Turquoise Yachts Completing Wildcat Yacht Project

By Tuquoise Yachts’ own admission, the Wildcat yacht project presents some challenges. She’s the reimagination of an unfinished performance sloop, unusual for a builder known for motoryachts. Eventually, the yacht will bear a 23,724-square-foot (2,204-square-meter) sail area.

The yacht started construction at Perini Navi. When it entered bankruptcy insolvency in 2020, a handful of yachts were in different stages of completion. One of them was this hull, the second unit in the Perini Navi 42 E-volution GTS series, originally set for delivery in 2021. The 138-foot (42-meter) series prioritized luxury features with performance-sailing characteristics. Additionally, “E” in “E-volution” signified an electric motor for repositioning, a first for the shipyard. Further marking a first, Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design provided naval architecture, having never previously collaborated with the yard. Although The Italian Sea Group acquired Perini Navi from bankruptcy liquidation in 2022 and some clients kept their yacht projects with the yard, some clients opted to go elsewhere.

Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design is still involved with the Wildcat yacht. In fact, the studio, Turquoise Yachts, and Southern Spars have adapted the sail-handling systems for easier use. Subsequently, automation technology will control the sails. The 205-foot-tall (65-meter-tall) carbon fiber mast has in-boom furling for the mainsail. Three Harken custom captive reel winches and three Barmar furlers, meanwhile, will control sheets and halyards.

The carbon fiber mast and standing rigging pair with an aluminum hull with a lifting keel. The superstructure, however, is carbon fiber, too. It’s low-slung, keeping the sailing superyacht looking like a performer. Preserving the lines, a dining table just forward of the mast retracts. When it is in use, though, a bimini can provide welcome shade.

the Wildcat yacht project, ex-Perini Navi yacht

Guests likely will spend more time in the cockpit shaded by the superstructure overhang. Two C-shaped settees face each other, making the cockpit perfect for taking in sights. When the Wildcat yacht is at anchor, guests might naturally gravitate to the sunbeds just aft of the twin steering stations. Additionally, the seven-person crew can deploy the transom to become a swim platform, yielding another cozy sunning spot and a swim ladder. If a little more action is on tap, the crew instead can launch the 18-foot (5.5-meter) tender.

Come nighttime, the tranquil confines of the interior should please. GCA Architects—which, notably, was attached to the original project—is responsible for the modern aesthetic. It carries through the full-beam owner’s suite, main saloon, lower-deck TV lounge, and more. Although the specific décor materials aren’t available, skylights should highlight their appeal.

Turquoise Yachts has not disclosed the delivery date, either. In the meantime, although this is an unusual project for the builder, it’s not its first sailing yacht. The 108-foot (33-meter) Simba launched in 2012, a Hoek Design project.

GCA Architects gcaarchitects.com

Turquoise Yachts turquoiseyachts.com

Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design reichel-pugh.com