Following the launch of Tatiana in 2020, Bilgin Yachts took a big step into the world superyacht industry. The first unit of its 263 series has gained the title of being the largest private yacht ever been built in Turkey. The shipyard in October launched the second 80-meter 263, called Leona. Leona will begin sea trials off the coast of Istanbul during the last days of the year.
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For the 263 series, Bilgin Yachts partnered with Antalya-based Unique Yacht Design for naval architecture and exterior design, and H2 Yacht Design for the interior living areas. Emrecan Özgün, CEO and the founder of Unique Yacht Design, describes the series as follows: “With the design and comfort elements, the Bilgin 263 is truly one-of-a-kind. We created a very attractive yacht with a sleek and sexy profile while avoiding a high dosage of design clichés. The increase in living areas normally results in bulky designs. The Bilgin 263 has a design attitude that will dominate the yachting sector around the world. This will clearly make her a trendsetter among steel-aluminum superyachts of today.” Özgün also states that they decided on the red color together with the owner which gives the yacht a sportive look and elegance.
“Leona is different in many ways to her sistership Tatiana,” says Jonny Horsfield of H2 Yacht Design. “Although the general layout is essentially identical and the yachts offer accommodation for up to 10 guests, Leona has more emphasis on space with cabin numbers being reduced in order to provide larger accommodation.”
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On the main deck, Tatiana’s four-guest-cabin-layout has been replaced with two generous VIP cabins with his and her dressing rooms and bathrooms, while on the lower deck there are two cabins instead of three and this layout creates space for additional storage, dressing room, a larger area for a movie theater, a gym and a sauna. The owner’s deck sees the biggest change with the superstructure extending aft providing a palatial owner’s suite. A private lounge area is on the forward deck with access to the owner’s exterior pool, which gives the yacht a sexy and sleek look according to Emrecan Özgün.
“In terms of exterior lines I really love this look because it reminds of a real bullet when seen from above,” Özgün says.
Leona was designed to the client’s exacting requirements and lifestyle and she boasts an array of bold selections to provide a unique and highly personalized interior.
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“On the lower deck the extraordinary beach club layout stay the same,” Horsfield says. “However, the design theme is very different. Greek statues sitting on water outlets with integrated RGB lighting, adorn each corner of the blue-tiled swimming pool. Overhead is a fiber-optic ceiling decorated in a ‘night sky’ star pattern. As you enter inside, the main salon welcomes with an outstanding feature: a typical lounge and a formal dining space being divided by a striking tiger onyx island fireplace with a large fish tank above. There are many impressive finishings with mirrors, mullions and textiles.”
Bilgin Yachts has currently built three units of the 80-meter Bilgin 263 series. After the successful launch of Leona, the third hull of the model will be delivered to her owner in 2024. The series emphasizes eco-friendliness, featuring a special exhaust system that provides 100 percent clean air emissions. With two 2,560 kW engines, the yachts can achieve speeds up to 19 knots, while the cruising speed of 12 knots keeps her fuel consumption at 250 liters per hour. They are being built in compliance with IMO Tier III certification and are considered to be the most environmentally friendly yachts in their class.
For more information: bilginyacht.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Hull configuration: Displacement
Hull material: Steel
S/Structure material: Aluminum
LOA: 80m
LWL at full load: 71.01m
B.max: 12.25m
Draft at full load: 3.50m (approx.)
Displacement at full load: 1,510 tons
Gross tonnage: 1,730
Fuel capacity : 168,000L
Water capacity: 48,000L
Main engines : MTU 16V 4000M73
Engines power: 2×2.560 kW @ 1970 RPM
Maximum speed: 19 knots
Cruising speed: 15 knots
Range at economical speed at half load: @5,000+ miles
Exterior Design: Unique Yacht Design
Naval Architect: Unique Yacht Design
Interior Design: H2 Yacht Design
Builder: Bilgin Yachts
ABOUT BILGIN YACHTS
Bilgin Yachts is a boutique shipyard at the European side of Istanbul, building bespoke 45 to 120-meter luxury superyachts. It has been a family-run business for five generations since the early 1900s. With highly skilled craftsmen contributing 90 percent of the work in-house, the shipyard operates in four facilities covering 60,000sqm, which includes a state-of-the-art marine furniture factory, a comprehensive mechanic, hydraulic, stainless-steel and upholstery workshop. Bilgin Yachts currently have eight under-construction projects and will be expanding production capacity more in the near future. Since the spring of 2017, the company has added a further 10,000sqm outfitting sheds and headquarters located in the West Istanbul Marina.
For further information: bilginyacht.com