Yacht Serenissima I Is a Floating Boxing Ring, and Much More

Custom yachts result from owners who want something they simply can’t find already in the marketplace. Often they have creative ideas, too. The owner of the yacht Serenissima I, which launched last week in Turkey, had a particularly unusual desire. Actually, a few. He wanted a cruiser with a super-social “gentleman’s lounge” where you’d expect to find the master suite. Furthermore, and even more unexpected, he wanted the yacht to accommodate a boxing ring.

Knowing no semi-custom model could tick these boxes, the owner chose the custom shipyard Mengi Yay. He was confident the builder’s 50 years of construction would suit him well. He was also confident it could build a steel yacht according to his wishes as interpreted with Van Oossanen Naval Architects and Nuvolari Lenard.

The yacht Serenissima I, a.k.a. the yacht S1, is sporty in profile, yet somewhat unassuming in what lies in store. The 154-foot (47-meter) trideck, with a steel hull, bears styling by Nuvolari Lenard. Her huge swim platform and a wide-open—literally—main aft deck are the first signs of how atypical she is. Upon delivery, a fully restored, classic Riva Ariston speedboat will sit to port on the aft deck. A concealed overhead crane will launch and retrieve the boat, too. Even though the yacht Serenissima I has a dedicated toy garage, the owner wanted the Riva to be prominent.

Mengi Yay launches the yacht Serenissima I

Next, the megayacht has what the owner considers a gentleman’s lounge fully forward on the main deck. Within it, a glass-enclosed, walk-in wine cellar for dozens of bottles accompanies a large seating area and TV. The owner plans to welcome close friends and family, sharing stories over a glass or two of his favorite vintages. A fold-down balcony in the lounge lends yet another way to enjoy it, while taking in a beautiful anchorage.

Arguably, however, the most unusual of all the owner’s requests is the boxing ring for the foredeck. The ring isn’t a permanent structure. Rather, it’s gear to be set up by the crew when a friendly fitness match is on order. Similar to yachts with temporary sports netting for a variety of games, the yacht Serenissima I has attachment points to keep the netting secure. The foredeck is additionally flush for sure footing.

There’s actually one more creative aspect to the owner’s thinking. The two VIP guest staterooms (two twins are here as well) have a sliding wall between them. Therefore, they can transform into one full-beam VVIP suite.

Naturally, the owner reserves excellent space for his suite. It’s aft on the bridge deck, with the bed looking out over a private alfresco area. As lovely as the view will be, though, he’ll spend most days up on Serenissima I’s sundeck. This vast expanse has a hot tub, sunpads, and a dining table protected by glass windscreens and the hardtop. Come nighttime, a firepit will keep friends and family gathered for good conversations.

Sea trials are underway. Look for the yacht to debut at the Monaco Yacht Show next month.

In related news, the same owner has a sistership in build at Mengi Yay. Both Serenissima I and the sistership are for sale by Northrop & Johnson as well, since further custom projects may come soon enough.

Mengi Yay mengiyay.com

Northrop & Johnson northropandjohnson.com

Nuvolari Lenard nuvolari-lenard.com

Van Oossanen Naval Architects oossanen.nl