The glorious Camila
The motor yacht *Camila*, sold in 2023 and previously known during its construction as *Project Ame*, was launched in May. Following its sea trials and even a brief cruise through the Mediterranean, the Turkish shipyard Bilgin Yachts officially unveiled the vessel at the Monaco Yacht Show, the premier global event for luxury yacht building, held this year from September 24 to 27. Experts and yachting enthusiasts had the opportunity to admire the yacht in person, appreciating not only the elegant exterior by Unique Yacht Design, responsible for both styling and engineering, but also the refined, futuristic interiors crafted by Hot Lab.
*Camila* is the second hull in Bilgin’s 50-meter Bilgin 163 series and is described as “a testament to Bilgin Yachts’ unwavering commitment to exquisite design and yachting adventures.” The yacht exudes a contemporary, sporty aesthetic, with a near-vertical bow and pronounced chines that hint at its excellent seakeeping capabilities. Its displacement hull, constructed from steel (with an aluminum superstructure), meets the standards of the RINA classification society and is well-suited for both high-speed sprints and leisurely long-distance cruising. Powered by two Caterpillar C32 diesel engines, each delivering 1,450 hp, the yacht reaches a top speed of 16.5 knots, while its 55,000-liter fuel capacity enables a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots.
Beyond its impressive performance, *Camila* boasts one of the largest open-deck spaces in its class—approximately 20% more than yachts of a similar length. The 21-meter-long sundeck is a standout feature, accommodating two beach areas with Jacuzzis, a central bar counter, and a dining sofa under the shade of a hardtop. During the day, stylish striped umbrellas provide relief from the sun, giving the yacht the ambiance of a chic Mediterranean beach resort.
Guests can also relax in the forward lounge on the upper deck, where tenders of the RIB type are discreetly stowed in a recessed area on the foredeck, keeping them out of sight. This clever deck layout is just one example of the yacht’s practicality. The walkways on either side of the wheelhouse are widened with balcony-like extensions of the bulwarks, allowing the crew to efficiently manage anchor operations and mooring maneuvers.
The aft section of the upper deck, two-thirds of which is shaded by the overhang of the sundeck, serves as a relaxed dining and lounging area. Guests can enjoy a round dining table for ten, a bar, and a spacious sofa. The cockpit on the main deck is similarly expansive, seamlessly connecting to the main saloon when the doors are open, creating a unified space perfect for hosting large gatherings.
Finally, the swim platform transforms into a luxurious beach club when the transom door is raised. Guests can lounge on sunbeds outside, while inside, they’ll find a gym with spectacular sea views from the treadmills.
“The exterior of *Camila* is a testament to the art of blending functionality with beauty,” says Emrecan Özgün, founder of Unique Yacht Design.
Moving inside, the yacht’s centerpiece is its grand spiral staircase, which leaves a lasting impression on all who step aboard. Featuring a stunning art installation at its core, the staircase connects all decks and doubles as a light shaft, thanks to thick glass inserts on the landings and partially glass outer walls. The result is a visual masterpiece, creating enchanting effects throughout the day and night.
The yacht is designed to comfortably accommodate 12 guests, with its 499 GT of interior volume allowing for generously sized living spaces.
The Milan-based studio Hot Lab, which designed its second 50-meter superyacht for Bilgin, focused on fluid lines and clean architectural volumes. Spaces flow seamlessly into each other, with bold design choices that eschew straight angles and rigid parallels wherever possible—from the “waisted” silhouettes of columns to the custom furniture with biomorphic shapes. Premium materials, chosen in a unified and understated color palette, lend the interiors a sense of sophistication.
“The moment you step aboard, you are immersed in an atmosphere of refined elegance and understated luxury. *Camila’s* interior harmoniously blends modern aesthetics with timeless style, creating visually stunning yet inviting spaces,” says Enrico Lumini, co-founder of Hot Lab and head of design.
The upper deck saloon, as is customary on superyachts, is considered the “informal” space, featuring a game table, bar, and deep sofas that encourage socializing. Meanwhile, the main deck saloon, while fulfilling its role as a more formal area, exudes a relaxed vibe. It houses a dining table for 12 and the largest sofa ensemble on board. The curved seating, complemented by the smooth silhouette of the twin coffee tables at its center and the soft, wavy texture of the carpet, creates an atmosphere of comfort. Cutouts in the bulwarks opposite the large windows allow for uninterrupted views of the sea on both sides of the vessel. A white-and-blue color scheme, accented with natural wood tones and soft concealed lighting, gives the space a bright and airy feel, reminiscent of a summer morning.
The master suite is located on the same deck but positioned forward for maximum privacy. Walking down the corridor to the right of the main staircase (with the galley and service areas to the left), you first enter the owner’s office. A marble desk faces a panoramic window, while hidden library shelves are positioned behind it. The 43-square-meter bedroom offers ample space for multiple functional zones. A sofa sits to starboard, while a vanity table and walk-in closet are located to port. The forward wall features a large mirrored television flanked by entrances to his-and-hers bathrooms, both clad in light marble with a subtle green tint.
Five guest suites are located midship on the lower deck. The full-beam VIP suite features its own lounge area and a bathroom with dual sinks. The remaining four cabins have a symmetrical layout: two are configured as twins, while the other two feature double beds oriented with headboards facing the hull sides. Warm tones of beige, blush, and honey create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in these spaces.
“We are immensely proud to see this project come to life, and I am grateful to the experienced client who played an active role in the yacht’s design process,” says Berkay Yilmaz, Commercial Director of Bilgin Yachts. “*Camila* will sail in U.S. waters but is sure to turn heads wherever she appears.”
This rewritten version captures the professional tone and polished style of a native English-speaking yachting journalist while preserving the original structure and details.
