Turquoise Yachts: Blue II

With an exterior design that contradicts her internal capabilities, this 56m achieves the perfect combination of classical aesthetics with modern comfort and technology

by Bryony Mc Cabe – ph. by Guillerme Plisson

lue II was built on the underlying philosophy of preserving a timeless spirit, with classic beauty concealing a modern exploration yacht featuring state-of-the-art technology. With naval architecture and exterior styling penned by Hoek Design, a studio renowned for designing classic sailing yachts, Blue II represents Hoek Design’s largest motoryacht project to date. Her profile, horizontal lines and gracious curves clearly bear the DNA of historical sailing yachts. Despite her classic steam ship looks, Blue II is engineered to be tough, capable, and respectful of the environment. With highly efficient Ice Class hull and canoe stern, Blue II can cruise the Mediterranean as well as explore the Polar regions in both comfort and safety. She has optimal sea-keeping characteristics and is equipped with IMO Tier III diesel electric propulsion, making her fuel efficient as well as environmentally friendly. A key feature of Blue II is her space for conviviality. Expansive open decks over four levels offer varied and functional areas for guests to socialise and relax, while generous under-deck storage keeps two sizeable tenders, toys and a small submarine out of the way. A cosy outdoor lounge caters for large parties and a versatile outdoor table can be used as either a coffee table or a dining table. The outdoor seating is upholstered in light blue fabrics, mirroring the colours of sea and sky. Blue II’s layout and interior design were a collaboration between Hoek Design, London-based Vickers Studio and Amsterdam-based Dols and Company Interiors. The result is a blend of subtle classic

Belements, such as teak detailing, and contemporary flair. All of the furniture aboard was designed by Hoek Design and fixed to the deck, meaning that there is hardly any freestanding furniture inside or out. This was at the owners’ request to avoid interfering with the period aesthetic. The master suite on the upper deck is full beam and enjoys 180-degree sea views. A spiral staircase leads to the owner’s private office, while there is also a large saloon for all guests aft. This is a bright and warm space is flooded with light thanks to an arched skylight and expansive windows – a wonderful place to enjoy the starry night sky on chillier evenings. Muted relaxing colours throughout create a New England beach cottage aesthetic with references to the sea all around, such as the whale motifs on the closet doors in the master suite. A VIP suite on the main deck is also used as a master suite when both sets of owners are aboard, or if Blue II is chartered. The second, very generous, full-beam owner’s stateroom is situated on the main deck next to the gym and hammam. The main saloon is impressive with doors that open onto the aft deck, drawing eyes to the sea views beyond. There is also a separate TV area: the television itself is set into a unit that has bookshelves on its other side. It can also rotate 180 degrees so that the TV can be viewed from either area. All in all, Blue II is not just the perfect floating home but also the ideal way to explore the world’s most remote areas in complete safety and comfort. turquoiseyachts.com

Left, Blue II has the exterior styling of a classic steam ship. This page, the main deck saloon is cosy and chic, with a wide-plank oak floor and durable faux sisal rugs, dining on port and a sitting area to starboard

The lack of tenders and toys stored on deck leaves ample deck space for socialising and relaxing. Her owners particularly enjoy relaxing at the main deck transom seating and looking down her aft deck to the beautifully proportioned superstructure

questions to Patrik von Sydow

CEO at Turquoise Yachts

Blue II is a fusion of old and new. What is the philosophy behind this yacht?

Blue II resounds with authenticity and dedication to a ‘golden age of yachting’ philosophy. This philosophy is one of combining comfort with technological complexity and peak performance. Blue II is a beautiful design and engineered to be tough, capable and heads and shoulders above its peers in terms of environmental friendliness. The single screw design coupled with twin electrical motors driven by either of the two main generators or three auxiliary generators provides ultimate efficiency for long distance cruising together with high level of redundancy for safety.

This is a project extremely different from the other Turquoise Yachts. What do they have in common?

Every yacht we build shares certain qualities: excellent finishes, exclusive interiors, and no-faults-tolerated engineering. Of course, all our yachts are 100 per cent customisable by the client, so that they step on board exactly the yacht they have dreamt of.

What does Blue II represent for Turquoise Yachts?

Blue II represents a departure from the expected and an acknowledgement of beautiful tradition.

Could you give us a comment on the market situation from your point of view? What do owners want?

Today’s superyacht owner wants their yacht to be as functional and adventure capable as it is beautiful. As the charter market also grows, many owners are looking for yachts that will accommodate a wide variety of requirements and suit a wide variety of tastes, while still standing out as something special and different.

What are the next goals for Turquoise Yachts?

Many of our goals are naturally focused on how we design, engineer, and build yachts so that we further exceed our clients’ expectations. The Turquoise world is one of perfection and managing our own destiny by cleverly balancing what we do in house, versus via our carefully selected partners. Our in-house engineering and yacht production will always remain central to our competitive advantage as it drives innovation, as well as value for the yacht owner.