Men's club
The exterior and interior design of the Mereley I motor yacht are the work of Milan-based studio Hot Lab. This fully custom project seamlessly combines the characteristics of an explorer and a sporty yacht: its masculine hull exudes strength and reliability while maintaining an elegant profile and striking bright blue color. According to Enrico Lumini, co-founder and design director at Hot Lab, the team aimed to give the classic explorer yacht a more refined appearance. As a result, "Mereley I’s forms pay homage to expedition vessel traditions while boasting more dynamic lines and a sporty spirit."
The semi-displacement steel hull measures 34.6 meters in length and 7.6 meters in width, featuring an axe-shaped bow. The hull sides are significantly raised at the bow, enhancing seaworthiness (the yacht confidently cuts through waves, with prominent chines ensuring stability and splash reduction) and increasing interior volume, which totals 298 gross tons. To reduce weight, the superstructure is made of aluminum, and the yacht’s draft is just 2.25 meters.
The yacht is designed to comfortably accommodate twelve passengers, offering numerous outdoor leisure options. A favourite relaxation spot is likely to be the sundeck, which features a jacuzzi and a sunbathing area, as well as a shaded hardtop with a bar and dining area equipped with two long sofas and folding tables.
Sunbathing can also be enjoyed on the upper deck, where the foredeck offers a large sunbed and two wide sofas, while the aft terrace is equipped with loungers. In cruising mode, the loungers make way for jet skis, as this area houses a crane for their loading and unloading. Additionally, under the overhang of the sundeck, there is an alfresco dining table. The upper salon, with floor-to-ceiling windows, serves as both a relaxation lounge and a cinema. The forward section of the superstructure houses the wheelhouse.
The entire bow of the main deck is dedicated to the master suite, which includes a king-size bed, a cosy lounge with a chaise longue and armchair, a mini-office, a walk-in wardrobe, and a bathroom.
Behind the staircase lies the entrance to the main salon, which is combined with the dining area. The open-plan space is divided by two low transverse cabinets: near the cockpit exit is a comfortable lounge area with symmetrical seating, while closer to midship is a dining table for ten, positioned narrow-side toward the glass doors on both sides. When these doors are open, guests can enjoy stunning views and a pleasant evening breeze without needing air conditioning.
Alternatively, meals can be enjoyed in the cockpit, which features a sofa, additional chairs, and two tables that can serve as coffee tables or unfold into full dining tables. Coffee enthusiasts can also relax on the fold-out balcony on the starboard side, which offers enough space for two chairs.
Two side staircases lead from the cockpit down to the wide swim platform. The beach club continues inside the hull, where a transom door, which doubles as a canopy when raised, opens to reveal a compact lounge with an L-shaped sofa. A garage with side access is equipped for tenders and water toys.
The lower deck houses guest cabins: two with separate beds and two VIP configurations. Forward of these, behind a soundproof bulkhead, are crew quarters and service areas, accommodating a staff of seven.
The interior design, described by Hot Lab as "decidedly masculine," features a contrasting palette ranging from black, chocolate, and warm grey tones to sandy and linen shades, accented by vibrant blue elements. Matte textures of natural oak and teak are paired with glossy lacquered finishes, creating reflections that visually expand and elevate the spaces. "We wanted the interiors to have plenty of reflections—partly to trick the eye and partly to bring the sea’s blue hues into the space," explains Enrico Lumini.
A distinctive feature of the interior is the skilful use of textured surfaces in furniture, doors, and wall panels. Add to this the luxurious marble finishes in the bathrooms, elegant lighting fixtures, and advanced multimedia systems, and the yacht creates the impression of a sophisticated urban residence.
Yet, Mereley remains a yacht through and through, meeting all the requirements of a modern explorer with RINA certification. Twin MAN D2868 LE425 diesel engines, delivering a combined 1,600 horsepower, allow the yacht to reach a maximum speed of 14 knots. At a cruising speed of 11 knots, it boasts a transatlantic range of 3,800 nautical miles.
"Our goal was to design a modern explorer yacht with a striking appearance that maintains a strong connection to the sea. The Hot Lab team has perfected this vision," concludes Erdem Bicher, managing partner at AES Yacht. "Mereley I is ideal for owners who value luxury, comfort, and versatile layouts that allow for both indoor and outdoor living. The yacht offers ample space for relaxation and socialising, even for large groups of guests."
