During the celebration of the Palma International Boat Show PIBS, our colleague Eric Tarrés, from Panorama Náutico, interviewed José Luis Sastre, CEO of SASGA Yachts, in a conversation that explores the present and future of the shipyard from a very special perspective: its family legacy, the evolution of Menorquín yachts and the new chapter opening for the brand in Mallorca.
The interview with José Luis Sastre offers insight not only into the latest innovations recently presented by SASGA Yachts, but also into the philosophy behind the project: building timeless yachts with a Mediterranean identity, capable of evolving without losing their essence.
SASGA Yachts strengthens its presence in Mallorca
One of the central topics of the interview is the opening of the new SASGA Yachts office at Club de Mar Mallorca, a strategic location in one of the leading nautical hubs in the Mediterranean.
For José Luis Sastre, this new location represents much more than a change of office. It marks an evolution in the way the shipyard connects with clients, yacht owners and distributors. Mallorca is a key territory for the international nautical sector and, from now on, the shipyard will be able to offer a closer, more direct and more operational presence.
This new stage will also make it possible to strengthen the maintenance and refit service, an increasingly important area for SASGA Yachts, especially considering the large number of Menorquín yachts that are still sailing and whose owners wish to preserve, update and care for them with the technical expertise of the shipyard itself.
An interview shaped by family legacy
The conversation with Eric Tarrés also has a deeply emotional dimension. José Luis Sastre recalls the figure of his father, Juan Sastre, and the fundamental role he played in the origins of Menorquín yachts.
The CEO of SASGA Yachts explains how the company’s history has gone through different stages: from Astilleros Menorca to Menorquín Yachts and, later, SASGA Yachts. He also recalls the moment of starting again in 2010, a decision that, as he explains, made his father very happy.
This connection between past and present is one of the key themes of the interview. SASGA Yachts is not presented as a break with its previous history, but as the natural evolution of a family and Menorcan legacy that remains alive in every yacht.
New projects: Menorquín 88 Signature and Menorquín 36 Open
The conversation also addresses two projects that are particularly relevant to the future of the range.
On the one hand, the Menorquín 88 Signature, a yacht conceived in response to loyal clients who wanted a larger length without having to give up the style, personality and sailing philosophy of SASGA Yachts.
It is a highly customisable project, in which the structural part will retain a common base, while the interiors and layout can be adapted to the needs of each owner. According to José Luis Sastre, the aim is for the first unit to be sailing in approximately two years.
On the other hand, the interview pays special attention to the new Menorquín 36 Open, a yacht that introduces a new line more focused on day use. Inspired by the consolidation of day boats at the leading international boat shows, this model seeks to respond to a very current way of sailing: short trips, swimming, meals on board, gatherings with friends and enjoying summer at sea.
The Menorquín 36 Open is based on the Menorquín 35, but incorporates a completely new deck, large lounge areas at the bow and stern, an enlarged bathing platform and an expected speed of up to 30 knots.
Evolving without losing the Menorquín identity
One of the most interesting aspects of the conversation is the reflection on how to evolve a classic yacht without betraying its essence.
José Luis Sastre acknowledges that this is not an easy challenge. Modernising performance, improving speed, reducing consumption, expanding exterior spaces and increasing interior comfort can involve a risk if the result is no longer recognisable to clients.
However, that is precisely one of SASGA Yachts’ greatest achievements: having updated the Menorquín concept while maintaining a perfectly recognisable identity. The new models incorporate more efficient hulls, improved performance and greater habitability, yet they continue to convey the image of a Mediterranean yacht that is robust, elegant and timeless.
In the interview, this continuity is compared to the evolution of classic icons from the automotive world: models that change over time, yet retain a recognisable identity generation after generation.
Refit, maintenance and owner service
Another key point is the growing importance of refit and maintenance within SASGA Yachts’ activity.
José Luis Sastre recalls that there are thousands of Menorquín yachts still sailing, many of them with decades of history all over the world. For their owners, these boats are not simply old units: they are vessels that form part of their personal and family history.
The fact that SASGA Yachts knows how they were built, where their systems are located, how their interiors were crafted and how their structures were resolved makes it possible to intervene with a level of precision that is difficult for third parties to match.
This experience makes the shipyard a natural partner for those who wish to maintain, update or restore their yacht without losing its original character.
Training, craftsmanship and the future of shipbuilding
The interview with José Luis Sastre also focuses on one of the sector’s major challenges: the training of new professionals.
SASGA Yachts has been collaborating for years with the Escola de la Mar de Menorca and welcomes internship students from different places. In addition, the shipyard is promoting the so-called SASGA School, an initiative aimed at training teams in new technologies, electricity, electronics, carpentry and other trades linked to the construction and maintenance of yachts.
In a sector where craftsmanship is essential and many experienced professionals are approaching retirement, this commitment to young talent is crucial to ensuring the continuity of the trade.
A more efficient, cleaner and more open factory
Another topic discussed during the interview is the transformation of the SASGA Yachts production centre in Menorca.
The shipyard is incorporating Lean methodology to improve organisation, cleanliness, processes and production efficiency. The idea is to move towards a more orderly, more visual and more open factory, both for clients and for educational centres and professionals interested in seeing how the yachts are built.
This approach not only improves production. It also turns the shipyard itself into a communication tool: a space capable of conveying quality, method, knowledge and trust.
Yachts that leave a lasting impression
The interview concludes with an idea that perfectly sums up the philosophy of SASGA Yachts: building yachts that leave a lasting impression.
For José Luis Sastre, legacy is not an individual matter. It is something built day by day, through timeless yachts, a way of working, a human team and a deep connection with Menorca and the Mediterranean.
From SASGA Yachts, we would like to thank Eric Tarrés and Panorama Náutico for the time, dedication and sensitivity with which they conducted this interview. Their perspective allows us to approach not only the shipyard’s latest developments, but also the history, values and emotion behind a brand that continues to evolve without giving up its essence.
Spanish 
English 
German 
Italian 
French