Step Inside the Yacht Project Bond, for John & Jeanette Staluppi to Make “Lasting Memories”

Although the décor, Art Deco through a contemporary lens, intentionally has wow factor, “this is about creating lasting memories rather than chasing the next build,” explains Simon Graham, a broker from FGI Group. As the owner’s representative for the yacht Project Bond, he knows his client’s mindset quite well. “From an emotional standpoint, John wanted a yacht where he could sit back, travel the world with family and friends, and simply enjoy life at sea in this next chapter.”

“John” is John Staluppi, who says this will be the last superyacht for him and his wife Jeanette. The 269-footer (82-meter) is in build at Bilgin Yachts, where Staluppi and his team recently traveled to see progress.

John Staluppi and build team yacht Project Bond — John Staluppi (third from left) and the build team

Despite being the largest superyacht taken on by the Turkish shipyard, the yacht Project Bond is an evolution of a proven platform. Specifically, the natural starting point was the Bilgin 263 series, a.k.a. its 80-meter series. The long-range cruising capability and good turn of speed appealed to Staluppi. The yacht Project Bond should be able to cover 5,000 nautical miles at 10 knots and max out at 17½ knots. However, the length and volume needed augmenting, to suit how the couple like to live with their family and entertain. “John has been very clear that Bilgin’s exceptional flexibility and genuine willingness to adapt to his vision were instrumental throughout the project,” Graham says. “They didn’t push a rigid formula or say, ‘It can’t be done.’”

A good example of how the shipyard adapted the series is the gross tonnage, besides the length. The yacht Project Bond has a volume of 2,150 gross tons. For comparison, the first megayacht on the 263 series platform, the yacht Tatiana, is 1,680 gross tons. The most recent series delivery, the yacht Al Reem, has a volume of 1,758 gross tons. Until now, she’s been the most voluminous yacht from Bilgin, too.

With the steel and aluminum welding advancing, the interior design is also finalized. Jeanette Staluppi has been particularly influential here, collaborating with Jonny Horsfield, the founder and creative director of H2 Yacht Design, and his team. Both of the Staluppis liked two previous superyachts from the studio with a modern interpretation of Art Deco. Simultaneously, they liked the modern design from the studio on a prior yacht they owned. Those facts influenced the interior of the yacht Project Bond, as did of course their lifestyle. “The clients live onboard for many weeks a year, so primarily the interior has to be livable and comfortable,” Horsfield says. “However, I’m definitely trying to create a grand, rich style and a definite WOW factor.”

From the private cinema to the main-deck guest staterooms (both above), as well as the master suite (top), rich colors and textures stand out. The ultimate standout in the designer’s mind, though, is another space. “The main saloon is the highlight area of the interior, as she captures the modern Art Deco vibe perfectly,” Horsfield asserts.

saloon and dining area view inside yacht Project Bond

Speaking of the saloon (two images immediately above), Horsfield points to the now-famous open stairway of the Bilgin 263 series as a related highlight. It links the saloon to the beach club. “Connecting these two areas so openly is very rare,” he notes.

Despite Project Bond being a few years from completion—delivery is in 2029—John Staluppi already has a favorite space. “The owners deck bar area,” he says. “It’s a place to get together with your guest and have great conversation.”

Bilgin Yachts bilginyacht.com

FGI Yacht Group fgiyachtgroup.com

H2 Yacht Design h2yachtdesign.com