When Boyd Taylor and Elizabeth Neville first set out to build their dream boat, they weren’t looking to start a shipyard. They were simply passionate yacht owners with a shared conviction: that yachting didn’t have to come at the cost of the environment.
But as the husband-and-wife duo began to explore sustainable solutions, from hybrid propulsion systems to solar-powered cruising, they quickly realised the market was lagging behind. So, they did what any visionary duo would do: they took matters into their own hands, and in 2019, Serenity Yachts was born.
Founded on a mission to deliver elegant, eco-conscious vessels, Serenity Yachts merges Taylor and Neville’s firsthand knowledge as owners with a forward-thinking approach to design and construction. While the company is American-owned, its production hub is located in the well-developed tourist area of Antalya in the heart of Europe.
"Our shipyard’s tax-free location is not only stunning and convenient, with world-class infrastructure and an international airport just hours from the rest of Europe, but it’s also backed by robust American financial stability, giving clients confidence in every project,” says Ozgur Cigdem, managing director of Serenity Yachts.
From this strategic base, Serenity Yachts has steadily earned a reputation for more than just solar-powered catamarans. Its capabilities span everything from new builds to complex refits, such as the transformative project that turned a 42-metre yacht into the fully rebuilt, custom 50-metre Thanuja. The refit was so extensive that it involved stretching the hull by eight metres and completely overhauling the layout, boosting internal volume from 380GT to 440GT.
According to the shipyard, building an eco-yacht is a process of refinement and something it understands deeply. "Through years of trial and refinement, we’ve learned what works by seeing what doesn’t,” Cigdem explains. “This experience sets us apart, allowing Serenity Yachts to deliver a stable, thoroughly tested platform that our clients can trust.” That ethos has led to the launch of Serenity’s most ambitious model yet: the Serenity Celestia 72.
An evolution of the popular 19.4-metre Serenity 64, the 22-metre Serenity Celestia 72 features a beam of 11 metres, offering 320 square metres of indoor-outdoor living space. Renowned French studio Darnet Design developed both the interior and exterior with a refined, contemporary aesthetic, informed by extensive market research.
Renderings show a streamlined, low-profile exterior and a contemporary, light-filled interior. On deck, there are plenty of spaces for comfortable outdoor living and waterside enjoyment. Up top, the 57-square-metre flybridge could be used for anything from chilling out to entertaining, complete with a galley, barbecue, dining area, sun loungers and a four-person Jacuzzi. At the stern, a hydraulic swim platform provides the perfect launchpad for water toys, capable of accommodating a tender of up to six metres, or simply lounging by the sea. A thoughtful touch is the addition of a side-deck garage for extra storage - ideal for a motorbike, scooter or e-bikes.
Inside, the styling is minimalist yet warm, with light woods, creamy textiles and panoramic windows throughout. Together, the shipyard and design studio offer a flexible, client-led design process. Owners can choose from a variety of layouts and style options to create a fully personalised vessel. "Our personal approach differentiates us from production yards,” says Cigdem. “Whether it’s an 18-metre or a 50-metre yacht, we build relationships and treat every client like a superyacht owner, ensuring their vision is realised with meticulous attention to detail.”
For instance, the main deck forward could become a master cabin, cinema room, gym or observation lounge, all with direct access to an al fresco bow cockpit. The main saloon features a raised helm station to port and a raised panoramic saloon to starboard, meaning the rest of the space can be tailored to suit the owner's lifestyle with a galley, formal dining or an entertainment zone, for example. Accommodation is also flexible - layouts range from three to five guest cabins, and crew quarters can house between one and four crew members.
When it comes to practicality and performance, the Celestia 72 is engineered for long-range cruising, boasting a 3,000-nautical-mile range and a shallow draught that lets her explore bays and anchorages many yachts can’t reach. Flat roof sections allow for integrated solar panels, giving her up to 10 hours of autonomy without switching on the engines or generators. What’s more, her lightweight aluminium hull further enhances fuel efficiency, with the added benefit of excellent sound insulation.
For owners who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing style or performance, Serenity Yachts might just offer the best of both worlds. Visit the Serenity Yachts website to find out more about the Serenity Celestia 72.
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