Sailing NV Chooses NANNI for their Circumnavigation
NANNI, a leading manufacturer of high-performance marine engines, is proud to announce that Jo and Timo of Sailing NV have chosen a NANNI N4.65 engine to power their extraordinary family voyage around the world.
About Sailing NV
Jo and Timo, the adventurous couple behind Sailing NV, are no strangers to pushing boundaries. Alongside their two-year-old son Nemo, newborn Tau, and rescue dog Solo, they’re sailing the globe aboard a remarkable vessel — an ex-Vendée Globe Open 66. Originally built for solo, non-stop ocean racing, this boat was designed to endure the most punishing conditions on earth.
Now, after a two-year DIY refit in Fiji, the Open 66 has been transformed into a high-performance family cruiser — blending speed and resilience with liveaboard comfort. With their sights set on a global circumnavigation, Jo and Timo needed an engine as capable and dependable as their vessel.
Why They Chose NANNI
Replacing their unreliable 1991 engine was critical to their safety, comfort, and day-to-day operations. After extensive research, Jo and Timo selected the NANNI N4.65 — a compact, 59HP 4-cylinder diesel engine built on the trusted Kubota block, known for its durability in demanding environments.
“As we navigate the globe, a reliable engine is essential to ensure our safety, comfort, and the power we need for daily operations,” said Jo and Timo. “Unfortunately, our old engine has been plagued by frequent breakdowns and maintenance issues. Given NANNI Diesel’s reputation for high-quality, dependable engines, choosing NANNI was a natural decision. Timo, being Italian, is especially proud to support and promote a company with such strong Italian roots and engineering excellence.”
For a boat that demands simplicity, efficiency, and absolute reliability, the N4.65 delivers. With high torque at low RPM, it provides quiet and fuel-efficient propulsion, while the E-TVCS combustion system ensures cleaner operation and reduced smoke — a major advantage for long-term cruising. Compact and lightweight, the N4.65 fits perfectly into the narrow performance hull of the Open 66.
An Engine Built for Life at Sea
As Sailing NV continues to share their story with a growing audience on YouTube, documenting both the triumphs and challenges of off-grid family sailing, their choice of NANNI reflects a deeper trust in quality and performance that goes beyond the spec sheet.
“We’re proud to be part of Jo and Timo’s journey,” said __________ of NANNI. “Their story speaks to the real-world demands our engines are built to meet – resilience, reliability, and freedom to explore. We’re excited to support them as they take on the world’s oceans, one mile at a time.”