Turquoise Emerges as the Ultimate Millionaire’s Dream Boat Following a 2023 Refit

Turquoise Yachts has become one of the most respected luxury yacht builders in Turkey. Originally named Proteksan Turquoise, it began operating in 1997 in Pendik, Turkey. As a modern builder, it didn't discriminate between steel and aluminum vessels, also experimenting with a wide variety in terms of size.

The 180-foot (55-meter) Turquoise bears the name of the shipyard and is unanimously considered a fine example of its craftsmanship and high-quality standards. It was launched in 2011 and quickly became a finalist at the prestigious World Superyacht Awards.

What was unusual about the Turkish pleasure craft was that it went on to refresh its interiors just three years after its official debut. The British studio H2 Yacht Design was in charge of turning the vessel's interior into a contemporary heaven that exuded an informal yet luxurious vibe. An additional refit followed in 2019 when Turquoise got new deck furniture, and its skylounge was fitted with a stylish wet bar.

This year, the yacht completed its most recent refit. The timeless elegance of its exterior design, created by the acclaimed Dubois naval architects, is matched by a sumptuous, contemporary interior. An exquisite turquoise-and-cream color palette is complemented by precious fabrics such as velvet and dark leather, as well as luxurious accents made with Swarowsky crystals.

Boasting a 755 GT volume, this elegant superyacht is designed to accommodate a large number of guests and to delight them with vast socializing areas, both indoors and outdoors. The six-cabin configuration includes a lavish owner's suite on the main deck, a VIP suite (on the same deck), and four more cabins (two doubles, a twin, and a convertible room) on the lower deck. All cabins feature en-suite bathrooms and are beautifully adorned with glass elements and high-gloss furniture.

The main deck also houses a fabulous outdoor cinema – it even has elegant curtains on each side to create the illusion of a classic theater ambiance. The spacious sundeck is a miniature resort in itself, complete with a generous dining area, a barbecue, a full bar, and a spa pool. This modern jacuzzi comes with a hard top cover and elegant wrap-around glass. The sundeck is also where a huge slide can be set up. This is just one of the numerous water toys in Turquoise's toy box.

Guests who want to feel closer to the water can enjoy the yacht's vast beach club. Like all modern pleasure craft, Turquoise also boasts a well-equipped gym and a separate spa area. The twin Caterpillar engines and zero-speed stabilizers ensure a smooth onboard experience when cruising at 13 knots (15 mph/24 kph).

For a long time, this sophisticated beauty was a millionaire's home away from home. Douglas Barrowman enjoyed countless vacations onboard together with his extended family. He believes that spending time onboard beats even the most luxurious resort experience. A big part of that is owed to the professional crew – in this case, a large 13-person crew, and to the gourmet culinary experience.

The Scottish millionaire also pointed out the main advantage of such a large pleasure craft, namely its ability to bring people together while still allowing everyone their personal space. A well-configured superyacht like Turquoise offers plenty of large socializing areas where everyone can get together without compromising the need for privacy.

A typical day on board would include an informal breakfast, water sports, sunbathing in the afternoon, chilling in the jacuzzi, sipping cocktails, and dining under the stars. In the evening, the top deck is as good as a cocktail bar for listening to music, socializing, and having a few drinks. Perhaps one of the most luxurious experiences a superyacht owner can enjoy is having the crew set up a dining space somewhere on a remote island for all the guests – it's an exquisite way to connect with nature.

The Scottish millionaire eventually parted with Turquoise three years ago when the superyacht was sold for $18.5 million after 251 days on the market. He continued his love affair with superyachts – in 2021, he reportedly sold an ultra-luxurious St. Bart mansion simply because he preferred to spend more time onboard his new pleasure craft.

As for Turquoise, it continued its quest for the perfect owner. After just three years, it recently changed hands once again. This time, it was asking for a little over $20 million. At the same time, it will likely continue its successful charter career. This 2011 model, with its distinctive turquoise hull, is one of the most popular luxury charter options in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, with weekly rates of more than $250,000.