John Staluppi Is Building His Last Boat—And Bilgin Yachts’ Biggest

She’ll measure 269 feet (82 meters), making her the largest project in Bilgin Yachts’ fleet so far. The yacht Project Bond will also be the 19^th one for the renowned American superyacht owner—and James Bond devotee—John Staluppi.

Although she’s a custom build, the yacht Project Bond draws upon the Bilgin 263 series (263 feet/80 meters). The series includes deliveries like the yacht Leona from 2022 and the yacht Tatiana from 2020. Unique Yacht Design, the naval-architecture studio behind the Bilgin 263 series, adapted the hull for Staluppi. As has been his priority for decades, he wanted global cruising capabilities plus the ability to enter some harbors with limited depth. U.S. East Coast cruising was especially important in this last regard. The results: a best range of 5,000 nautical miles, and a draft just shy of 12 feet (3.6 meters). Additionally, and another longtime priority for Staluppi, he wanted a good turn of speed. According to Bilgin Yachts, the yacht Project Bond should see a top speed of 17½ knots.

“I chose to build my next 82-meter superyacht with Bilgin because of their exceptional flexibility and genuine willingness to adapt to my vision,” says Staluppi (second from right at top). “They embraced innovative design solutions that perfectly balance cutting-edge performance with uncompromising comfort.”

Full details aren’t yet available about the design. Regardless, Jeanette Staluppi, John’s wife (next to him in the photos at top and below), is creating the entertainment and relaxation areas with H2 Yacht Design. She, too, has had a hand in the design of each of the 18 previous deliveries. For now, Bilgin Yachts will only say that she will lend the megayacht a distinctive identity, which further will distinguish the yacht amid the rest of the Bilgin fleet.

Despite information on the design releasing at a later date, some insight comes from Simon Graham. A sales broker from FGI Yacht Group who had a hand in the contract signing, he’s known the Staluppis for almost two decades. “This Bilgin 82m is classic Staluppi: bold yet practical,” he asserts. He particularly points out how the yacht Project Bond will be able to take the couple “to all their favorite spots.” Furthermore, Graham says, “Jeanette’s input shines through” in the interior, adding, “it’s going to be spectacular.”

At a press event announcing the contract, John Staluppi proudly pointed out a scale model of the yacht Project Bond. Simultaneously, he shared that the megayacht was going to be the last one he builds. If it is, given his 18 prior builds, it will remain one of the most famous streaks in yachting. Every one of his yachts has borne a name related to James Bond, a film series he fell in love with when Goldfinger came out in the 1960s.

Bilgin Yachts bilginyacht.com

H2 Yacht Design h2yachtdesign.com

Unique Yacht Design uniqueyachtdesign.com