Motor yacht LEONA, the second hull of the 263 series from Bilgin Yachts secured the Outstanding Exterior Design - Motor Yachts, 60m and above award at the prestigious BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards 2024.
The Boat Design & Innovation Awards 2024 were revealed at the Superyacht Design Festival in the picturesque alpine town of Kitzbühel. The award category was hotly debated but ultimately the judging panel celebrated superyacht LEONA for her distinctive red hull and white superstructure recognizing her as a "memorable" design that stood out among others that "played it safe."
LEONA was unveiled alongside her sibling, the 42m (137.8ft) KASIF, at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show and both received finalist places at the Design and Innovation Awards. As the second iteration in Bilgin Yachts' 80m Bilgin 263 series, LEONA follows in the wake of her sister ship motor yacht TATIANA's success, with Unique Yacht Design providing naval architecture and exterior styling, and H2 Yacht Design creating the interior spaces.
In terms of exterior lines, I really love the front deck because it reminds me of a real bullet when seen from above.”
founder of Unique Yacht Design
The judges at the awards were taken by LEONA's audacious aesthetic, which boldly departs from safer design choices. Her elongated profile, stunning beach club, and expansive owner's deck were particularly memorable. Despite her size, the yacht's clean, linear design and relatively narrow beam allow for spacious decks and voluminous interiors, a feat that positioned her ahead of strong competition such as the Amel's ENTOURAGE.
LEONA's interior features a palette rich in intricate details and a diverse mix of finishes and textures. From gloss lacquers and backlit onyx to gold inlays and sumptuous fabrics, the yacht's decor reflects the owner's passion for travel and rich materials. A highlight is the main stair lobby that spans three decks and features a mesmerizing bubble tank with RGB lighting.
Onboard, guests are treated to a reduced number of cabins for the sake of enhanced room sizes. This includes larger VIP suites on the main deck and an extensive owner's dressing room on the lower deck. The owner's suite on the owner's deck is nothing short of palatial, extending the superstructure aft to create a private retreat complete with a lounge and exclusive pool. The owner's suite includes a bedroom with polished black Sahara marble and a textured glass cube ceiling.
On the main deck, the four guest cabin layout that is in place on TATIANA has been replaced with two generous VIP cabins with twin dressing rooms and bathrooms, while on the lower deck, there are two cabins instead of three and this layout creates space for additional storage, a larger area for a movie theater, a gym, and a sauna.
LEONA's Beach Club follows TATIANA's layout but with its unique design elements. Greek statues grace the pool edge, releasing tinted water into the pool adorned with a blue-patterned tile design. Overhead, a fiber optic ceiling evokes a starry night ambiance, enhanced by composite marble reliefs illustrating edge-lit forest scenes.
We learned quickly that the client didn’t react positively to understated design. He required us to be bold and turn up the volume”.
Delivered in 2023, LEONA stands out among the 263 models built by Bilgin Yachts in Turkey. Her focus on spacious accommodations is evident throughout, from the grand VIP cabins to the transformation of the owner's deck. With a top speed of 19 knots, a cruising speed of 15 knots, and a range of 6,000 nautical miles at an economical speed, she marries performance with luxury. LEONA can host up to 16 guests across eight staterooms, along with 24 crew members.
