First look inside 48m Mengi Yay yacht Serenissima I

Turkish yard Mengi Yay has released interior imagery of the first unit in its sub-500GT Serenissima I (S1) series.

Designed by Italian firm Nuvolari Lenard, the 47.5-metre was commissioned by an experienced owner who wanted the deck and interior space of a larger vessel in a Med-friendly package, with "showstopper features" that include an elevator, a dedicated owner's deck and a spacious sundeck.

The S1 model features a steel hull and aluminium frame and has been conceived for both range and speed. With naval architecture by Dutch studio Van Oossanen Naval Architects, the yacht's stable and efficient hull shape allows for a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 12 knots.

"Her lines do reflect a certain masculinity, with a powerful, high bow and an unmistakable aft characterised by a transformer platform and water sports area,” said Dan Lenard, designer and co-founder of Nuvolari Lenard. "But she also has her graceful, feminine touches too, from her sleek and elegant profile to her serene interior design."

Interiors have been designed by the Nuvolari Lenard team with "artistic direction" by Valentina Zannier. Imagery reveals a warm, colourful aesthetic with textured wood panels and bronze details. Floor-to-ceiling windows also lend a lightness across all living spaces.

Guest accommodation includes four cabins, with two cabins able to be converted into a VIP suite by way of a moveable partition. The owner's deck is on the bridge deck and arranged with an aft-facing suite, an en suite bathroom with "big vistas" and a private terrace that can be sheltered under the sundeck overhang, for versatility in all seasons.

According to the shipyard, the sundeck is "one of the largest in this category of yachts" and features a sunbathing area aft, a mini pool with a view towards the bow and a completely sheltered lounge area. The model also has a main saloon complete with a balcony and a wine cellar. 

The beach club and cockpit are entirely sheltered, with the latter arranged with sofa seating, a bar and folding bulwarks. A retractable, 2.6-tonne crane has been installed that is capable of accommodating a large tender or car. There is also enough room to store dive equipment, a 7.2-metre guest tender, two additional tenders and a Jet Ski. 

The S1 model is one of four recently released NL-branded superyachts, including a 52-metre NL 50 Plus model, and two larger models known as the NL 60 Plus and NL 65 Plus.

Serenissima I is currently on the market with Northrop & Johnson, making her one of the world's most expensive yachts for sale.