Carlo Nuvolari talks to DN: “Serenissima 1 is completely out of the box” – Video

During the Monaco Yacht Show 2025 we met with Carlo Nuvolari, co-founder of Nuvolari Lenard studio, on board the Serenissima 1, the first model of a new series of 47-metre superyachts built by Mengi Yay. He talked to us about a design philosophy that is “far from a traditional framework.”

“Serenissima 1 – shares the co-founder of Nuvolari Lenard with Daily Nautica – is a vessel of nearly 500GT but it has been designed to be managed by a fairly small crew, without giving up any space or functions that can be found on much larger yachts.”

Privacy on board – a revolution

The key concept that dominates this yacht is the owner’s privacy. This was a recurring theme during the interview, starting with some of Nuvolari’s very first words. “This boat is outside the box – he notes – because the layout focuses on giving the owner privacy, levels of privacy which are usually found on 60-metre vessels.”

A clear design choice because, differently from the traditional location of the owner’s suite in the bow, on the Serenissima 1, the owner occupies the entire aft section of the upper deck, having a space that is completely reserved both inside and outside. “Access from the lobby – says Carlo Nuvolari – is prohibited to the crew. Anyone wanting to go to the sun deck needs to bypass the owner’s area. This gives the impression of being a much larger yacht.”

Making this private deck even more exclusive is a personal lounge that Nuvolari defines as a “relax room” or “cigar room”, a space that is completely separate from the rest of the vessel, with no hallway. “This is a room – notes the designer – for privacy during the day. There is music, a cellar and a large balcony overlooking the water. It is rare to find such spaces on a boat of this size.”

A majestic exterior and sophisticated interior

Among some of the most surprising elements on the Serenissima 1 is, without a doubt, the sun deck, described by Nuvolari as the largest of its category. “I personally spent a few days there – reveals Nuvolari – and it is very well protected from the wind, which can also be enclosed. Even when there are 15 knot winds outside, you can still enjoy a coffee in peace.” The sun deck practically turns into a panoramic room with a 360-degree view, which is extremely versatile and can be enjoyed in every season.

In addition to the ingenious layout, Serenissima 1 stands out for its decided aesthetic: a powerful bow, a sculpted stern and outdoor spaces designed for entertainment and relaxation. The forward bridge can even host a custom boxing ring, while the beach club and cockpit have space for a tender or car.

The interiors, curated directly by Nuvolari Lenard, express warmth and elegance: walnut is the dominant wood, with bronze details, warm hues and spaces flooded with natural light. A distinctive trait? The internal elevator that connects all the decks, rare in a yacht under 500 GT.

A forward-looking design

Serenissima 1 is only the first model of a limited series, created to revolutionise the way a 47-metre yacht is seen. “The aim was to provide – concludes the co-founder of Nuvolari Lenard – the characteristics of a 60-metre yacht with a compact, efficient and easy-to-manage hull. A marriage of form and function, where each space is created to be fully enjoyed.” The hull, designed by the studio Van Oossanen, guarantees efficiency and autonomy (up to 4000 nautical miles), showcasing this ambitious design: to combine design, technology and comfort into a single concept.

by Ludovica Palì