Named after a famous Vanderbilt sailing yacht and winner of the 1934 America’s Cup, the 117-foot full-displacement motor yacht RAINBOW is a timeless classic. Her original owners were avid sailing and motor yacht enthusiasts with a very specific point of view. After a chance encounter with another Delta yacht, ALLIANCE, they quickly became enamored of her elegant lines and engaging appearance. Experienced in yachting, they knew well Delta’s expertise in creating composite hulls. These details, plus Delta’s reputation in the industry for beautiful and capable vessels, inspired them to create their very own.

The Delta Design Group undertook the naval architecture as well as the interior design. RAINBOW’s interior spaces are reminiscent of a classic sailing yacht, with handsome teak paneling as far as the eye can see, and elegant finishes. Additionally, they made sure the owners’ personalities and interests came through wherever you look. They’re passionate collectors of nautical art and sailing artifacts—their cherished mementos placed prominently throughout her rooms create a good deal of visual impact. In particular, Delta worked closely with her owners to ensure that the design scheme would spotlight their large collection of America’s Cup memorabilia. Personal touches are found both inside and out that celebrate the era of Howard K. Vanderbilt’s RAINBOW, including a fine glass-encased model on display in the main dining room.

Adjacent to the starboard-side main salon is a handsome study brimming with a library of nautical books, with a convertible settee that can be unfolded to create a double bed to accommodate extra guests. While expert at entertaining, RAINBOW is very much a comfortable family home on the water. Her stately rooms feature gorgeous antique mahogany furniture accompanied by sumptuous fabrics. Highly personal and performance-focused, RAINBOW is the perfect example of successful collaboration, the true embodiment of her owners’ desires made real through expert naval design.