Turkish shipyard Bilgin Yacht has announced the sale of the second 49.9-metre Bilgin 163, known as Project Ame. The sale was handled by Frank Grzeszczak Jr., vice president and sales broker of FGI Yacht Group, and Berkay Yılmaz, commercial director of Bilgin Yachts. The yacht will be based in the US.
Italian design studio Hot Lab will be responsible for the yacht's interior, working to create a "modern, rich, yet warm" onboard atmosphere, according to Enrico Lumini, partner and head of design at Hot Lab.
This is achieved with a mix of materials including exposed woods, laminated glass with meshed metal accents, chrome finishes and rich Italian fabrics. Masculine elements are balanced by soft touches.
According to Lumini, the focus is on “clean architectural volumes with a renewed sense for a softness of lines.” To this end, there will be a gentle transition between every colour and material used on board. Natural tones like champagne, cream and pearl grey feature throughout.
Generous head heights contribute to the sense of space and a full-height round glass wall separates the lobby from the main saloon. Here, low bulwarks and full-height windows enhance the sense of connection to the water.
Berkay Yılmaz, commercial director of Bilgin Yachts praised the use of natural light on board. "Hot Lab team has added special features such as a floating staircase, skylight at sundeck floor and an amazing chandelier in the main lobby,” he said.
Exteriors and naval architecture have been completed by Unique Yacht Design and the yacht aims to offer a 20 per cent increase in onboard space when compared to other yachts of a similar size.
Emrecan Özgün, of Unique Yacht Design, said that the yacht will have a “sportive” look that is achieved through larger-than-average exterior areas, including a 21-metre-long sundeck and 12-metre-long bridge deck aft. She is also expected to have a large beach club and features a six-cabin layout.
“We foresee a further enhancement in the distinctive signature of Bilgin Yachts,” said chief executive officer İsmail Şengün. “Bilgin 163 is one of our most ambitious projects and a perfect sample of what we can offer to our clients.”
Project Ame is due for delivery in spring 2024. Equipped with twin 1,450 CAT engines, the yacht is expected to have a top speed of around 17 knots.
The latest 163 is one of seven Bilgin projects currently in build and had its technical launch in July 2022. It comes at a busy time for the yard, with the 80-metre Leona hitting the water earlier this year.