The Sarp Yachts 46m motor yacht is the first yacht to be constructed at a new shipyard in Antalya, Turkey.

I am writing this on my way back from my most recent visit to Sarp Yachts’ immaculate and impressively organised shipyard where we are currently overseeing the latter stages of the interior fit-out.

I first met the manager of Sarp Yachts Emre Sandan and Naval Architect Tanju Kalaycioglu at the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show. I had never worked in Turkey and was excited by the possibility. Tanju’s history with yachts like Anatolia (now Amphitrite), Roxanne and also with Pendennis, Ed Dubois and Proteksan Turquoise (now Turquoise Yachts), his sheer passion and enthusiasm – something that was matched in equal measure by Emre – combined with a determination to build a yacht to showcase the very best of Turkish craftsmanship and an ambition to build a yacht to rival Northern European shipyard standards, was an opportunity not to be missed.

Quality in every department has been a byword from the start and is evident in the cleanliness and organisation of the shipyard. ISO: 9001, ISO: 14001 and OHSAS: 18001 certified, Sarp has already won a series of awards before their first yacht has even hit the water.

Exterior profile courtesy of Taka Yat

The interior design brief called for something modern and current with natural elements that had femininity and a broad appeal. The built-in joinery is a combination of light silver ash and a dark grey ash combined with oak floors, a slubby silk wallcovering and fabric deckhead panels. Feminine elements are introduced through colourful patchwork inset carpets and floral modern fabrics.

Built by renowned interior company Ulutas, Sarp 46m is a showcase for Turkish joinery skills and blends loft apartment styling and mountain chalet influences with a combination of high-end natural timber and metal finishes.

The aim was to produce a sophisticated and elegant interior, interwoven with a clean simplicity of design that results in an inviting, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.

Taking inspiration from natural materials and textures, open grained planked wooden floors, high quality leathers from Moore & Giles and intricate metal detailing, we specified a distinguished colour palette of rich dark bronzes, silvers and greys.

Early mood board showing main interior finishes

The same theme is extended throughout the yacht with variation in the fabric selections. Two dividing screens feature in the main saloon entrance with ethereal tree branches and leaves etched into clear glass. Created by a local glass artisan, the design is transferred to the glass panels using a combination of acid etching and sandblasting. Wall finishes are a balance of horizontal grey Ash planking and pewter coloured slubby silk wall paper from Fromental.

Main saloon pencil visual looking forward

Customised with leather inlays to suit the décor in each cabin, Turnstyle Designs satin nickel door and cabinet hardware adds a touch of refined sparkle to the calm and comfortable backdrop.

Honed stone tiles and flooring in the bathrooms compliment the fine Dornbracht tapware and accessories.  Pebbles inlayed into the owner’s bathroom floors add further texture for a sensual feeling on the feet. The full beam owner’s bathroom has individual WC cubicles, a luxurious freestanding stone bath and a generous shower linking his and her sides.

Owner’s bathroom finish samples

Furniture includes Minotti sofas, B&B Italia and Giorgetti chairs. Luxurious fabrics by Rubelli, Weitzner, Lelievre, Chase Erwin, Romo, Kravet and Armani Casa tie the interior together with highlights of bright colour, floral patterns and accents.

Main deck saloon CGI visual looking forward

Intended to make a sophisticated statement with a strong visual impact, the outcome is a combination of harmonious design combined with subtle textures, tones and finishes.

Main saloon CGI visual looking aft

Accommodation for up to 12 guests in five cabins consists of a main deck master suite with study and en-suite bathroom, plus two double and two twin cabins on the lower deck – the twins coming with Pullman berths – and all cabins having full en-suite bathroom facilities. The main deck has a generous saloon and dining room whilst the bridge deck also has a spacious full beam saloon opening onto a fabulous aft deck.