Turkish builder Bilgin Yachts has revealed the first interior renderings of its in-build 82-metre superyacht known as Project Bond, which, when delivered, will become the shipyard's new flagship.
The unveiling comes months after the announcement of the project's sale at the 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show in the presence of the yacht's owner, American businessman and entrepreneur John Staluppi. Having owned and commissioned 18 yachts throughout his life – each one famously named after James Bond films following a fascination that began in childhood – the new build will become the largest yacht Staluppi has ever owned.
According to the yard, Project Bond has been designed as an evolution of Bilgin's 80-metre 263 platform and will be defined by "volume, light, long-range capability and a deeply personal approach to life at sea". At 82 metres, the yacht will surpass the yard's trio of 80-metre flagship builds, Tatiana, Leona and the recently unveiled Al Reem.
Emrecan Özgün of Unique Yacht Design is responsible for the exterior styling and naval architecture, while Jonny Horsfield of H2 Yacht Design is behind the yacht's interiors - marking another collaboration between the design teams, who penned all three of the yard's 80-metre Bilgin 263 builds.
Project Bond is defined by modern exterior lines and will feature a soft, immersive and open onboard experience thanks to expansive, floor-to-ceiling glazing, flowing sightlines and a seamless relationship between interior and exterior spaces, the yard noted. Highlighting the yacht's personal touch, Staluppi's wife, Jeanette, will be involved in the yacht's interior design – particularly in the layout, the onboard atmosphere and the "day-to-day livability" – with significant input given to the entertainment and relaxation areas.
Initial renderings reveal Project Bond's Art Deco-inspired interior, decorated with a range of materials, including lavish marbles, rich woods and lacquered surfaces, and a colour scheme of neutral tones and shades of blue.
Jonny Horsfield, founder and creative director of H2 Yacht Design, explained the choice behind the design: "The client has previously owned a yacht designed by H2 Design with a contemporary interior, but he was particularly impressed with two interiors we had designed that illustrated our modern take on Art Deco style, so this was the starting point."
He continued: "The clients live on board for many weeks a year, so primarily the interior has to be livable and comfortable; however, I’m definitely trying to create a grand, rich style and a definite WOW factor. Unlike many yachts of this size today, we are not following a new fashion or trend; instead, we have created a timeless classic interior." Horsfield is also responsible for the exterior deck spaces, creating a consistent design language throughout the yacht led by both richness and usability.
Though yet to be revealed, a defining architectural feature on board is an open staircase which links the main saloon to the beach club. Horsfield explained: “Connecting these two areas so openly is very rare. The main saloon is the highlight area of the interior as she captures the modern art deco vibe perfectly.”
The sale of Project Bond was overseen by Berkay Yılmaz, commercial director of Bilgin Yachts; yachting advisor Peter Thompson; and Simon Graham, sales broker at FGI Yacht Group, who is acting as the owner's representative throughout construction. Graham commented: “From an emotional standpoint, John wanted a yacht where he could sit back, travel the world with family and friends, and simply enjoy life at sea in this next chapter. For him, this is about creating lasting memories rather than chasing the next build."
Alongside a shallow draught of 3.6 metres designed specifically for cruising Staluppi's favoured shallow waters, the 82-metre build will offer a 5,000-nautical-mile range, a top speed of 17.5 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots, with power from twin MTU 16V 4000M73 engines. Other key specs include a 13-metre beam and a volume of 2,150GT. The shipyard will announce further details on the new flagship's layout, materials and onboard features in due course.
According to BOATPro, Bilgin Yachts currently has 13 yachts in build or on order. Last month, BOAT International sat down with Staluppi to reveal all about the decision behind building his final superyacht.
Read More/Inside John Staluppi’s final superyacht: The 82m Bilgin flagship built to be his ultimate yacht