Next year, the third hull in the Bilgin 263 series (80 meters) will be a complete yacht and in an owner’s hands. The 1,755-gross-ton yacht, a.k.a. Project Silence for the time being, promises some differences in comparison to her two predecessors, too.
Already under construction on spec prior to the start of the pandemic, the yacht features styling and naval architecture by Unique Yacht Design, a fellow Turkish company. Interior design, meanwhile, is by the British studio H2 Yacht Design. These design firms were also involved with the first two Bilgin 263 projects. Additionally, just like them, Project Silence complies with the IMO Tier III emission regulations.
The differences, however, compared to Tatiana, which was hull number one, and hull number two are notable. Firstly, the new superyacht offers 20 percent more volume. Some of that comes from the longer upper deck, which has an additional shaded section aft. The same deck still has a pool, but interestingly enough it’s just a bit smaller than the one aboard Tatiana. Yet another difference is that Project Silence puts the owners’ deck directly above the main deck, for enhanced privacy. This, in turn, moves the wheelhouse up to the top deck, yielding better visibility, too. Finally—and something Bilgin Yachts is eager to show off—the central stairway and round elevator rising within it are grander.
We may have to wait for Project Silence’s delivery to see that staircase. Regardless, Jonny Horsfield from H2 Yacht Design says he and his team are happy to see energy and excitement from Bilgin Yachts’ interiors team. Furthermore, “The interior will be light and modern, whilst remaining both luxurious and plush,” he says. This includes the two VIP suites on the main deck, along with three guest staterooms below decks and a big beach club. They all benefit from a maximum 40-foot (12.25-meter) beam.
Upon delivery, Project Silence should enjoy an enviable range upwards of 6,000 nautical miles at a 12-knot best cruising speed. Bilgin Yachts is projecting a similar fuel burn to Tatiana, that being 74 gph (280 lph) at that speed. The top end, meanwhile, should be 19 knots.
Berkay Yılmaz, Bilgin Yachts’ commercial director, says that interest in yachts of Project Silence’s dimensions rose strongly following the Monaco Yacht Show this past September. Specifically, superyachts of about 1,300 gross tons and higher and LOAs of 230 feet (70 meters) and larger are strong. Even with that, though, he says the yard still wishes “to stay connected to 50- to 55-meter yacht clients below 500 gross tons.”
Bilgin Yachts bilginyacht.com
H2 Yacht Design h2yachtdesign.com
Unique Yacht Design uniqueyachtdesign.com
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