Exclusive: Behind Turquoise’s in-build 80m yacht Rafale ahead of Monaco unveiling

Turquoise Yachts will present its latest project, the 80-metre Rafale, at the Monaco Yacht Show next week. Currently under construction, Rafale embodies a balance of sculptural elegance, contemporary living and hybrid innovation, and marks a bold new design direction for the Istanbul-based shipyard.

A sculptural exterior 

Penned by Jonny Horsfield of H2 Yacht Design, Rafale is defined by flowing, dynamic lines that cascade from bow to stern in a sweeping sheer. The result is an undulating, wave-like profile that visually elongates her five decks. Horsfield explained that the intention was to deliver a more classically inspired superyacht silhouette while maintaining a contemporary edge.

For Horsfield, the design was an opportunity to reinterpret Turquoise’s proven platform: “Rafale is an attempt to completely rethink what has gone before. From a styling point of view, I wanted to come up with a much more obviously big-yacht look – a very classic, smart aesthetic that feels universally appealing.”

This philosophy manifests in details such as reverse chamfering across the superstructure, where concave white surfaces replace traditional outward bulges. “It’s not just copy and paste. When you look carefully, you see reverse chamfering across the white sections, which gives a sharper, more architectural effect,” Horsfield explained. “It offers something completely different, even though it still fits onto the same platform.” The effect introduces sharp edges and a subtle architectural refinement, creating a look that is at once timeless and fresh.

Though based on the yard’s tried-and-tested 80-metre platform, four hulls of which are currently in build, Rafale is an entirely new vessel – a deliberate move to expand the flexibility of the yard’s engineering base.

Versatile living and hybrid performance 

Behind her powerful exterior, Rafale offers a carefully considered approach to outdoor living. Three swimming pools are positioned across the main, owner and sun decks, while a vast beach club opens on three sides at water level. Outdoor areas are tiered to allow for both sociable gatherings and private retreats, blending shaded lounges with open-air terraces.

Inside, H2 Yacht Design has carried forward the theme of versatility. The owner’s suite includes a private office, his and hers dressing rooms and bathrooms, and direct access to a forward terrace and pool. Six further guest cabins and a sequence of lounges and entertainment areas are spread across three decks, unified by a sculptural spiral staircase.

Constructed with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, Rafale will be built to Lloyd’s Register classification and fly the Cayman Islands flag. Her hybrid propulsion system pairs twin MTU 12V4000 M65L engines with a 1920 kWh battery capacity, enabling efficient, flexible cruising with reduced emissions.

Mastery at 80 metres

A sweet spot for the Turkish yacht builder, the 80-metre platform has been increasingly successful over recent years, with the delivery of the 79-metre Nympheas this year and four hulls currently in build. The first to be delivered will be the 87-metre Vento from H2 Yacht Design in 2026, alongside 76.25-metre Project Arrow by Enrico Gobbi, followed by Bravo and Rafale in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

As always, Turquoise is demonstrating the capability of the pre-engineered platform, working with a variety of designers to create distinctive yachts. In addition, they have worked with a number of renowned studios to create a variety of concepts based on the platform. Philippe Briand’s studio Vitruvius Yacht Design has created the clean-lined Vitruvius concept, while Bannenberg & Rowell Design has taken an entirely different angle and conceived a rugged explorer. Most recently, Studio Vallicelli Design has developed Glass, a brand-new concept with an extensive use of glass on the superstructure. 

Unveiling in Monaco 

Turquoise Yachts will showcase Rafale with a dedicated scale model during the Monaco Yacht Show. For Horsfield, the yacht represents a chance to move the yard’s design language forward: “Rafale has a more grown-up, confident style. She has the flowing S-shape and elegance of a classic yacht, but with sharper detailing and a contemporary edge. It’s about stretching the platform and showing what else is possible.”

With her sculptural form, flowing lines, and hybrid innovation, Rafale signals a confident new era for Turquoise Yachts.