A masterpiece of design and sustainability that redefines nautical luxury.
Her name is “Leona”, the winner racking up superyacht awards for her showstopping design. She makes a grand entrance into any port of call with her ruby red exterior and unique one-of-a-kind interior. Leona is an 80-meter (262-foot) marvel from Bilgin Yachts, the esteemed Turkish shipbuilder based in Istanbul. It is part of their special 263 series. She proudly follows in the footsteps of her sistership, Tatiana, establishing herself as the newest largest private superyacht to be built in Turkey.
The superyacht boasts ample areas for socializing, including a generously proportioned spa and an inviting beach club, all encased within a sleek, sporty exterior design reminiscent of a bullet. The interplay of white and red hues accentuates her commanding masculine aesthetic. Their collaborative efforts with the designers have culminated in a unique platform that seamlessly combines comfort and opulence, exemplified by the remarkable 2.6-meter (8.5 foot) high ceilings found on the owner’s deck.
Beyond her striking visual appeal, M/Y Leona prioritizes environmental friendliness, integrating a 100% clean air exhaust system that adheres to the rigorous standards of IMO Tier III. This remarkable superyacht can be characterized as both economically efficient and high performing, effortlessly reaching top speeds of 19 knots while maintaining zero dynamic trim. Cruising at 12 knots, her 2,560 kW twin engines and generator consume approximately 250 liters of fuel per hour, a remarkable level of efficiency typically associated with yachts half its size.
Overall, M/Y Leona represents the epitome of a superyacht that harmoniously blends aesthetics, performance, and comfort, providing an unparalleled seafaring experience through its thoughtfully designed layout, expansive windows, private terraces, and outdoor socializing areas.
M/Y Leona has captivated the yachting world with her sleek, eco-friendly exterior and opulent interiors, a collaborative masterpiece by Unique Yacht Design and H2 Yacht Design. Making a stunning debut at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show and winning the first place in the category “Outstanding Exterior Design – Motor Yachts, 60m and above” at the BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards 2024, as well as “Motor Yacht Over 60 Meters” Award at the International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2024, she continues to set new benchmarks in luxury yachting. Her unique red and white hull, spacious social areas, and commitment to environmental stewardship through 100% clean air emissions make Leona a standout in the industry.
The latest honor from Robb Report’s “Best of the Best 2024” for “Best in Marine” underscores her position as a true icon of modern yacht design. Leona was honored for her stunning beach club with its innovative design, engineering, and unparalleled luxury. The crown jewel of Leona is undoubtedly her beach club, seamlessly integrated with the main living area. Positioned on the lower deck and adjacent to the engine room, the beach club features a swimming pool measuring 8.7 x 3 x 1.4 meters (28.5 x 9.8 x 4.6 feet) with a voluminous 34,000-liter capacity, complete with a bespoke heating system and water jets for year-round enjoyment. Translucent glass sliding doors provide guests with stunning sea vistas, even during chilly weather, while leading to a tranquil wellness room and a cozy hookah retreat. Adding an artistic touch, the space is adorned with meticulously crafted reproductions of sculptures, including the iconic Aphrodite of Milos, welcoming bathers with grace.
Those seeking the ultimate in design and craftsmanship should consider the Turkish shipyard, Bilgin. Bilgin Yachts is a boutique shipyard at the European side of Istanbul, building bespoke 50-to-120-meter (164 to 394 foot) luxury superyachts. It has been a family-run business for five generations since the early 1900s. With its 700+ highly skilled craftsmen, performing 90% of the work in-house, the shipyard operates in five facilities. The shipyard facilities also comprises manufacturing areas, a state-of-the-art marine furniture factory, a comprehensive mechanic, hydraulic, stainless-steel and upholstery workshop, all of which work closely until a project is ready for launch. Headquarters located in the West Istanbul Marina, which is approximately 40 minutes from Istanbul Airport, Bilgin provides high-quality yachts to its customers.
Hope Gainer
