Yacht Al Reem Launch Closes Out 2024 for Bilgin Yachts

A series that started several years ago has reached its conclusion. The launch of the yacht Al Reem yesterday marked the third and last hull in the Bilgin 80-meter series.

The Turkish shipyard made a big splash, literally and figuratively, with the 2020 launch of the yacht Tatiana, hull number one (below). At 262 feet (80 meters), she was the biggest private vessel to see construction on Turkish soil. Two years later, the same-size Leona, featuring a rich red hull (bottom), came along.

Just as each of those two yachts had differences, the yacht Al Reem has distinguishing features. Firstly, volume is 1,758 gross tons, almost 100 more than Tatiana. According to Emrecan Özgün, Unique Yacht Design’s founder and CEO, “She is the most voluminous” in the series. “To achieve this, we completely redesigned the superstructure.” Additionally, her mast is 20 percent bigger than those of her predecessors. Plus, drawing more attention to the mast and the overall profile, Al Reem has a metallic grey and white paint job. On-lookers might also notice bigger glass expanses on the main and upper decks, characterizing saloons. Furthermore, longer aft decks create 20 percent more alfresco living areas.

This last fact especially conveys the overarching idea behind the yacht’s design. According to Marino Perkusic, the owner’s representative, the owner wanted to create “moments of peace and connection with nature in various secluded locations around the world.” In fact, sensations of calmness, purity, and relaxation were guiding principles for the layout and décor materials. H2 Yacht Design—which also joined forces with Bilgin Yachts for Tatiana and Leona—combined light, neutral tones. The aesthetic “feels fresh yet calming on the soul,” says Jonny Horsfield, H2 Yacht Design’s founder. Matte-finished woods, cream-colored leather wall panels, and polished stainless steel details are highlights.

Of course, the design team and the owner still wanted to inject some striking visual interest. Therefore, veined marbles and decorative glass pieces do the trick. The glass art further catches and refracts light, for yet another interesting effect.

With a master suite leading out to a private deck area with a hot tub, the yacht Al Reem “was a remarkable journey of collaboration,” Perkusic says. “Despite initial challenges, Bilgin’s proactive and flexible team quickly established a productive working relationship. Their creativity and attention to detail exceeded all expectations.”

Sea trials should confirm a cruising speed of 15 knots and a top speed of 19 knots with MTU engines. In the meantime, Bilgin Yachts has another 12 projects on its order books, some under construction in various stages.

Bilgin Yachts bilginyacht.com

H2 Yacht Design h2yachtdesign.com

Unique Yacht Design uniqueyachtdesign.com