- Riva Ariston as an eye-catcher
- Aesthetics with functionality
- "Serenissima I" comes with Boxing ring and hobby room
- Fully private owner's deck
- Sun deck 16 metres long
- Gentlemen's Club with balcony
- Flexibly constructed lower deck on the "Serenissima I"
- Double premiere with continuation
- Cooperation is being expanded
The features mentioned above actually sound like a 60 metre or even longer yacht with well over 500 gross tonnes. However, the "Serenissima I" - known as the S1 for short - is only 499 gross tonnes, which the highly experienced Czech owner had the Nuvolari Lenard design studio very skilfully compress to a length of 47 metres. "Thanks to her range of 4,000 nautical miles, but also thanks to her compact size, the S1 is open to numerous destinations," says Carlo Nuvolari, outlining the versatile range of possible uses, even off the Mediterranean, and explains: "This versatile design package was achieved without making any compromises. With more than three decades of experience, we were able to transfer numerous ideas from our much larger superyacht projects to the S1."
Riva Ariston as an eye-catcher
His partner Dan Lenard also emphasises the successful combination of masculine aspects such as the powerful, high front and the feminine lines of the slim profile. Traditionally, the Venetian design studio is not only concerned with aesthetics. This can be seen at the stern, where a Riva Ariston with the number 131 is parked on the port side of the main deck and displayed in a representative manner. The 2.6-tonne cranes integrated almost invisibly above it and the lounge furniture to starboard make this area far more than just a "parking space" for Riva's refurbished gem.
Of course, almost any other seven-metre tender could also be transported here. As an alternative to the Riva, the exclusive character and exquisite taste of the current owner would probably be satisfied by an equally valuable vintage car on four wheels, which could become a visible signet on the side in the same place.
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Aesthetics with functionality
However, the Nuvolari Lenard team was faced with an equally difficult decision. What was the most elegant way to support the considerable weight of the two cranes and tender as well as the owner's deck above, including the jacuzzi? "We definitely wanted to keep the deck protected from above and open on both sides, but as free of supports as possible," says naval architect Carlo Nuvolari, recalling the genesis of the project.
The solution is the striking, black-painted struts aft, which support the weight in the bow and at the same time further increase the recognisability of Mengi Yay's largest yacht to date. "Yes, they even look attractive, but they are based on functionality," says Nuvolari, adding in principle: "If something is designed purely for the sake of beauty, it may be futuristic or extravagant, but it will age very quickly visually. Our designs are always about function first and foremost."
"Serenissima I" comes with Boxing ring and hobby room
The central steps to and from the wide bathing platform also follow this philosophy. The additional retractable and fold-out transformer gangway allows easy access into the sea or ashore. In keeping with the owner's philosophy, a few steps behind a hatch on the port side lead down to a teak-clad multifunctional area. The sink, among other things, makes it seem predestined for diving or water sports equipment. Fitness equipment would also find a suitable place here. However, the technically enthusiastic and experienced owner - an engineer himself - primarily planned it as a hobby room with a personal workshop where he can work away undisturbed.
The Seabobs in the corresponding design are another reminder of his passion for Riva. The water scooters can also be stowed in the bow, in the garage accessible from the port side, next to the two jet skis and the lifeboat.
Directly above this is a completely flat area that would be large enough for a touch-and-go helipad, but is intended to serve another, very special purpose in addition to sunbathing. The foredeck provides the fastenings for corner posts on which a boxing ring of professional dimensions and equipment can be mounted. The seating on the Portuguese bridge or hanging chairs under the overhang of the sun deck invite you to watch. The captain mimes the referee from the helm and the owner retires to his cabin after the sparring session, hopefully without injury, without having to leave the deck.
Fully private owner's deck
While the captain and the eight crew members move into their comparatively spacious cabins on the lower deck, the upper deck behind the helm station, day bath and staircase, including lift and discreetly integrated washing machine and tumble dryer, is reserved for the owner.
The forward area features a panoramic bathroom on the port side, a Giorgetti desk and chair, a walk-in wardrobe and a king-size bed. Aft, the owner's deck is completed by a conservatory which, thanks to the sliding glass doors, is not part of the precious interior volume. The elegantly curved wellness pool surrounded by sunbathing areas beckons onto the terrace behind.
Sun deck 16 metres long
Owners and guests reach the actual sun deck via steps on the starboard side directly behind the bridge - the crew via their own staircase opposite. Once upstairs, a jacuzzi, two raised seats and a sunbathing area with an integrated bar and a view ahead await under the open sky.
This is followed by an area covered by a hardtop, whose glass doors and walls once again guarantee effective protection from the wind. This benefits the dining table as well as the two corner sofas with a view of the gas fireplace and beyond the stern. According to Mengi Yay, the largest sun deck of all comparable yachts of this size also offers plenty of room to manoeuvre, for example for a treadmill or other sports equipment.
Gentlemen's Club with balcony
Two decks below, the client and the design team once again showed off their creativity by occupying the traditional position of the owner's cabin in a rather unconventional way. On "Serenissima I", this prominent position is occupied by the Gentlemen's Club. Where the bed would otherwise be, an L-shaped sofa and armchairs from Minotti now invite you to linger. Entertainment is provided either by the large screen or the compact electric piano next to it. There is probably no need for either, and socialising will set the tone.
The real highlight of the lounge contributes to this: the glazed and well-tempered bodega. Translucent onyx illuminates wines, spirits and cigars from the exquisite collection of the boxing Riva aficionado. The crimson-coloured slicing machine from Berkel Volano also appeals to the senses of connoisseurs. Fresh sea air flows in through a fold-down balcony, which offers space for two armchairs.
The day toilet aft to starboard serves the gentlemen's club as well as the main saloon, which is dominated by an oval marble dining table by Giorgetti. Vis-à-vis the Minotti sofa, a permanently installed television fills one side of the saloon, but the Riva Ariston is likely to attract the most attention.
Flexibly constructed lower deck on the "Serenissima I"
One deck below are two cabins with single beds and the hull-wide VIP suite with Bodema sofa bed to starboard. If required, the centre sliding wall can be converted into two cabins with separate bathrooms and entrances.
Novulari Lenard and Valentina Zannier chose high-quality materials for the interior, such as Calacatta Borghini, brown Sequoia marble, hand-stitched nubuck leather, brushed bronze inlays and walnut wood, all precisely crafted by Mengi Yay. "When I first visited the shipyard, I was fascinated by two things in particular - firstly the quality of the steel construction and secondly the quality of the woodworking," says Carlo Nuvolari, looking back on the start of the collaboration with the Turks and adds: "Their passion for yacht building is remarkable!" It may also be rooted in the history of the shipyard and the owner family's roots as carpenters.
Double premiere with continuation
The shipyard with halls in Tuzla, south-east of the centre of Istanbul, and almost 60 years of experience in building a wide variety of boats, has been concentrating on yachts since 2006. The moulds mostly come from the computers of Italian design studios such as VYD, with whom Mengi Yay is currently working on the construction of two 53-metre explorers.
"Serenissima I" represents a double première, in terms of the collaboration with Nuvolari Lenard and the official presence during the Monaco Yacht Show. S1 was the first Mengi Yay yacht to be presented by the traditional shipyard at the season highlight in Port Hercule. The fact that she is also being offered for sale via Northrop & Johnson for 35.8 million euros is due to her sister ship. Just three months after signing the contract for "Serenissima I", the yacht aficionado ordered build number two just in time for the new season this year.
Cooperation is being expanded
In addition, the cooperation between Nuvolari Lenard and Mengi Yay continues to gather pace. After the successful start with the S1 series, the next semi-custom projects will also bear the initials of the Venetian creative address. Construction of the first 52-metre NL 50 Plus is progressing rapidly and the NL 60 Plus and NL 65 Plus are even larger concepts from the design duo awaiting implementation in Turkey. "Serenissima I" will probably not be the last Mengi Yay to moor in the Principality at the end of September.
