On Saturday, October 26th, Bilgin Yachts will launch the Leona, the second 80-meter unit of their 263 series. Taking cues from their previously successful Tatiana launch in 2020, Bilgin has pulled out all the stops to make this one a more extensive and exclusive experience. With features such as a larger and more spacious interior than its predecessor, Leona is set to take on and impress the world with her unique red and white exterior colors. Following her launch off the coast of Istanbul, she will begin sea trials in late December, ushering in what is sure to be an exciting adventure for everyone who sails on her.
The Bilgin 263 series features a deft blend of naval architecture and exterior design from Antalya-based Unique Yacht Design and interior living designs by H2 Yacht Design. Emrecan Özgün, CEO and Founder of Unique Yacht Design, said of the series, “We created a gorgeous boat that blends style with practicality without resorting to too many tried-and-true designs. Despite offering high living areas, this boat doesn’t look bloated or clunky; instead, it has a stunning profile that will make it stand out in the worldwide yachting market.” In addition to excellent craftsmanship, the 263 series also sports an eye-popping red color chosen by the yacht’s owner. This mixture of function and form makes it easily one of the most desirable steel-aluminum superyachts available.
Jonny Horsfield, of H2 Yacht Design remarks that the Leona is designed to be more spacious than her sister vessel, Tatiana. The main deck’s four-cabin layout has been switched out in favor of two large VIP cabins with dedicated his-and-hers changing rooms and bathrooms. Belowdecks, the three cabins of Tatiana have been replaced with just two to create extra room for storage, a cinema space, a gym, and a sauna. The most impressive change is on the owner’s deck – the superstructure has been extended rearward for authentic palatial living. Plus, the yacht now boasts an outdoor private lounge area at the forefront with direct access to an infinity pool – giving it a beautiful and memorable look, according to Emrecan Özgün. He describes the front deck: “In terms of exterior lines, We love this look because it reminds us of a real bullet when seen from above.”
With an interior wholly tailored to her owner’s needs and lifestyle, Bilgin Yachts’ 80-meter Leona is a breathtaking vessel. Her beach club layout hasn’t changed, but the design theme is unique: Greek statues sit atop water outlets with integrated RGB lighting along the edges of the blue-tiled swimming pool, while fiber optic ceiling lights decorate overhead to mimic a starry night sky. Inside her main saloon, a Tiger Onyx island fireplace divides the lounge and dining space—with mirror mullions and textiles as impressive finishing touches—while a tall fish tank sits above. She complements two existing other Leona models that already boast proud owners. Bilgin Yachts will deliver this third Leona model in 2024.
