16 December 2024

Bilgin Yachts launch “Al Reem”: the third 80-metre in a successful series

16 December 2024

Turkish shipyard Bilgin Yachts closes the year with the launch of Al Reem, a bold superyacht with “soberly opulent” interiors

3 minutes of reading

Bilgin Yachts close 2024 with the launch of Al Reem, an 80-metre-long superyacht that marks the third in a trilogy of vessels of the same tonnage to be built by the Turkish shipyard. The first was Tatiana, in 2020, the biggest yacht ever built in Turkey, then Leona, which won a number of awards including first place for “Outstanding Exterior Design: Motor Yachts 60m and Above” at the BOAT Design & Innovation Awards 2024, and now this new vessel, resulting from three years of meticulous work.

Al Reem, a growing inheritance

Al Reem has inherited the qualities of its predecessors built by Bilgin, improving further, however, on innovation and design, as well as luxury on board. And it shows a bold and modern side too: “Al Reem stands out for its dynamic and elegant characteristics – explains Berkay Yılmaz, sales manager for Bilgin Yachts – that make it different from other designs in the same series. The combination of metallic green and white gives it a sporty, aggressive look.”

“Even though Al Reem is the youngest in this series – adds Emrecan Özgün, founder and CEO of Unique Yacht Design, who curated the naval architecture and exteriors – it is the largest, with a gross tonnage of 1,758 GT, nearly 100 gross tonnes heavier than Tatiana. In order to achieve this objective, we completely redesigned the superstructure, with a more streamlined, imposing yet elegant profile.”

A “breathtaking” design

For the interior, Bilgin Yachts worked with H2 Yacht Design, who also worked on the other two vessels in the trilogy. Johnny Horsfield, founder of H2 Yacht Design, decided to create a completely new aesthetic, concentrating on a “light and neutral colour palette, that is fresh yet relaxing, creating a sophisticated and timeless result. Alongside the opaque wood, which creates a warm organic base for the spaces, is the counterpoint of the more bold polished stainless steel. Wainscotting in soft cream coloured leather transmit a feeling of sober opulence, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.” The flooring is a mix of wood and silk carpet, creating softness under bare feet, while the glass and marble ad light and brightness.

Al Reem’s owner wanted to create a serene oasis, centred around calm, purity and relaxation. A vision that was interpreted through the interior design and layout, creating a connection with the water and surrounding environment. Multifunctional spaces, created for socialising and interaction, follow an open plan layout, which encourages contact with the water. The large windows in the day area increases that feeling of connection with the sea. The aft deck, 20% larger than the two previous vessels, has space for relaxing and fun, while the owner’s suite to the bow, looks out over the seascape with a 360° view and has an outdoor terrace with a hot tub.

“Building Al Reem – notes Marino Perkusic, who represents the owner – was an incredible partnership. In spite of the initial challenges, Bilgin was proactive and the flexible team quickly established a productive working relationship. Their creativity and attention to detail surpassed all expectations, turning the owner’s vision into reality, something truly breathtaking.”