Modern Explorer Meets Sporty Yacht

The 115-foot Mereley I from AES Yacht has exteriors and interiors by Hot Lab.
Hot Lab AES Mereley I
The 115-foot Mereley I from AES Yachts combines modern explorer yacht elements with a sportier aesthetic, designed by Hot Lab in Milan. The yacht has a semi-displacement steel hull and aluminum superstructure. Courtesy Northrop & Johnson

Hot Lab in Milan, Italy, is sharing details about the exteriors and interiors that it created for the 115-foot AES Yacht Mereley I, which is currently for sale.

This fully custom yacht from the Turkish shipyard is intended to be a cross between a modern explorer and what Hot Lab calls “a sportier yacht.”

“Her volumes clearly reference the tradition of expedition vessels, yet at the same time have a more dynamic and sporty spirit,” Enrico Lumini, co-founder and design director at Hot Lab, stated in a press release. “We wanted to give a sleeker look to a classic explorer.”

Hot Lab AES Mereley I
Mereley I has a darker, neutral color palette with gray, black and natural sand and linen tones. Courtesy Northrop & Johnson

Mereley I is built to RINA classification with a semi-displacement steel hull and aluminum superstructure. The yacht’s reported range is 3,800 nautical miles at 11.5 knots, meaning it should be capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean on its own bottom.

On the outside, Mereley I’s color scheme—a blue hull with red waterline stripes—is a nod to the world of motorsports, according to the Hot Lab team. Inside, there’s a color palette that Hot Lab calls “decidedly masculine,” with no pastel tones. Instead, the yacht is filled with darker and warmer grays, blacks, and natural sand and linen tones. The idea, Hot Lab says, was to create an environment similar to a metropolitan apartment.

Teak is used in the ceilings and exterior areas, and there’s reportedly “intricate detailing” in the outdoor tables and handrails, as well as in the master and VIP stateroom headboards. The master stateroom, which is on the main deck forward, also has extensive glazing to brighten its dark hardwoods and marble with natural light. Additional materials used on board include oak, lacquered finishes and resins.

Hot Lab AES Mereley I
The on-deck owners’ stateroom includes large windows to bring in natural light, contrasting its dark hardwood and marble finishes. Courtesy Northrop & Johnson

Windows on Mereley I are simple rectangular shapes, echoing explorer yachts. In the sky lounge, windows are sole-to-ceiling. Open bulwarks add to the views from inside the yacht. At the stern, the beach club has two skylights.

Overall, accommodations are for 12 guests.

“Their design approach considers not only aesthetics but also the yacht’s intended use and production process, which greatly facilitates the shipyard’s work,” Erdem Biçer, a partner at AES Yacht. “This makes collaborating with them a truly enjoyable experience. In turn, we strive to push the boundaries of production where necessary to ensure maximum adherence to the design.”

Hot Lab AES Mereley I
The superyacht has a reported range of 3,800 nautical miles at 11.5 knots, potentially allowing for transatlantic crossings. Courtesy Northrop & Johnson

Will the Mereley I project lead to more builds? Yes. AES Yacht is now planning production of the second hull, and is working with Hot Lab on a 131-footer from the same line.

Take the next step: go to hotlab.it