With her metallic charcoal alumni wrap turning more than a few heads at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, the editorial team at YachtCharterFleet stepped on board the 55m/182ft motor yacht TURQUOISE to learn more about the charms hidden inside.
Something of a milestone for Proteksan Turquoise, TURQUOISE emerged from the Turkish shipyard in 2011, seventeen years after her namesake, the now privately owned 55m/180ft motor yacht ‘La Naturalle Dee’. A whole 5m longer than her predecessor, TURQUOISE was initially designed to cruise globally, primed for scuba diving excursions and other exploration-based activities.
Handed from one experienced yachtsman to another, superyacht TURQUOISE was acquired by her current owner in 2013, who had a slightly different vision for his superyacht.
An established director of hotels and always planning to make his yacht available for charter, the new owner wasted no time in turning TURQUOISE into a yacht which would anticipate and satisfy every desire of those on board.
A keen charterer himself, the new owner stripped back the existing interior to the metal in order to make way for more modern styling whilst maintaining the original layout. Carried out in partnership with H2 Yacht Design, the refit was governed by the ambition to optimise all available deck space and was finally complete in 2014.
effortless sophistication
Successfully uniting his professional expertise with an eye for contemporary luxury, the attention the owner has given to the yacht will be obvious to charterers as soon they make their way across the passerelle and into the main salon.
Anyone stepping on board TURQUOISE who was familiar with her former aesthetic would be forgiven for thinking they were stepping onto a completely different yacht. The walls, once adorned with an assortment of dark woods, have been enlivened by fresh white panelling.
Attentive to every last aspect of the charter experience, TURQUOISE is a superyacht which exceeds all expectations
The furnishings and their respective arrangement have also undergone a dramatic change. Specifically, the lengthy rectangular tables which once occupied the port and starboard sides have been removed to create room for a sleek circular table.
Despite a shift in style, a commitment to symmetry has remained. The placement of the seating, for example, forms a mirror image which is both visually impressive and intimate in nature. Having once chartered the 54m/178ft luxury yacht ‘Talisman Maiton’, there’s no doubt the owner was inspired by the similarly styled communal space.
Perhaps the most significant transformation in the main salon, however, has to do with the dedicated storage space which previously took up space by the aft doors. Now converted into a generously proportioned bar, guests are able to make effective use of the area both by day and by night.
To heighten the sense of on board luxury, much of the upholstery in the main salon is composed of velvet and suede.
Likewise, the colour palette H2 Yacht Design have employed in this section of the yacht is ineffably sophisticated, with the subtle use of greys and deep blues producing an appropriately relaxed ambience.
To ensure there are sufficient contrasts to keep things interesting, the occasional use of dark macassar offsets the brighter tones.
Ultimately, the main salon of luxury yacht TURQUOISE, in all of its art deco glory, strikes a suitably sophisticated keynote. Ushering charterers into an interior which feels both entirely brand new and wholly inviting, the space is a nice hint at what else is in store.
SUPERIOR ON BOARD DINING EXPERIENCES
Part of the brief behind the refit of TURQUOISE stressed the importance of offering dedicated dining spaces on each of the three communal decks. The one located just forward of the master salon is unquestionably the more formal of the options.
Whilst the owner deemed it essential to have flexibility when it came to places to eat, he didn’t settle for a bland uniformity. Indeed, across the various dining spaces there’s differing glassware and crockery to allow charterers to choose their own preferred spot.
The arrangement on the main deck is impressively elaborate, with the sleek black table and chairs setting the ideal environment for tucking in after dark. With a colorful expressionist painting providing a modestly intriguing backdrop, it was no surprise to learn how this area is particularly popular among families who charter TURQUOISE.
refined Accommodation
Moving through to the full-beam master cabin, the sheer volume of the yacht becomes immediately apparent. Substantial and tastefully ornate, this stateroom has the additional advantage of a double shower and sizeable bathtub in the marble en suite.
With unobtrusive artworks selected by H2 Yacht Design, and with chinese blinds diffusing the natural light which spills in throughout the day, the master cabin ultimately offers tranquility in a wide amount of space.
Reinforcing the thematic unity of the yacht, the shagreen walls are the same colour as some of the textures found in the main salon.
Annexed by a dedicated study finished with a high gloss, the master cabin affords charterers the opportunity to carry out any necessary business whilst away on their vacation.
Interestingly, the VIP cabin is located immediately aft of the master, and thanks to its similar proportions, there’s no danger of charterers facing uncomfortables decisions when it comes to vacationing with another family.
The sizeable ensuite is surrounded by high gloss walls which form a pleasantly reflective surface, with minimal paintings offering a nice visual counterpoint.
Whilst similar in stature, the VIP has a personality all of its own, with the contrast of royal purples and fresh whites setting it apart from the master next door. Thanks to the refinement of the engineering, the VIP cabin, along with all of the other staterooms, can be enjoyed in the utmost quiet.
Offering outstanding accommodation to every guest on board, superyacht TURQUOISE is exceptionally well-primed for luxury vacations
Not only do each of the remaining staterooms come with en suite facilities and a shower, but also a bathtub of their own. Usually the preserve of much larger superyachts, this feature is sure to be appreciated by everyone on board.
Comprised of three doubles, a single twin, and a convertible, the cabins found on the lower deck are a combination of creams and darker hues.
With windows stretching along the length of each of these spaces, guests are able to bask in floods of natural light during the day, and total darkness at night.
effortlessly modern design
Consistent with the approach undertaken elsewhere on board, fixtures and decorative flourishes have been kept to a minimum to optimise the space on offer whilst simultaneously offering something which is visually outstanding.
Refreshing and highly versatile, the sky lounge on the bridge deck offers charterers yet more options when it comes to spending time inside.
From unwinding on the large C-shaped sofa to gathering for some cocktails around the table on the starboard side, the lounge serves as a more informal alternative to the main salon.
With only the coffee and cocktail tables bearing dark woods, and with very little in the way of ornamentation, the area exudes an amazing amount of natural light.
Flanked by large windows, guests are also able to look out across the water, weather that means taking in a nearby coastal town or picturesque bay.
Of course, the sleek grand piano which resides further forward is deserving of considerable attention. A more sophisticated self-playing instrument than those commonly found on even the largest motor yachts, this feature provides a remarkable accompaniment to nightly gatherings.
luxury outdoor living
Slightly reconfigured to meet the new owner’s needs, the exterior of charter yacht TURQUOISE reflects the sheer style found indoors.
The bar, barbecue, and alfresco dining area which has taken the place of the large spa pool on the sundeck, for instance, maximises the available space and puts it to superb use.
Reportedly inspired by ‘beach chic’, the general style of the exterior anticipates countless hours spent stretched out in the sun.
Encased by solid bulwarks for even greater privacy, the beach club is situated on the top deck, providing no doubt the most inviting alfresco dining option.
Just as meticulously designed as the interior communal spaces, subtle flourishes of bronze in the glass which surrounds the bar produce an impressive glittering effect when caught by the sun.
The ultimate Outdoor movie theatre
No doubt one of the key upgrades TURQUOISE received during her refit was the ‘Nikki Beach’ styled outdoor cinema on the main deck aft. A thoughtful addition to the surrounding communal spaces, this feature allows guests to unwind with a blockbuster in a suitably relaxed environment.
With the screen dropping down in front of an intimately styled daybed, and with fixtures on either side to hold the popcorn, there are very few outdoor cinemas which rival this addition.
To complete this arrangement, thin white curtains are easily affixed to provide protection from any unwanted breeze whilst darkening the space to allow for optimal viewing conditions.
A masterclass in modern superyacht design, TURQUOISE is as aesthetically remarkable as she is functional
Though the exterior may not have undergone the complete transformation that her interior did, she shows no signs of ageing.
Indeed, the masculine lines which she was graced with back in 2011 have maintained an elegant edge. Likewise, the vast abundance of outdoor space has a distinct utilitarian advantage- that is, there’s room aplenty for the numerous toys and tenders which are on hand to keep guests entertained.
From high speed jet skis to seabobs and wakeboards, the options are sure to keep the more adventurous charterers satisfied. For the intrepid underwater explorer, there’s also adequate scuba and diving equipment available. For those just after a paddle, a protected sea pool with a trampoline and inflatable slide can be easily set up.
Ultimately, superyacht TURQUOISE showcases the exceptional build quality of the Turkish shipyard she emerged from, as well as the supreme creative talents on hand at H2 Yacht Design.
Well-equipped and laid out for luxurious charter vacations, the limitless options on board are sure to meet the needs and desires of any and all parties.
In order to find out more regarding her current availability, please feel free to get in touch with your preferred charter broker.
Charter Specification
Length55.40m / 181'9 |
Beam9.3m / 30'6 |
Draft3.2m / 10'6 |
Gross Tonnage755 GT |
Built| Refit2011 | 2024 |
Hull MaterialSteel |
SuperstructureAluminium |
ClassificationLloyd's |
Charter Guests12 |
Cabins6 |
Crew13 |
Max Speed17 knots |
Cruising Speed12 knots |
Fuel Consumption290 LPH |
Range 5,000 nm |
Range at 11.5 Knots |