This time of year, shipyards and design studios are wrapping up projects in anticipation of closing for the holidays. There was no slowing down in recent days at Bilgin Yachts, however, due to the planned launch of its latest build. The Bilgin NB83 yacht, referred to by her hull number, lowered into the water at its facilities in Antalya, Turkey.
The project is the second launch in the new Bilgin 170 yacht series. The first Bilgin 170, the yacht Tamasha, launched just two months ago. This series targets yacht buyers seeking the simplified requirements of superyachts whose volume is less than 500 gross tons. At 170 feet (52 meters), she uses the slightly smaller Bilgin 163 as the starting point. They share a steel displacement hull for long-range cruising and a similar suggested layout, “ensuring familiarity and ease of use for customers,” says Emrecan Özgün of Unique Yacht Design, responsible for styling and naval architecture.
More so, he says, “Our goal with the 170 series was to offer the exterior spaces typically found on 60-meter yachts within a sub-500-gross-ton platform.” Additionally, “maximizing the transition between luxury indoor and outdoor living” was key. The owner has multiple areas for spending time with family or entertaining large groups, for instance. Similarly, from the lounges inside to the staterooms for the party of 12, “every detail is carefully considered to elevate the yachting experience,” notes Enrico Lumini of Hot Lab, which is handling interior design. Among them is a bridge-deck owner’s suite, rather than a main-deck suite.
It was important to set the right mood from room to room, too. The owner of the Bilgin NB83 yacht wants family and friends to feel welcomed into a warm yet polished environment. Hot Lab is making it happen through a combination of subdued tones, rich textures, and layered materials. “Today’s clients are far more design-conscious than they were 20 years ago,” Lumini points out. The actual materials themselves, how they blend, plus their surfaces make all the difference, he continues.
Although the yard isn’t yet revealing what else the owner requested, some clients’ desires have become permanent solutions. These include beefy passerelles, anchor observation pockets, and a bow garbage room. Further noteworthy, more than 90 percent of all projects, including the Bilgin NB83 yacht, see construction in house. It’s common throughout Europe to subcontract hulls and sometimes superstructures. Vertical integration allows adopting client-driven requests as standard features more readily.
Sea trials should start soon. Based on Tamasha’s performance, this new launch should see a cruising speed of 10 knots and top end of 16 knots. Delivery takes place early next year. “NB83 is sleek, sexy, and modern,” Özgün asserts.
Bilgin Yachts bilginyacht.com
Hot Lab hotlab.it
Unique Yacht Design uniqueyachtdesign.com
More About the Bilgin NB83 Yacht
LOA: 170’6” (52 meters)
Beam: 30’3” (9.25 meters)
Draft: 8’5” (2.6 meters)
Guests: 12 in 6 staterooms
Engines: 2/1,450-hp Caterpillars
Range: 5,000 nautical miles at 10 knots (half load)
Builder: Bilgin Yachts
Stylist: Unique Yacht Design
Naval Architect: Unique Yacht Design
Interior Designer: Hot Lab