Red is power. Red is passion. Red is love. Red is also, most definitively, Leona. Bilgin’s newest 80-meter punctuation mark in the world of luxury, Leona is not only a yacht, but a home, a retreat, an experience, and an adventure, all embraced in this rich collection of design, craftsmanship, materials, and textures. It is fitting, then, that Leona’s striking hull is painted a bold shade of red.
Leona debuted to the absolute delight of guests at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. Flashing her commissioned logo featuring the head of a powerful lioness on the hull as well as on strategic golden badge details throughout the yacht, Leona established a position at the top of the yachting world, reigning over Port Hercule.
Leona is the second hull of Bilgin’s 263 series, sharing the same platform as sister ship Tatiana. Performance and layout are similar for these sumptuous sisters. Differences on paper are not drastic. One major variation is that Tatiana has eight cabins, while Leona sports five. Leona cleverly puts the extra space to use for two ultra-spacious main deck VIP cabins. Another is the extended owner’s deck, a spacious, private penthouse crowning the yacht. Yet another marker is the redesigned mast.
The most notable departure lies in the details. While Tatiana is magnificent in her own right, displaying a wealth of textures and embellishments, the ambiance there is one of luxurious minimalism. Leona, on the other hand, is a complete 180, displaying off-the-charts maximalism in terms of design, color, texture, materials, and the jaw-dropping end result of the combinations inside this majestic red hull.
Those who had the privilege of touring Leona in Monaco this past month understand. Everyone else, prepare for the delicious descriptions of Leona’s most outstanding features, an incredible marriage of Greek, Baroque, and contemporary styles executed in astonishing detail.
Leona by the Numbers
Leona was launched in October of 2022 from the Bilgin Istanbul shipyard and delivered to the owner in February of 2023. Weighing in at 1730 GT, Leona measures 80 meters in length, with a rather narrow 12.2-meter beam and a draft of 3.5 meters. Accommodating 10 guests in five cabins, Leona houses 20 crew, ensuring attentive service while on board.
Leona is not just a fashion plate, however, but an extraordinary yacht with an eye on performance and environmental concerns. Powered by twin 2560 kW MTU engines capable of taking her to a top speed of 19 knots maintaining zero dynamic trim, Leona’s cruising radius is 6,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. Fitted with a 100 percent clean air IMO tier III exhaust system, Leona is both economically efficient and high-performance, one of the most environmentally friendly when compared to similar boats in the class.
Like Tatiana, Antalya’s Unique Yacht Design was tasked with exterior design and naval architecture for Leona. The sleek, dynamic hull form, painted red with a white superstructure, clearly sets her apart from her sister ship.
Like Tatiana, Leona’s interiors were masterfully created by London’s H2 Yacht Design, known for diverse styles that accurately reflect owners’ visions using imaginative, refined choices with personalized results.
Bilgin, the yachtbuilder, confirms Leona’s status, noting that the combination of aesthetics, performance, and comfort built into this yacht provides an unsurpassed experience on board. Rewarding admirers with an exceptional example of the intersect of creativity and luxury in a superyacht, Leona proves a standout for a multitude of reasons.
Boarding Via the Beach Club
If first impressions are important, then coming aboard Leona from the beach club is the epitome of introductions. Setting foot on the expansive swim platform, the central focus comes into view. There is not a more dramatic nor memorable entry on any yacht sailing the oceans today.
Through the transom door, an extraordinary expanse of water in the 8.7-meter pool commands attention for its Greco-Roman influences, multiple fountains, marble walls, and sculpted panels. The mosaic tiled pool glistens playfully as the night sky ceiling tosses sparkling light across the surface. Classic, nearly life-sized carved marble statues mark the corners at the water’s edge, pouring forth their gentle streams in serene harmony.
Just forward of the pool, a luxurious lounge welcomes guests to a posh perch. The white, semicircular sofa, pillowed and embellished in gold and black, serves from a low table for an elegant drink or amuse bouche.
To port, a hookah room with fold down terrace opens to the sea. To starboard, an amethyst and agate bar invites conversation and refreshment. Another fold down terrace, opening to starboard, washes the space beautifully with inviting sea breezes and natural light. It would seem that life cannot get better than this, but features and details throughout Leona continue to charm and enchant like no other.
Photos: Eray Altay | Words: KL Turner
