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Eva Orsi “making dreams come true” at Tankoa Yachts

President of family-owned Tankoa since 2018, Orsi has overseen the recent growth of the Genoa shipyard which built its reputation producing superyachts by Francesco Paszkowski but is now promoting 45-80m designs by a wide range of Italian designers.

President of Tankoa since September 2018, Eva succeeded her brother, Guido Jr., at the helm of the Genoa-based shipyard founded in 2007 by her father, the industrialist Guido Orsi who formerly owned Baglietto. After studying Economics of Art, Culture and Communication at Bocconi University in Milan, Eva went on to earn a master’s degree from IULM University in Milan, specialising in the promotion of “Made in Italy”. After stints with fashion brands Loro Piana and Ralph Lauren in 2007, she continued working in the design and art sectors for a decade before joining the family business.

Can you outline the brief history of Tankoa and your family’s involvement after your father Guido bought and sold Baglietto?

After a marvellous experience at Baglietto, my father and some of his colleagues and friends decided to buy and create a shipyard. It was named Tankoa, which means ‘scorpion’ in Genoese dialect. The first yacht already had an owner who was a family friend, an amazing person who unfortunately passed away.

Then, the economic crisis began which made it hard for Tankoa to survive. At the time, my brother Guido Jr. was President. He, Euro Contenti (CEO) and Edoardo Ratto (General Manager) believed in Tankoa’s future. My father believed in them and has always been a silent supporter. The team managed to sell the first three yachts and has since then proven to be the shipyard we are today.

I began as President in 2018, a dream come true for me after growing up with my father and his passion for the ocean and yachts. My brother had different plans about work, but now we’re finally together and our aim is to maintain Tankoa as a boutique Italian shipyard.

Can you recall some childhood highlights of yachting with your family and whether any of the designs of your family boats have influenced designs at Tankoa?

Since I was a kid, I had the privilege of spending my summers on board my father’s yachts in the Mediterranean. His yachts gradually grew in size, but the common features were clean, linear exterior design and the importance of the furniture.

Tankoa has since grown with Francesco Paszkowski who has designed many of our yachts. I think he has always kept this in mind, being able to transfer from his hand a timeless feeling and clean lines.

Can you tell us about the Tankoa shipyard beside Genoa Airport, which is only a one-to-two-hour drive from the likes of Milan, Monaco and Nice?

Tankoa is situated in a strategic position for us workers and clients both, close to Cote d’Azur and the expert workforce in Tuscany and Liguria.

Our shipyard has two 90m-long, 18m-high concrete sheds plus three smaller sheds for the assembly of the superstructure and the completion of construction. We call building the hull and superstructure “dirty work”, so we’ve always preferred this being done in an external facility in La Spezia.

How did Tankoa’s first yacht, the 69m  Suerte  that debuted at the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show (MYS), help establish the shipyard’s reputation in a crowded superyacht market?

Suerte  was our first significant milestone. The small yachting world had doubts on whether we would complete our first yacht, but thanks to the passion and knowledge of our whole team, we managed to overcome a rough start and prove that Tankoa wasn’t only an idea but a new competitor in the superyacht market.

The eventual owner decided to make it a commercial yacht. Luckily or unfortunately, a client who chartered it for several months in the summer of 2016 liked it so much that they decided to buy  Suerte  and keep it in their private harbour.

How does the 72m  Solo , which debuted at MYS in 2018, differ from  Suerte  and further develop Tankoa’s profile in the market?

Solo  was our third delivery and remains a great source of pride for our shipyard due to its avant-garde technology, winning several awards and prizes including one delivered directly by Prince Albert of Monaco. It was further proof that Tankoa was able to build great superyachts. Not only did people recognise the build quality but the design was outstanding.

How important is the Francesco-Paszkowski-designed all-aluminium S501 series to Tankoa?

In 2017, we launched  Vertigo  and two years later, we delivered our first hybrid propulsion yacht, Bintador . After that, we launched  Olokun  in 2020, delivered our second hybrid yacht, Kinda , last year and handed over  Grey this year. The S501 series has consolidated Tankoa’s presence in the market.

The five yachts to date all have similar exterior designs but different colours, while all the internal features and design have been customised to meet the tastes and needs of the clients. The sixth sister is under construction and incorporates several small upgrades as we always want to deliver yachts with the best-possible features.

What can you tell us about other upcoming models?

Our real strength lies in having Italian designers representing Tankoa’s yachts. Along with the S501 series and the upcoming T580 (58m) by Francesco, I can’t wait to deliver the first T450 (45m) by Giorgio Cassetta and the first T55 Sportiva (55m) by Luca Dini. The 52m Vitruvius is a project a client brought to us and I’m honoured to now produce it.

We also hope to realise designs including Alberto Mancini’s T760 Apache (76m), Hot Lab’s T500 Tethys (50m) and Enrico Gobbi’s T680 Fenice (68m). Every single yacht we design and produce has unique characteristics we’re proud of. I can’t wait to have a wide range of Tankoa boats navigating the world.

For recent sales news, click here .

How closely do you work with your father and your brother, now Tankoa’s Marketing & Communications Manager?

What I like about Tankoa is that we consider it a family shipyard, not only because our father is a silent shareholder with a passion for yachts but also because my brother Guido and I work closely together and support each other.

Having different roles doesn’t change the way we feel about Tankoa. However, it’s not only because we’re siblings that there’s a connection; the whole atmosphere inside the offices has a family feeling. There’s a great respect and esteem for every single employee.

How has Vincenzo Poerio helped Tankoa since he was appointed joint-CEO (with Euro Contenti) in February 2020?

Since Vincenzo joined our family, not only have we had an internal change and growth but the market has perceived a difference. To me, he is a master and we can all learn something from him. Over the last three years, he helped Tankoa grow faster than ever before. We’ve nearly doubled our workforce and tripled our yacht production.

This was our objective, although not to grow too much that we lose the direct contact and relationship we have with our clients. What I most like about Vincenzo is that he truly believes in the next generation, giving younger employees the space and education they need to be able to grow and evolve in their career. He’s able to transfer his passion to whoever he meets and works with.

What else should readers know about Tankoa?

I’d like to emphasise that Tankoa is a boutique shipyard with strong Italian roots. Producing custom yachts is our way of making our clients’ dreams come true, so our main priority is to maintain high quality with a competitive price.

We believe in future generations, which is why our approach is always more sustainable, both in our facility and on our yachts to safeguard the earth and protect the ocean so we can continue to navigate and explore our seas.

This article was first published on www.yachtstyle.co , and you can find more information on Tankoa Yachts here .

For more stories on leaders and trailblazers in yachting, click here .

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Tankoa launch 45m motor yacht GO from their shipyard in Genoa

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Written by Rachel Kelly

The first unit in the Tankoa T450 series, 45m (148’) luxury yacht GO has been launched after its sale in late 2021. She has been customised for her US owner with exterior and interior design from Giorgio M Casetta. Built in steel and aluminium the project introduces bold vertical elements and sleek horizontal lines while maintaining the brand’s timeless aesthetics.

Superyacht GO

The T450 is Tankoa’s first model under 50m and expands the shipyard’s range of luxury yachts to include more compact vessels. The shipyard is committed to quality and comfort and the T450 reaffirms their reputation for innovation coupled with elegance.

Luxury yacht GO

The owner requested the gross tonnage be increased from the original 430GT spec to 450GT with the intention of providing more interior volume.

“The all new Tankoa T450 M/Y Go is a great addition to the Tankoa core fleet of superyachts, and it is an incredibly flexible platform on which we can create semi-custom yachts, offering big volumes without compromising on the sleek and elegant lines,” says Claudio Corvino, sales & business development manager for the Americas and Asia-Pacific. “This first unit is a statement of what Tankoa can offer even at this size, and the final result was made possible by great teamwork between the shipyard, the young and enthusiastic client, and Giorgio M. Cassetta’s studio.”

Motor yacht GO

Motor yacht GO includes a huge master stateroom forward on the main deck and five additional guest suites on the lower deck creating accommodation for up to 12 guests. The guests will be treated to a fabulous beach area at the stern with fold-out side panels and a pool which can be covered with a retractable sun pad. The stunning sun deck features a hydromassage pool and shaded dining setting while the upper deck is fitted with a dedicated gym and a bow firepit.

Tanko T450 superyacht GO

Luxury yacht GO will be delivered in the spring and make her international debut at the autumn boat shows while the shipyard has a second T450 sold and under construction, plus a brand new TX450.

We look forward to brining you more details about her exterior and interior details, but in the meantime take a look at some of the Tankoa superyachts currently available for charter .

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Tankoa launch 45m motor yacht GO from their shipyard in Genoa".

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Tankoa Yachts

Superyacht builder

Born from a passion for the sea, Tankoa Yachts embodies the concept of “thinking big”. Our infrastructures and expertise are focused on extraordinary semi-custom and custom constructions 45-meter and up. Our vision: delivering first class yachts, one-off or small series, which natural extension resides in unseen before after-sale services. We assembled an absolute dream team of experts composed of some of the world’s most respected professionals from the construction floor up to the engineering and technical office and top managers. No wonder why the market sees us as a true “boutique shipyard”. Every single client is owed a personal, one-to-one, approach which consists first in listening to him and understanding his expectations, way of living and enjoying the sea. At Tankoa, we simply partner with each yacht owner in turning their Dreams into reality – charting new routes to incredible destinations. Here, traditions and latest technologies, design, and efficiency live together to give birth to splendid yachts which reflect their owners’ unique identities and way of living the sea. And despite our very structured and organized processes, superior quality, superb engineering, and second-to-nontechnical specifications, we always manage to keep a high level of flexibility.

“Being a company in continues evolution and research for quality and details, our focus is to produce sustainable products done with particular attention on the quality of our workers therefore obtaining the best results in constructing these marvelous one-of-a-kind mega yachts, along with being extremely sensible in finding and adopting new sustainable solutions in all the production chain process. This is becoming one of the major focuses of our Company for the wellbeing of our future. For these reasons we fully support the Superyacht’s Life’s Mission and are delighted to be part of this family.” said Vincenzo Poerio, CEO of Tankoa Yachts.

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Born of a fathomless passion for the sea and the power of the elements, Tankoa Yachts was created to embody the concept of “thinking big”.

Dedicated to the building of custom-craft mega yachts and first class after sale services, the mission of Tankoa is to partner with each yacht owner in the realization of their Dream – charting new routes to incredible destinations, excelling in technology and elegance and, last but not least, freeing their unique identity and way of living the sea.

The yard flaunts 3.600 square meters of cement sheds that reach 18 meters in height and include two climate controlled production areas, each measuring 90 meters in length and 20 meters in width. They both include an independent operational department.

Yachts built by Tankoa

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First-Time Yacht Owners Order a 183-Foot Tankoa

• By Yachting Staff
• October 11, 2023

Fraser sales broker J.D. Crawford had a challenge on his hands. It was autumn 2022 at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and American clients who’d never owned a yacht were laying out an extensive list of requirements for whatever boat they might buy.

“It became evident that a fresh approach was necessary,” says Crawford, who set up meetings with multiple shipyards that could produce what the clients envisioned.

Almost a year later, this past August, Crawford helped the clients sign with Tankoa Yachts in Italy. Their 183-foot, fully custom yacht—the T560 Apache—is scheduled to be completed in late 2026.

Article At-A-Glance

• Alberto Mancini is the designer of the T560 Apache.
• The 183-foot T560 Apache is based on the nearly 250-foot T760 Apache.
• The owner’s deck is packed with private features.
• Tankoa’s goal is to include amenities from 1,000-plus-gross-ton vessels.

Designed by Alberto Mancini

Alberto Mancini is an Italian yacht designer who got his start working with well-known industry leaders such as Officina Italiana Design, Ken Freivokh, Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard. In 2006, Mancini went out on his own with Team for Design. He’s been working steadily ever since.

The nearly 250-foot T760 Apache that Mancini unveiled at the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show served as the inspiration for the recent sale of the 183-foot Tankoa T560 Apache.

Impressive Owner’s Deck

The Tankoa T560 Apache will not have an owner’s stateroom but instead will have an owner’s deck on an upper level. The sleeping area will be forward, providing panoramic views of the scenery all around the yacht. From here, the owners will have access to a private terrace that spans more than 900 square feet with an 18-foot pool as well as an outdoor lounge with a fire pit at its center.

Substantial Guest and Crew Spaces

Guest accommodations will be in five staterooms that are all located forward on the main deck—an unusual layout aboard a yacht in this size range. Generally speaking, this location affords guests larger windows for better views while eliminating the need to traverse stairs several times a day to reach the yacht’s lower level. On this yacht, the VIP stateroom will span the full beam.

Crew quarters will be on the lower deck of the Tankoa T560 Apache and will include a dedicated gymnasium for the crew to exercise. (The owner and guests have their own wellness center and gymnasium in separate areas on board.)

Beach Club Bonanza

As with just about all superyachts being built nowadays, the Tankoa T560 Apache will have a substantial beach club where guests can relax. According to Fraser’s team, the beach club will include drop-down side balconies that broaden the recreational space to nearly 1,000 square feet, all of it with unbeatable views and access to the water.

Swimming On Board or Off

The beauty of having a beach club on a yacht is that guests can relax at water level, dipping in and out of a quiet, scenic bay for a refreshing swim or some fun on the water toys. Aboard the Tankoa T560 Apache, the beach club will also have a 13-foot glass pool for guests who prefer to cool off on board. Smoked glass in the transom will connect the inner portion of the beach club to the yacht’s exterior, while stairs to the main deck aft will lead to an upper terrace.

Where are the Tenders?

To make room for that beach club aft, designer Alberto Mancini drew a tender garage forward on the main deck, beneath the owner’s stateroom private terrace. This garage can hold and launch a 23-foot tender, along with a rescue boat and watertoys, freeing up the after portion of the yacht so it can be reserved exclusively for guest use.

What Else is Tankoa Yachts Doing?

The shipyard, which is on Italy’s western coast in Genoa, also recently sold Hull No. 1 of the TX450 Explorer Yacht. It’s a Giorgio Cassetta design with a length of 147 feet and, unusually, all guest staterooms located on the main deck. Delivery on the TX450 Explorer Yacht is expected in spring 2025.

Tankoa has 8 More Yachts in Build

Also in build right now at Tankoa Yachts are two S501s, two T450s, two T55 Sportiva hulls, a T580 Custom and the Tankoa Vitruvius 52, which is designed by Philippe Briand with batteries developed in conjunction with Siemens. Tankoa’s second hybrid superyacht, the 164-foot Kinda designed by Francesco Paszkowski, was delivered in 2022.

For Fans of Explorer Yachts

Last year, Tankoa unveiled a concept for the T500 Tethys Explorer Superyacht. It’s a 164-foot “SUV of the seven seas” intended for long-range voyages. Exteriors and interiors are by the Italian firm Hot Lab, which incorporated two convertible lower-deck spaces that can be outfitted as staterooms, a gym, an owner’s office or for other uses. Renderings of the T500 Tethys Explorer Superyacht also show a helipad aft.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Tankoa Yachts been in business?

Since 2007. The company was created with help from former members of the management team at the Baglietto shipyard.

What does the word Tankoa mean?

It comes from the Genoese word for scorpion, “tancua.” A friend of the company owner, who was also a major shareholder, was a Scorpio.

Why does Tankoa call itself a boutique shipyard?

The idea is that it’s not mass-producing dozens and dozens of vessels each year. Instead, it delivers four or five annually.

Does Tankoa allow owners to customize their yachts?

Yes, up to and including fully custom builds.

Is it true that Tankoa’s clients are getting younger?

Yes. The yard’s team says some clients are in their 40s, and many are buying a yacht for the first time, even in the larger size ranges.

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The 11 Most Exciting Superyacht Debuts at the Monaco Yacht Show

This year's newbies range from a 400-footer that charters for $3.25 million per week to multiple hybrid yachts, including one that runs on methanol., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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The Monaco Yacht Show always promises a stellar lineup— last year had an unusually large number of wild launches—and this time around will be no exception. More than 120 superyachts, including 20-plus that measure 200 feet and above, will be on the docks at Port Hercule, with beautiful Monte Carlo in the hills above.

Among the fleet of anticipated launches is the 400-foot Kismet . Built by Lürssen and launched earlier this year, this stunner will be shown before the winter charter season, at a weekly rate of $3.25 million. The vessel is sure to stand out, thanks to the large silver jaguar sculpture fitted under its bowsprit.

Besides bling, showgoers will notice the concerted push toward sustainability this year. Rossinavi has introduced the Seawolf X , its first hybrid-electric catamaran, and Nautor Swan’s sailing maxi yacht, DreamCatcher , is also its first hybrid. Sanlorenzo is launching Almax , its first 50-meter (165-foot) vessel with hydrogen fuel cells. It was developed with Siemens Energy.

Siemens is also sponsoring the show’s Sustainability Hub, which has become a breeding ground for eco-friendly concepts and new ideas to promote a greener superyacht sector. This year’s conference will cover alternative propulsion, outlining how it will be adopted over the next five years. The show’s Yacht Design & Innovation Hub takes a less technical approach to sustainability. It’s the place where leading designers and mainstream innovators converge, presenting vessels that will shape the future of superyacht design.

Here are 11 must-see boats at this year’s show.

Lürssen ‘Kismet’

The 400-foot Kismet is the most anticipated boat on display at Monaco this year. True to form, Shahid Khan’s third Lürssen, which charters for $3.25 million per week, will be an exceptional landmark in a marina of superyachts. Alongside its Nemo lounge for viewing marine life, a Balinese-inspired spa with the first chromotherapy bathtub on a yacht, and upper-deck dining options for 24 people, the vessel has a duplex owner’s apartment with two separate marbled bathrooms, a fireplace, and gilded wall coverings. When guests have had their fill of the DJ station and Bogányi piano, the ’80s retro matrix dance floor should keep the party going.

Royal Huisman ‘Special One’

Set to make a splash is Royal Huisman’s 171-foot Special One , the largest sportfisherman in the world. Commissioned by an experienced yachtsman and passionate fisherman, the monster sportfish is kitted out with a fighting chair, 22 fishing rods, insulated cooler boxes, and a dedicated bait-and-tackle room. The teak foredeck can transition into a sheltered private lounge area and also converts to an outdoor cinema. Designed by Vripack, the vessel offers up proportions and seakeeping capabilities that are matched by its impressive 30-knot top speed.

Rossinavi ‘Seawolf X’

Looming large above the water, the 140-foot Seawolf X is Rossinavi’s most ambitious build to date. The hybrid-electric catamaran is the Italian shipyard’s first multihull, which can stay in electric mode during transatlantic trips for 80 percent of the time. Even more impressive is the onboard artificial intelligence system—Rossinavi AI—which analyses the operation of the vessel, predicts the needs of guests and optimizes crew service and logistics. The interior is designed by New York-based Meyer Davis, with an exterior penned by Fulvio De Simoni Yacht Design. Its wow features include a cockpit centered around a pool, a second hidden pool on the bow area, and an outdoor cinema.

Bilgin ‘Eternal Spark’

Eternal Spark is the first hull in Bilgin’s 163 series. In addition to six outdoor and three indoor lounge areas, the yacht can host over 100 people while at anchor from its five dedicated bar areas. Hot Lab’s use of wood inlays and embossed natural leather create a refined interior aesthetic, while the combination of a huge beach club, sauna, pool, and two cinemas—outdoor and indoor—should keep guests happy. Built with over 200 different materials, it shows how advanced the Turkish yard has become with its last few launches.  

Sanlorenzo ‘Almax’

Sanlorenzo’s first fuel-cell-powered 50Steel model joins a growing list of yacht launches exploring alternative power sources. The fuel-cell technology converts biomethanol (green methanol) into enough electricity to cover the hotel load so the yacht can anchor all night without generators. Almax also has Sanlorenzo’s newly patented Hidden Engine Room (HER), located on the lower deck. This novel configuration creates enough interior volume to include a 1,615-square-foot beach club with a pool and unfolding sea terraces, while keeping the yacht below 500GT. The shipyard has confirmed the sale of four units to date.

Custom Line50

Making its global debut a Monaco, the four-decked Custom Line50 is the Italian shipyard’s new flagship model. The dedicated owner’s apartment on the upper deck includes full-height windows, a full-beam suite, and a large private terrace. The sun deck’s lounge seating, cocktail bar, uninterrupted views, and glass-edged infinity pool amplify the sense of being on a floating island. It’s an effective design that is replicated on the main aft deck. This area offers stepped access to the sea, a scenario that is reinforced by an aquamarine-and-cream interior color scheme.

Damen ‘Five Oceans’

The newest model from Damen’s Yacht Support 53 range, Five Oceans was built for Tommy Allen, an entrepreneur committed to ocean exploration and marine conservation. The vessel will be easy to spot in Monaco’s Port Hercules, thanks to its powder-blue, orange, and white hull. The custom build is Allen’s second yacht-support vessel from Damen. It has a sprawling aft deck to carry toys and tenders as well as a 15-ton deck crane for the launch and recovery of the electric boats and Triton 3300 Pro submersible. Five Oceans also carries an Icon A5 amphibious aircraft.

Tankoa ‘Diamond Binta’

Conceived as a world explorer, Tankoa’s 190-foot Diamond Binta blends a hybrid propulsion package with high-gloss finishes over a wooden interior. Penned by Francesco Paszkowski, Tankoa’s long-time design collaborator, the full custom build has an owner’s suite with a fold-out balcony, a forward helideck for shore-based excursions, a large beach club with a spa, and massage room as well as a sundeck with a gym and pool. A corridor on the lower deck connects the yacht’s five guest cabins to the beach area, passing through a viewable engine room.

Nautor Swan ‘DreamCatcher’

As Nautor Swan’s first hybrid yacht, the 88-foot DreamCatcher is described by the shipyard as a “no-compromise cruiser with a racer’s soul.” Designed for guest comfort with a maximum heeling angle of 20 degrees, its exterior is penned by veteran Swan designer Germán Frers, while the light-wood interior with gray accents is done by Misa Poggi. The aft cockpit has a new coachroof design with an integrated sprayhood, bimini, and modular benches that can be used for both lounging and dining. The stern area incorporates a large beach club area and tender garage. On the foredeck is the “sunset lounge.”

Oceanco ‘H3’

Built in 2000 as 312-foot Al Mirqab for a member of the Qatari royal family, the renovated H3 emerged from Oceanco’s facilities in 2023 looking brand new, with an extra 476 gross tons of internal volume. The vessel’s 33-foot extension—to accommodate the owner’s request for an infinity pool with a convertible dance floor and waterfall—and a fully replaced superstructure were enough for Lloyd’s Register to classify the yacht as a new build. A spa on the lower deck has a hammam, a sensory shower, a hair salon, and treatment rooms. The beach club with its rippled mirror ceiling offers stepped access to the sea.

Conrad ‘Extra Time’

Extra Time , the second hull in Conrad’s C144 series, has an exterior by Reymond Langton Design and naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design. The interior is by M2 Atelier. Much like its sistership Ace , Extra Time has a beach club, four guest lounge areas, a cinema, two bars and an infinity pool. Standout personal touches include an attention-grabbing King Kong  sculpture in the main salon and the main-deck owner’s suite that’s accessed via a private study with an electric piano.

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Orenburg Mennonite Settlement (Orenburg Oblast, Russia)

• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Beginning of the Settlement
• 1.3 Administration, Education, Health
• 1.4 World War I and After
• 2 1990 Update
• 3 Bibliography
• 4 Cite This Article

1959 Article

Introduction.

The province of Orenburg, its capital having the same name, is located on the Ural River in Eastern European Soviet Russia . The region had an area of 47,787 square miles and a population of 1,677,013 after World War II (124,000 square kilometers and a population of 2,179,551 in 2002). The city of Orenburg (renamed Chkalov between 1938 and 1957), established in 1735, is located on the railroad from Samara (Kuibyshev) to Tashkent ; its population was 172,925 after World War II (approx. 548,800 in 2002). The population of the province consists of Russians, Bashkirs, Tatars, and many minority groups including Germans. The capital of Orenburg is a significant trading center between Asiatic and European Russia.

Beginning of the Settlement

In 1892-93 the Mennonites of the Chortitza Mennonite Settlement in the Ukraine sent a commission to the Deyev, landowning Russians, in the province of Orenburg, who had offered some land for sale. Since the commission made the visit during the winter they did not even see the land, which was located some 35-45 miles from the railroad station and about 50 miles from the city of Orenburg. The price per acre was 9 rubles. The land purchased amounted to 67,500 acres, to which 2,700 acres were added later. The purchase was made by the Chortitza Mennonite volost (administration) and the land was distributed among the landless Mennonites of the Chortitza Mennonite Settlement . Each farmer was to have not less than 110 acres and was to be exempt from payment on the land and taxes for two years. One of the Chortitza villages gave each of its families 200 rubles additional aid. The first settlers were already organized into five villages before leaving. They left on four trains from the station of Alexandrovsk (now Zaporizhia ).

The Orenburg settlement is located on the Tchuran, Uran, and Gusicha rivers. At least 25 villages were established. Karl Fast reports that there were 28 before World War II. In 1894-1897 Chortitza, Petrovka, Kantserovka, Kamenka , Deyevka , Nikolayevka, Romanovka, and Feodorovka were established. Starting in 1900 the following additional villages were established: Pretoria, Suvorovka, Dolinovka, Rodnichnoye, Dobrovka , and Kitchkas. All of these were founded by settlers from the Chortitza settlement.

Starting in 1895 the Molotschna Mennonite settlement established the following villages adjacent to the Chortitza Mennonite villages: Kubanka, Klubnikovo , Stepanovka, Aliessovo , Karaguy , Kameshevoye, Chernozernoye, Zelenoye. Additional villages were Zabangul, Lyubimovka, and Pogornoye.

The Orenburg settlement never received an "official" name. Sometimes it was known as the Deyevka Mennonite Settlement and sometimes the Orenburg Mennonite Settlement. After 1917 the settlement was known as Uran Volost.

The first years of the settlement were very difficult. Many of the settlers returned to their mother settlements. Their reports did not raise the reputation of the new settlement. Poverty, long winters, poor soil, remote markets, theft by the surrounding nomadic population, and other factors made the beginning extremely difficult. Crop failures were frequent, but the mother settlement was unable or unwilling to make the necessary loans to give the settlement a good start. The cycle of crop failures was as follows: 1901, 1906, 1911, 1916, and 1921. The worst of all was 1906, when the mother and sister settlements helped by collecting food, clothing, and money for the settlers. Feed for the livestock had to be bought in the vicinity.

In 1907-1908 many of the Orenburg Mennonite settlers joined the Mennonites from the Ukraine in establishing the Slavgorod and Pavlodar settlements in Siberia. Some of the land of those who left the Orenburg settlement was distributed among those who remained.

Gradually the economic life of the settlement became more normal. A number of minor industries were established. About five mills powered by wind and water were operated to grind the necessary flour. One of the better-known water-powered mills was operated by Jacob A. Eckert. The necessary food oil was produced in the mill operated by Johann J. Löwen. In the carpenter and smith shops the necessary furniture and tools were made and repaired. Implement and machinery stores were operated by Jacob Bergen of Klubnikovo and others. Other business enterprises were set up in the villages of Pretoria, Klubnikovo, Dobrovka, and Deyevka. After the Revolution co-operative stores were introduced.

Administration, Education, Health

The administration of the Settlement was the traditional one. Each village had a Schulze , and the Chortitza and Molotschna settlements each had an Oberschulze or Vorsteher. The Chortitza administration was responsible to the Bashkir volost in Akhmerovo, and the Molotschna villages to the Russian Abramov volost. At first the position of the Oberschulze was somewhat unique. He was not only a servant to the villages, but also to the mother settlement in the Ukraine , whose interests he had to represent since the settlement was sponsored by the Chortitza and Molotschna settlements. Later the Orenburg Settlement became more independent. Among the officeholders of the Chortitza villages at Orenburg were Dietrich Lepp, Joseph Friesen, David Froese, Anton Günther, and Isaak Penner. In 1913 under Isaak Penner the Chortitza villages received title of land ownership and thus became independent of the Chortitza Settlement. The officeholders of the Molotschna villages were Bernhard Matthies 1895-99, Abram Fast 1899-1907, and Johann Spenst 1907-17.

After the Revolution the 25 Mennonite villages were organized into an independent volost with its seat in the village of Kitchkas. H. H. Löwen became the secretary and Jacob W. Pries the Oberschulze. The volost was subdivided into smaller districts.

During and after the Russian Revolution of 1917 the Settlement underwent the same changes as other communities. In the immediate vicinity of the settlement the Bashkir and Kirghiz republics were created, the boundary between the two cutting across the Mennonite settlement. Both republics claimed the Mennonite settlement within their boundaries. The controversy between them was settled when the Bashkirs occupied the Mennonite settlement and took it over. The Mennonites were constantly open to exploitation under this arrangement until they were transferred to the Kirghiz Republic. Later developments have been the same as in the rest of Russia .

Other public activities of the settlement were the customary fire insurance, with separate divisions for the Chortitza and Molotschna villages, as well as the Waisenamt (i.e. orphanage office). Medical care was primitive in the early days. The usual midwives and bonesetters ( Knochenarzt ) took care of the basic needs. Among the midwives were Mrs. Jacob Giesbrecht and Mrs. Cornelius Kehler. Johann Braun, who settled in Orenburg in 1902, had some training and experience in the care for the sick and became known as "Dr. Braun." He did much to relieve suffering in the settlements. For a while he was assisted by Dr. Michel from St. Petersburg. After Braun's death in 1911 a Pole by the name of Yunovitch practiced medicine until the outbreak of World War I (1914). In 1922 Dr. Rudolph A. Klassen, under the sponsorship of American Mennonite Relief , served the community until he immigrated to Canada. He was succeeded by Dr. Lassmann. In 1925 the Soviet government opened a hospital in the Mennonite village of Rodnichnoye with Dr. Shostakov in charge.

The settlers established an elementary school in each village. Some of the teachers, e.g., Isaak G. Krahn , David H. Löwen, and Johann B. Mathies, had received a normal teacher's training. The annual salary of a teacher in the early days was 350-650 rubles. Some of the young boys went to the mother settlements for secondary school training. In 1919 twelve of the elementary schools had two rooms.

In 1907 a Zentralschule was established at Pretoria, a secondary school which helped to raise the educational and cultural level of the settlement. One of the outstanding leaders of the school board was P. P. Dyck. Among the teachers of this school were R. A. Riesen, Franz, F. Lehn, Dietrich J. Gossen, P. P. Sawatzky, Fr. F. Froese, P. P. Dyck, D. H. Loewen, D. H. Koslowsky, and F. F. Klassen. In 1918 and 1920 respectively the settlement established additional secondary schools in Deyevka and Klubnikovo . By 1925-26 all the schools were taken over by the Soviet government and administered according to the Marxian philosophy, which is vividly described by Karl Fast.

In 1923 a Bible school was established in Orenburg by an organization of 61 members. Isaak J. Töws was the chairman, Peter Paethkau secretary, and Gerhard Braun treasurer. Jakob Rogalsky was the first teacher and the instruction was given in the home of G. Derksen in Karaguy . During the second year the school had 47 pupils and Jakob Rempel and Peter Koehn were added as teachers. The instruction was given in the home of David Rempel of Kantserovka. During the third year (1925-26) 67 pupils attended the school and the instruction was given in the Mennonite Brethren Church of Kamenka . The pupils came from various other settlements besides Orenburg. The government closed the school in 1927.

World War I and After

During World War I many of the men were drafted for forestry service and hospital work. In many instances the women had to do the work in the home as well as on the farm. In 1915 some six thousand German nationals were interned in the Mennonite and surrounding villages. The novel Das sibirische Tor by Hans Harder deals at length with this incident. After the war most of them returned to Germany . Only a few Mennonite girls married German nationals and went along to Germany .

During and after the Revolution the Orenburg Mennonites suffered severely, although not as much as some of the Mennonites of the Ukraine . Requisitions of property, grain, horses, etc., were common. In 1921 the Settlement experienced a crop failure and starvation set in. In some of the surrounding villages a large percentage of the population perished. The Mennonites organized a relief committee to collect food for distribution among the starving. An attempt was made to take clothing to Siberia in return for food, but it failed. Some help came in 1921 when the American Mennonite Relief reached Orenburg. D. R. Höppner reached Orenburg in March 1922 and supervised the distribution of relief until August 1924. Some fifteen carloads of food supplies were distributed, not only among Mennonites. In addition to this much was done to improve health conditions among the settlers. American clothing was distributed in 1923-24. American Mennonite Relief also established a tractor service to boost agriculture. Thus the crisis of 1921-22 was gradually overcome.

A great problem for the settlement during the Revolution and the years of civil war was the attacks made by the surrounding nomadic population. Some of the young Mennonites organized a Selbstschutz to defend their lives and property, although this action was officially condemned by the churches.

In the early days of the Soviets the Mennonites of Orenburg were permitted to do alternative service, supported by the settlement. In 1920-22 they worked on a large nearby estate. Later exemption from military service became impossible.

After the Revolution, during the NEP period, the Orenburg Mennonite settlement revived its economic and religious life (as is recorded in the pages of Unser Blatt and Der Praktische Landwirt ). The results of the crop failures of 1921-22 and the following years were gradually overcome. In 1925 a co-operative was founded to raise the quality of the seed and livestock of the settlement. The co-operatives, which proved to be a success, established tractor stations, dairying, etc. From 1 January to 1 September, 36 tons of cheese were produced. Great progress was made in agriculture as well as in the cultural and religious activities of the communities. The total population of the Orenburg Mennonite settlement was 5,767 on 1 February 1926. In 1913 the congregations were centered in Deyevka (since 1899) with 1,103 members and 1,615 minor children, in Klubnikovka with 594 souls, and in Karaguy with 286 souls. The last two belonged to the Mennonite Brethren .

During the NEP period the elders of the Mennonite Church and the Mennonite Brethren Church, Heinrich Rempel and Kornelius Vehr, died and were succeeded by Isaak Krahn and David Janz. The relationship between the two churches improved. One writer states, "As never before the children of God are striving toward unity." Bible studies and song festivals were jointly conducted. Plans were under way to construct one large church for use by both groups. Soon the great change came and religious activities were suppressed and survived only in the hearts of individual believers. Rigid collectivization set in.

Some 300 persons migrated to Canada in 1926 under the leadership of Peter P. Dyck. On 9 September 1926 the group left Orenburg in nine freight cars, arrived at Moscow on 15 September, and at Riga on 18 September, and proceeded to Canada.

When the NEP period came to a close in 1928-29 and the new collectivization program was inaugurated many regretted that they had not left Russia. Among the thousands of refugees reaching Moscow in the fall of 1929 there were many from Orenburg. Most of them, however, were returned; some reached Paraguay and Brazil . Many of those remaining in Russia were exiled. Walter Quiring lists nineteen leading settlers, teachers, and ministers who were exiled at this time.

When the German army invaded Russia, the Orenburg Settlement, unlike most of the other Mennonite settlements of European Russia, was not evacuated. This, however, did not mean that the Settlement did not suffer. The exploitation of the settlers during the dark years of the Revolution continued. Again in 1951 the region of the Orenburg Settlement experienced a drought. All religious services were forbidden. In 1951 a letter says, "Religious funeral services cannot be conducted but we are permitted to sing. Nothing is offered to the children" (by way of spiritual life) ( Mennonitische Rundschau , (30 July 1952): 5, 16).

Conditions changed considerably in 1955. Reports reached relatives in America about conversions, religious revivals, and worship services. Not only did the surviving ministers start to preach, but also many of the converted but unordained young men began to conduct meetings and preach. Worship services and Bible study was conducted in the homes and barns of the various villages. It even became permissible to teach some German in the elementary schools. Baptismal services were held. One report stated that 98 persons from eight villages were baptized at one time in the village of Petrovka. Numerous ministers were ordained. The writers were enthusiastic about the privilege of worshiping again.

A letter published in Der Bote (4 January 1956: 7) reported that a group met regularly for worship services and that the congregation was growing. Abram Dyck was the leading minister. Another letter published in the Mennonitische Rundschau (1 February 1956: 6) reported that a group met regularly for worship in the home of Heinrich Unruh at Kubanka and that David Günter was the minister. During the mid-1950s none of the former meetinghouses had been reopened for worship services. In Romanovka the former schoolhouse became a clubhouse and the church was converted into a schoolhouse.

The economic life changed and improved considerably after World War II . All farming was done on a collective basis. One of the letters of 1955 reported that women did not need to work outdoors during the winter. An old couple by the name of Peter Braun was supported by the collective. A letter published in Der Bote (12 October 1956: 8) stated that three men had married Russian women, that they had enough food and clothing, and that they had just received electric lights and radios. The correspondence showed that the young men were drafted into the Russian army. There were no indications that this was not taken for granted. -- Cornelius Krahn

1990 Update

The Mennonites of the Orenburg (Kitchkass) and the old Neu Samara ( Pleshanov ) settlements were not dislodged and permanently relocated as had been the case with most other Mennonites who lived west of the Volga River before World War II. All the farming communities had been collectivized, of course, and sovietization was carried forward in other aspects of community life as well. The churches were all closed in the Stalin era, and the majority of adults and young people had to join the Trud Armia (labor army) during the war.

The repressions of the late 1940s and early 1950s gave way temporarily to a period of recovery and reconstruction after the death of Stalin in 1953. The end of the special regime ( Spetskomandantura ) restrictions for all Germans came two years later. Most of those who left the Orenburg communities during the preceding decade, if they had survived, were able to return to their home villages in this region.

Revivals, which had begun here as early as the late 1940s, were renewed about this time when the arrested church leaders were released. Small groups were able to meet for worship and fellowship once more. There were, however, more arrests in 1958-62. In 1965 those from the Pleshanov region of the former Neu Samara settlements were freed and church life could be organized here once again.

In April 1972, the Donskoi congregation requested registration, but was not granted the privilege until four years later. Construction of a house of worship began immediately, and in the ensuing years this group had become the largest congregation of the area. Daniel Janzen was the Ältester for most of this period. The congregation numbered about 400 members in 1987.

Among the dozen or more older Mennonite villages of this area there were now registered Mennonite Brethren congregations not only in Donskoi, but also in Podolsk and Ischalka, with unregistered groups active in Klinok, Kahan, Kuterlja, Krassikova, Lugovsk , and Totz Koe. The total Mennonite Brethren membership of this area was around 1,000 baptized members in 1987. Some Kirchliche Mennonites lived in these villages also.

Most of the Kirchliche Mennonite congregations in the Orenburg settlements were located in villages once established by Chortitza families from Ukraine . The Ältester of the total body, Diedrich Thiessen, led his own registered congregation at Kitchkass (No. 12) until his emigration to West Germany. This group had about 100 members. Registered congregations were also found in the villages of Chortitza (No. 1), Petrovka (No. 2), Kanzerovka (No. 3), Zhdanovka (earlier Deyevka ) (No. 5), Nikolaevka (No. 6), Fejodorovka (No. 7), Sol-Iletzk (south of Orenburg), and Stepanovka. Unregistered congregations were active in Dolinovka and Pretoria. Seven of these congregations had their own church buildings, and the total membership was around 700 (1987).

A dozen or more Mennonite Brethren congregations were located in these villages also. At least eight of them built new meetinghouses during the 1970s and 1980s. Each congregation had its own Ältester , and the total membership was more than 1,500. Groups were registered in the following locations: Chortitza, Petrovka, Kanzerovka, Kamenka, Zhdanovka, Fejodorovka, Suvorovka, Pretoria, Kubanka, Stepanovka, lisovo, and Susanovo. Hundreds of former Mennonites found their way into nearby Baptist congregations, notably those in the city of Orenburg itself.

During most of the 1980s emigration had not affected the Orenburg communities as it had the Mennonites of western Siberia and Soviet Central Asia , e.g., Kazakhstan and Kirgizia. The whole area was opened to tourists and other travelers, so that east-west exchanges increased significantly during the late 1980s. However, during the late 1980s and the 1990s, the majority of the Mennonite inhabitants of the Settlement immigrated to Germany. -- Lawrence Klippenstein

Bibliography

Der Bote : 10 February, 7 April, 12 May, 1954; 17 August, 21 September, 12 October, 1955; 4 January, 11 January, 18 January, 22 February, 25 April, 2 May, 1956; 23 January, 1957.

Brucks, J. H. and H. Hooge. Neu Samara am Tock. Clearbrook, BC, 1964.

Courier 2, no. 1 (1987): 1-3.

Derksen, Wilma. Mennonite Reporter (11 November 1985): 2.

Dyck, Peter P. Orenburg am Ural . Yarrow, 1951; 2nd ed. Meckenheim, Germany: Warlich-Druck und Verlagsgeselschaft, m.b.H., 1993.

Ehrt, Adolf. Das Mennonitentum in Russland . Berlin, 1932.

Fast, Karl. Gebt der Wahrheit die Ehre . North Kildonan, 1950.

Fast, Karl. Orenburg: die letzte mennonitische Ansiedlung in Osteuropa . Winnipeg: Das Bunte Fenster, 1995.

Hamm, Abram and Maria Hamm. Die Wege des Herrn sind lauter Gate. Gummersbach: Verlag Friedensstimme, 1985.

Harder, Hans. Das sibirische Tor . Stuttgart, 1938.

Hege, Christian and Christian Neff. Mennonitisches Lexikon , 4 vols. Frankfurt & Weierhof: Hege; Karlsruhe: Schneider, 1913-1967: v. III, 308.

Hiebert, P. C. and Orie O. Miller. Feeding the Hungry . Scottdale, 1929: 353 ff.

Hildebrand, Olga. "Die Orenburger Ansiedlung, 1920-1970." Der Bote (8 January 1986): 5, 8.

Klippenstein, Lawrence. "An Unforgotten Past: Recent Writings by Soviet Emigre Baptists." Religion in Communist Lands, 14, no. 1 (Spring 1986): 17-32.

Mennonitische Rundschau : 9 June, 1948; 18 January, 1950; 18 April, 1951; 6 February, 30 July, 6 August, 1952; 14 April, 12 May, 4 August, 15 September, 29 September, 15 October, 1954; 15 April, 27 April, 18 May, 22 June, 27 July, 10 August, 27 August, 24 August, 12 October, 23 November, 7 December, 1955; 1 February, 7 March, 11 April, 18 April, 30 May, 18 July, 8 August, 24 October, 1956; 9 January, 30 January, 1957.

Der Praktische Landwirt (Moscow, 1926): No. 1, p. 10 ff.; No. 10-11, p. 14.

Redekop, David E. "Gemeindeleben in Russland 1985." Mennonitische Rundschau (27 November 1985): 18-22.

Rempel, J. Der Sowjet Hölle entronnen . Kassel, 1935).

Sawatsky, Walter. "Mennonite Congregations in the Soviet Union Today." Mennonite Life 33 (March 1978): 12-26.

Unser Blatt I (1925): 44; II (1926): 23; III (1927): 91 and 146.

Cite This Article

Krahn, Cornelius and Lawrence Klippenstein. "Orenburg Mennonite Settlement (Orenburg Oblast, Russia)." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online . 1989. Web. 19 Sep 2024. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Orenburg_Mennonite_Settlement_(Orenburg_Oblast,_Russia)&oldid=145968 .

Krahn, Cornelius and Lawrence Klippenstein. (1989). Orenburg Mennonite Settlement (Orenburg Oblast, Russia). Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online . Retrieved 19 September 2024, from https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Orenburg_Mennonite_Settlement_(Orenburg_Oblast,_Russia)&oldid=145968 .

Adapted by permission of Herald Press , Harrisonburg, Virginia, from Mennonite Encyclopedia , Vol. 4, pp. 75-79; vol. 5, pp. 664-665. All rights reserved.

©1996-2024 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.

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