Turquoise Yachts new, 285-foot-long flagship that was just launched in Istanbul marks a significant milestone for the shipbuilder that’s been in building steel and aluminum yachts since the 1970’s.
Not only is the newly launched Vento the largest yacht the yard has ever built. It’s also the largest yacht ever built in Turkey and marks the latest chapter in a longstanding collaboration (which spans 12 projects over 17 years) between Turquoise and London-based H2 Yacht Design.
“Crowning more than 30 years of heritage, Vento is a remarkable achievement,” says Burak Akgül, CEO of Turquoise Yachts. “As the largest yacht ever built in Turkey, Vento reflects the collective expertise, dedication and passion applied to designing, engineering and crafting yachts at Turquoise. It is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of our team and valued solution partners, to whom we extend our sincere thanks.”
Exterior living spaces have been designed to blend versatility with privacy. Highlights include an enclosed, drive-in tender dock leading to a large beach club with fold-down terraces on both sides. Skylights draw natural light down through the pool above, creating a bright and inviting retreat close to the water. On the main deck, a large glass-sided pool with counterflow jet stream forms a social focal point, framed by a protected seating area intended for relaxed gathering.
The owner’s deck aft is arranged around a flexible bar and versatile dining area that can be fully enclosed via sliding glass doors. Forward, a private owner’s terrace features a recessed seating area and jacuzzi, creating a more intimate and private escape. A touch-and-go helipad on the foredeck also serves as a basketball court, reinforcing the yacht’s multi-functional approach to space.
Additional exterior areas include a generous lounge on the bridge deck aft, while a dedicated seating area forward on the same deck provides a recreational space for crew. Offering expansive open-air living, the sundeck is conceived as a hub for daily life, complete with casual seating, an outdoor cinema, a large bar and an outdoor kitchen with BBQ and teppanyaki grill. Forward, fixed sunpads encircle a jacuzzi and TV.
The interior was initially inspired by another collaboration between Turquoise and H2 that the client saw and loved: the 77m Go. “Taking cues from Go, Vento features a rich, Art Deco–inspired interior that we’ve taken to another level,” says Jonny Horsfield, founder of H2 Yacht Design. “We identified what the client was drawn to and evolved those ideas into something tailored to their tastes and how they live on board.”
Throughout the interior, blue accents and glamorous detailing adorn spaces that support both socializing and escaping from the need to socialize. The main saloon features a statement bar and circular seating arrangement, alongside a circular formal dining table for 16 guests. On the owner’s deck, a more relaxed saloon includes a cinema screen, games table and informal seating.
Guest accommodation, including two VIP cabins and four guest cabins, is located on the main deck, with each cabin distinguished by its own color palette and decorative character. The owner’s suite occupies the forward section of the owner’s deck and incorporates a private lounge area for TV viewing and relaxation, his-and-hers dressing rooms, an office and an elevated breakfast table positioned to take in uninterrupted views over the bow. Side glass sliding doors open directly onto the private terrace with jacuzzi.
The bridge deck is dedicated to health and wellness, housing a large gym with extensive glazing that provides views on three sides. This connects to a wellness suite complete with sauna, hammam and beauty treatment room. An open stair atrium connects all decks and a suspended sculpture by Dale Chihuly creates a dramatic visual centerpiece.
Now, this is a yacht I hope to see in person later this year. Stay tuned.
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This story was originally published on forbes.com.
