Design Walkthrough of Turquoise’s In-Build 51m Rainbow II
How do you spot a world-class shipyard? There are several key indicators of excellence in the field of superyacht build. Precision engineering, state-of-the-art build materials, cutting-edge technology and quality a cut above the rest, to name a few. If you were to assess the excellence of a shipyard on its ability to build to the highest standards across the wide range of superyacht form and function, however, Turquoise Yachts would certainly place amongst the top ranks.
Having wowed the industry with the award-winning 72m Quantum of Solace (ex Vicky) and iconic 77m Go, the Turkish shipyard turned its hand last year to the lucrative field of explorers. Delivered in the midst of a global pandemic, 56m Blue II presented an innovative ensemble of classic steam ship-inspired aesthetics with modern polar capabilities. But the yard has not rested on its laurels. Turquoise’s latest in-build project, Rainbow II once again looks to test the yard’s versatility. The largest sailing yacht ever built by Turquoise Yachts at 51m, Rainbow II pays homage to the big classic yachts of the early 1900s in her elegant and detailed design. We took a closer look at the exterior and interior design of this evolutionary project…
Despite her classical appearance, Rainbow II is very much a superyacht of the modern day. Rainbow II did in fact begin her life in the Netherlands prior to being purchased by the Turkish yard and re-designed by Dykstra – the naval architects responsible for some of the most technologically advanced sailing yachts on the water such as 106.7m Black Pearl. Rainbow II’s long clean lines and extended overhang belies what the yard describes as a ‘back-to-the-roots classic sailing experience packed with contemporary comfort features’.
The main deckhouse salon is positioned to provide guests with panoramic sea views and enhance the feeling of connectivity to the sea; an undoubtedly modern design trend. Adjacent, the main cockpit offers a cozy and comfortable space for al-fresco dining.
Her semi-classic interior was designed by deVosdeVries design, and is defined by rich lacquered mahogany panelling accentuated by muted blues and greens. Designed to be vaguely reminiscent of the historic big classic racing yachts, the designers wanted to instil a sense of passion and storied adventure within. A combination of wide open spaces and intimate nooks serve to harmonise the luxury and comfort elements of the design, while intricate detailing enriched by ebony inlays and burl veneer tops reinforce the ‘superyacht status’ of the 51m sloop.
Ultimately, life onboard Rainbow II is all about sailing; perhaps more so than any Turquoise yacht that has come before her. Plenty of skylights and windows throughout the interiors are coupled with a choice of spectacular al fresco spaces for dining and socialising as a reminder of what Rainbow II is built for. She is a hark back to a storied time, an ode to the classic large sloops of last century, but is embellished with all of the luxury finishings and advanced engineering systems our industry has to offer today.