The latest 50-metre vessel in the acclaimed Bilgin 163 series, M/Y Camila, emerges from Istanbul as a testament to collaborative design and bespoke craftsmanship. Following her delivery in May, this superyacht is set to make her grand debut at the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show.
The launch of a new superyacht is always a moment of celebration, but with Camila, Bilgin Yachts has orchestrated something truly special. The fourth vessel in the successful 50-metre Bilgin 163 series, she follows in the wake of her sister ships Snow 5, Starburst III, and Eternal Spark. Yet, Camila carves her own distinct identity, born from a remarkable synergy between the shipyard, her experienced owner, and a team of world-class designers. While Camila takes the spotlight in Monaco, her launch is part of a landmark year for the shipyard which also saw the delivery of her magnificent fleet mate, the 80-metre M/Y Al Reem. Al Reem is the much- anticipated and voluminous final sister in the shipyard’s landmark 80-metre trilogy, which launched at the end of 2024. “Camila reflects the culmination of our dedication to excellence,” says İsmail Şengün, CEO of Bilgin Yachts. “We’re thrilled to deliver a vessel that truly represents the best of Bilgin Yachts.” This success was fostered through a seamless partnership with Unique Yacht Design, responsible for the naval architecture and a striking exterior, and the renowned Italian studio Hot Lab, which curated the yacht’s refined interiors.
An Exterior Defined by Volume and Flow
Unique Yacht Design’s primary philosophy for the Bilgin 163 platform was to create a vessel that feels intrinsically connected to the sea. Camila achieves this with a design that offers an astonishing 20% more exterior space than comparable 48-metre yachts, all without compromising her sleek, athletic profile.
“Our approach is centered on enhancing open-air living through thoughtfully arranged, spacious, and sheltered deck areas,” explains Emrecan Özgün, CEO of Unique Yacht Design. Key to this is a layout that boasts a 21-metre-long sundeck and a 12-metre-long bridge deck aft. These proportions create a harmonious relationship between the yacht and the sea, allowing guests to enjoy each level with comfort and ease, without adding visual weight to the yacht’s sleek and sporty profile.
An Interior of Sophisticated Serenity
Stepping inside, Hot Lab’s design narrative unfolds in an atmosphere of calm sophistication. The interior is a masterclass in texture and tone, blending modern aesthetics with a timeless, comfortable elegance. “The interior design effortlessly blends modern aesthetics with timeless style, creating spaces that are both inviting and visually stunning,” notes Enrico Lumini, Partner and Head of Design at Hot Lab. The main saloon is a testament to this vision, featuring oversized, curved sofas and a soothing palette of natural woods, polished metals, and luxurious textiles. A palette of exquisite stones -including Travertine, Silky Georgette, and Calacatta Gold- is used throughout, yet blended so masterfully “as if they were part of a single piece,” says Lumini. Dominating the formal dining space is a striking chandelier, while a custom onyx table serves as a centerpiece of incredible craftsmanship. Perhaps the most dramatic feature is the lobby’s six-metre-high chandelier, composed of hundreds of individual glass leaves. Camila accommodates up to 12 guests across six staterooms, each offering privacy and comfort. The full-beam owner’s suite is a sanctuary of tranquility, featuring expansive windows, a private study with panoramic views, and a harmonious blend of Eucalyptus wood, striped glass, and creamy carpets. And beneath her elegant lines, Camila is a formidable trans-oceanic explorer. Built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the 499 GT yacht is powered by twin 1,450 hp Caterpillar C32 engines. She achieves a top speed of 16.5 knots and boasts an impressive range of approximately 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots, combining robust performance with the stability of a full-displacement hull.
The Grand Finale: The 80-Metre M/Y Al Reem
Marking the triumphant conclusion of its 80-metre series, Bilgin launched Al Reem at the end of 2024. Following in the footsteps of the revolutionary Tatiana and the award-winning Leona, Al Reem enhances the legacy of her predecessors with fresh innovations. “While Al Reem is the youngest sister in this series, she is the most voluminous,” explains exterior designer Emrecan Özgün. Boasting a gross tonnage of 1,758 GT, her superstructure was completely redesigned to create “smooth, flowing lines and an imposing yet elegant profile”. Her mast is 20% larger than her sisterships’, and her aft decks have been extended to provide 20% more outdoor living space. For the interiors, Bilgin again partnered with H2 Yacht Design. “We developed a completely new interior aesthetic for Al Reem, focusing on a light and neutral palette that feels fresh yet calming on the soul,” says Jonny Horsfield, founder of H2 Yacht Design. The design blends warm, organic matt timbers with the sleek refinement of polished stainless steel, plush cream leather, and soft silk carpets. The owner’s vision was to create a “serene oasis focused on calmness, purity, and relaxation”. This was translated through modern aesthetics and an open layout that encourages a connection with nature. Marino Perkusic, representing the owner, praised the shipyard’s execution: “Their creativity and attention to detail exceeded all expectations, translating the owner’s vision into a breathtaking reality.” Al Reem accommodates 12 guests who are tended to by 24 crew members. As Bilgin Yachts looks ahead, with 14 new yachts in build -including seven of the new 52-metre Bilgin 170 series, a 74-meter and an 86-meter yachts- Camila stands as a powerful statement of intent. She is not merely a new vessel but a showcase of the shipyard’s forward-thinking approach and its mastery in translating an owner’s vision into a stunning reality.