on 17 Aug 2021
Blue II is the amazing new superyacht from Turkey’s Turquoise Yachts, combining explorer credentials with classic steamship looks
Blue II | Photos: Guillaume Plisson for Turquoise Yachts
Over the past 20 years, Turquoise Yachts out of Istanbul has become a go-to name in custom superyacht builds, rivalling Dutch and Italian yards. From classic-styled motoryachts to sailing superyachts, the yard has tackled designs by the biggest names in superyacht naval architecture.
Blue II, the latest launch from Turquoise, has turned plenty of heads and will continue to do so as she cruises for charter in the Mediterranean.
She is the first motor yacht project by Hoek Naval Architects, the Dutch firm with a long pedigree in classic sailing superyachts.
Lurking beneath Blue II’s classic looks, there is a very modern explorer yacht. The yacht has an icebreaking bow with a steel hull rated Ice Class 1B, allowing passages to Antarctica and the Northwest Passage. Her hull shape was optimised with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) programmes for low resistance in the water, resulting in low fuel consumption.
Blue II owes her classic lines to Hoek Naval Architects, the Dutch design firm that specialises in classic sailing yachts
She has optimal seakeeping characteristics and is equipped with IMO Tier III-compliant diesel-electric propulsion. Special features include generous under-deck storage for two sizeable tenders. With a roomy interior volume of 785 gross tonnage, the yacht boasts plenty of space across four decks, allowing for comfort on extended cruises.
Once at a destination, guests will have plenty to enjoy. As well as the two tenders, Blue II has storage space for toys and a three-person submersible below deck, while the aft main deck has been kept open for social use. There is a retractable crane for deploying the tenders and the sub.
The upper aft deck
The crane was specially built for Blue II with a six-tonne capacity and is stored athwartships. The aft deck contains 10-metre hydraulic hatches that access the tender stowage spaces and close seamlessly within the curved camber of the deck.
Among the toys and tenders are a Novurania Chase 31 Limousine tender and a seven-metre Pascoe rescue/crew tender.
The list of features goes on. There is a touch-and-go pad for helicopter operations. There are large boarding platforms on both port and starboard with hydraulically operated retracting boarding ladders. There is a hydraulically operated stern boarding ladder. The funnel integrates the communication domes, effectively using the classic looks to hide the modern technology.
Coffee, tea or sundowners? The perfect place for a quiet chat or private reflection
The yacht’s engineering has been built to the highest standard, in keeping with current emissions regulations and the clear desire of Blue II’s owner to explore within protected areas. The diesel-electric propulsion system works on a large-diameter single prop for higher efficiency, particularly when navigating seas with ice. Blue II has a reported range of 6,000 nautical miles, with a fuel burn of 140 litres per hour at 10.5 knots, including the hotel load requirements.
Extra insulation was added to reduce noise levels onboard, while guests stay comfy thanks to four zero-speed stabilisers.
Amidships boarding platform
The owners are said to be dedicated supporters of marine conservation and marine protected areas. According to interviews with the principals at Hoek Design, their wish was for a yacht that could easily handle expeditions to any of the world’s seas.
The interior keeps to the classic look established outside. Guests can wander on deck surrounded by teak-clad aluminium structures and teak deck furniture. The ship’s layout and interior design were a collaboration between Hoek Design, London-based Vickers Studio, and Amsterdam-based Dols & Co Interiors. Master Yachts Consultancy represented the owners.
The forward bow area offers one of many outdoor lounges
The interior is a blend of classic elements with contemporary flair. Along with cosy and communal indoor spaces, there are expansive open deck spaces for relaxation. These open spaces allow for sunbathing during the day or parties at night. Along with an outdoor lounge for large parties, the outdoor dining table can be used as a coffee table or a dining table. The outdoor seating is upholstered in light blue fabrics.
And, for couples wanting a bit of magical privacy, there is a table and seating area right at the aft-most point on the canoe stern, where one can enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a sundowner at night and take in the majesty of a far-flung location.
The simple and elegant interiors kept the classic nautical theme
There are two large cabins, a master on the upper deck with a forward view, and a VIP cabin on the main deck forward. The upper-deck master cabin has 180-degree views through expansive windows that make the most of whatever anchorage Blue II happens to be at. The main-deck VIP cabin is adjacent to the hammam and sauna spaces. Either occupant is a winner!
There is a private office on the uppermost bridge deck for extended stays, located just behind the bridge and accessed via a private staircase. On the lower deck, there are four beautifully appointed guest suites.
The upper deck master cabin is matched by an equally impressive VIP cabin on the main deck
All those dinner parties and gatherings will be well-served, even if far from provisions, thanks to the large bank of walk-in fridges and freezers.
The crew accommodation is ample enough to ensure a high level of crew comfort. There is a dedicated captain’s cabin plus five double cabins sleeping ten. In short, Blue II will make a fantastic charter yacht for people wanting to enjoy themselves in style while getting the best of a modern explorer vessel.
The aft-facing games and entertainment area
Technical Specifications – Blue II
LOA: 56m
Beam: 9.5m
Draft: 3.4m
Full displacement: 876t
Gross tonnage: 790
Speed: 13kts
Guest accommodation: 12
Crew accommodation: 10 plus captain
Material: Steel Ice Class 1B hull; aluminium superstructure
Class: Rina C + Hull. Mach YCH Unrestricted Navigation EFP, DMS, Ice Class 1B
Main Propulsion: Diesel Electric 2 x 800kW e-motors
Main Propulsion Generators: Caterpillar 2xC32 830ekW
Generators: 3 x Caterpillar C7.1 100ekW
Naval architecture and design: Hoek Design
Builder: Turquoise Yachts