Charter yacht of the week: Mengi Yay's 48m Serenissima II

Each week, we select one of the world's finest superyachts for charter. This week, we take a closer look at Serenissima II, the second unit in Mengi Yay's sub-500GT Serenissima series. Delivered in 2025, the superyacht is now cruising the Mediterranean, where she will remain for the winter season too. Serenissima II features both exterior and interior design by Italian firm Nuvolari Lenard, with Dutch studio Van Oossanen Naval Architects responsible for her naval architecture.

Why charter Serenissima II?

Defined by a cool and steely exterior and a turquoise boot stripe along the waterline, the 48-metre Serenissima II is a commanding sight. While she has accommodation on board for 10, there is more than enough space on board for entertaining and additional guests quayside.

The yacht for charter has plenty of balconies, an impressive wine cellar, spa pools and a clear foredeck for yoga sessions or morning Bloody Marys. Serinissima II's sundeck was highlighted by the yard as "one of the largest in this category of yachts", featuring a sunbathing area aft, a mini pool and a sheltered lounge area.

Entertaining spaces run throughout and include a gentleman's lounge with an indoor cinema and a swimming pool alongside the sundeck. A gym keeps fitness routines on track, while zero-speed stabilisers are fitted for comfort at anchor.

Built in steel hull and aluminium superstructure to a design by Nuvolari Lenard, Serenissima II is classed by RINA and flagged in Malta. She carries an excellent water toy collection, including a Saxdor 400 GTO chase boat.

Interior mood

The main saloon is designed around a restrained palette of warm timber, cream upholstery and softly veined stone. Full-height windows run the length of the space, drawing natural light in. The furniture is low-slung, with deep sofas and free-standing chairs arranged around a sculptural coffee table and carefully placed decorative pieces. Forward, the main interior dining area features a long table with seating for all 10 guests.

In the gentleman’s lounge, the yacht’s otherwise pared-back aesthetic becomes slightly richer with darker timber and softly upholstered sofas. Here, the glass-fronted wine cellar becomes a feature in its own right, located in full view, so guests can peruse the impressive collection. The space also connects directly to a fold-down balcony. The detailing is tactile with ribbed timber surfaces, brushed metal accents and soft fabrics.

The soft, neutral scheme and a strong emphasis on light continue into the guest cabins. The bathrooms pair pale stone with warm timber and discreet metallic detailing. Accommodation on board is for 10 guests including an owner's suite, which occupies the full width of its own deck, opening onto a private terrace with a dining area, sunpads and a Jacuzzi, On the lower deck, four further guest cabins are arranged with flexibility, including twin cabins forward, each with an en suite bathroom and aft staterooms that convert between separate doubles or a full-beam VIP suite.

Out on deck

Outside on deck, Serenissima II feels wide and open, with plenty of space for entertaining. The main deck aft is arranged with freestanding seating gathered around low tables and the main exterior dining area that makes the most of the yacht’s 8.8-metre beam. This is the place where long lunches drift into the afternoon and where the crew will magic up tablescapes that represent the location of the charter or the theme of dinner.

The foredeck has ample space, with no technical spaces. This is the spot where guests can have morning yoga classes, do sun salutations or simply sunbathe. On charter, it is an uncluttered terrace surrounded by the sea.

The sundeck has a combination of shaded seating, loose loungers and a substantial dining area that creates several distinct zones without breaking up the sense of space. The styling remains restrained, with pale upholstery and natural timber. There is a spa pool aft, surrounded by sunpads, which is one of the main sunbathing spots on board. A covered lounge sits further forward, offering guests a place to retreat from the Mediterranean rays.

Should guests want to feel more connected to the water, they should head to the beach club, which sits almost at sea level when the yacht is at anchor. Here, guests can step straight into the sea or launch the yacht’s collection of toys.

Book Serenissima II

Serenissima II is available for charter with Ocean Independence at a weekly rate from €320,000. The yacht is available in the Mediterranean, specifically Croatia, Montenegro, France and Italy.