Carlo Nuvolari reveals the design secrets behind Serenissima 1

They say that good things come in small packages, and this is certainly the case with Serenissima 1, but to name the yacht that does little justice. The 47-meter yacht is designed in such a way that it is compact and grabs all the luxury, versatility, reach and ability of a 60-meter yacht.

Serenissima 1 is ideal for the Mediterranean with its size and its sub-500GT package. The steel and aluminum yacht build on the Mengi Yay Shipyard in Turkey, which was designed by the renowned Venetian design studio Nuvolarei-Lenard, gave its world debut at the Monaco Boat Show 2024.

The naval architect Carlo Nuvoli, co-founder of Nuvolarei-Lenard, shows the design secrets of the yacht and what makes it so special.

Congratulations on the world debut of Serenissima 1. Please tell us about the inspiration behind the design of the yacht and this is so unique.

Carlo Nuvolari: Serenissima I was developed for an experienced owner who wanted to condense the experience of a larger boat in a smaller 500 GT boat. A larger 60-65 meter boat usually has large side passages, a huge predecessor and clean rooms. We brought some of these features on this 47-meter boat, e.g. The privacy of the owner's cabin, which is located on a top deck, is not normal on a 500 GT boat. It has a private lounge outside with a glass veranda that you can open and close. As a result, you can also do the room outside the season or when it is cold. It's like a greenhouse, which is a nice function on a boat.

How is Serenissima 1 otherwise different from other yachts of this size?

Traditionally on a boat of this size, the owner's cabin is located on the main deck. But after the experience of a larger boat, the owner wanted more privacy and no noise if the CEW anchor. One of the things you experience on a boat in the morning when you lift your anchor is your cabin on a 50 meter usually right behind the anchor, which is not good for noise. We wanted to bring the owner into the upper deck and below, there is a garage and what we call “relaxed space”.

What are favorite functions on board?

The “relaxed room”, which is a private space with a balcony. His only purpose is to offer the owner or the guest a real, private place. On yachts with two salons – the main salon on the main deck and the upper salon – you cannot have any real privacy because there is a human flow. This lounge is in a dead end and there is only one door. As soon as you lock you up, you have your privacy. This is very much appreciated by humans, because if you have guests or a loud family, what do you do? Do you close in your bedroom? This is like your private studio, but it's not for work. It's just to relax. It also has a wine cellar and a cigar room.

How do you approach a new project like this?

If it is an individual project, we have to look the owner in the eye and get to know them, because the boat has to reflect everything that his personality has to reflect. We talk to you and take a look at how you live, what lifestyle and personality you are so that we can understand what the right boat should be for you. If you receive an order via a piece of paper, you cannot make a successful design. You could make a nice design, but that's a nice design for you, but certainly not for him. You wouldn't do your house like that. Why should you make your yacht like that?

What are the values ​​of the Nuvolari Lenard Studio?

The signature is the success and appreciation of people. All of our designs are unique. We do not repeat ourselves or copy and do not add our designs. The value of the studio should be creative every time. The best project, if you ask me, is always the next. Yes, we can look back on the history of the Yachting, but if you want to do something good, you have to look forward.

What do you think will be a yachting in the future?

Unfortunately, I saw a trend when sailing, the “real estate ging” is the demand in certain parts of the market applies to “volume, volume, volume” without getting the marine properties. But the recent events tell us that the sea is hard and can always win. So we never have to forget that we build boats, not houses. The design trend is for more life outdoors, so that more spaces like verandas that we can open and close. This is a trend because people want to enjoy the outdoor area and the protection against the sun. The majority of people like the sun, but they know that this can be harmful to their health, so they want protected, protected areas.