Turquoise Yachts hosts a broker/designer forum in Istanbul

Turquoise Yachts hosted an informative fun-filled “Turquoise Weekend” broker/designer event — tantamount to a yachting charette—at its Kocaeli and Pendik yards in Istanbul for 65 guests. The group, accommodated at the Raffles Istanbul hotel, included wives and girlfriends.

The first day of the agenda was dedicated to shipyard visits to witness the revitalization of Turquoise Yachts. The Kocaeli yard had a 165-meter shed extension, and in that shed, guests toured the 77m-H2-designed motoryacht in build and to witness the first stages of 73m Barracuda hull again designed by H2 Design. Next up was a visit to the Pendik yard where the group saw the brand new floating dock and the new 47-meter under construction.   The weather cooperated perfectly for a convivial lunch in the garden. On the second day there was a grand tour of the Bosphorous on a private boat.

Chairman Dr. Mohamed Al Barwaniand Mehmet Karabeyoglu, CEO of Turquoise hosted dinner parties both nights. The five designers at the event, Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard, Andrew Winch, Jonny Horsfield, and Philippe Briand, were on hand to discuss their respective projects with Turquoise.

“We were proud to have been invited to present our designs for Turquoise Yachts at their excellent shipyard and facility and to partake of their event for the leading yachting brokers,” said Andrew Winch of Winch Designs. It was a ‘partnership’ of talent, kindness, hospitality, and collaboration. Building yachts ought to be fun and Istanbul and Turquoise Yachts showed us all how much they want to build tomorrow’s yachts.”

Major brokers from Burgess, Fraser Yachts, Yacht Zoo, Moran Yacht and Ship, Northrop and Johnson, Edmiston, Merle Wood, Ocean Independence, Cecil Wright, Y.CO, Camper & Nicholsons, Maria Yachting,Verpeka Dolling, Denison Yachts and the YPI group were among the guests.

“The Turquoise presentation was a true very high level professional gathering. Rarely do we have the opportunity to exchange ideas amongst architects and designers together with the top brokers of the industry,” said Philippe Briand. We are very happy to see the new Turquoise take off on such strong basis.”

“The experience at Turquoise was exceptional. In addition to a well-orchestrated yard visit, we were treated to a cultural tour of Istanbul by day and the best clubs at night,” said Carlo Nuvolari.“Moreover, there was no ‘commercial pressure’ that you often feel at these events. It was great for Dan (Lenard) and me to have the opportunity to show some projects we developed for Turquoise and to exchange ideas with other professionals— a rare opportunity.”

“The weekend was a brilliantly executed idea!  It gave us a chance to meet brokers and explain to them about our new projects for Turquoise. The social events were fun and so memorable and it was great to make so many new friends! “