Written by Francesca Webster
As the second hull of the Virtus XP series from Mengi Yay approaches the next stage of construction, the brokerage market eagerly anticipates the arrival of a vessel that deftly bridges the gap between robust expedition capabilities and sleek, luxury design. A team of two visionary brokers, David Legrand and Alain Auvare, with Fraser, has been closely involved with the project from its inception, offering insight into what makes this new superyacht such an enticing proposition for prospective owners.
A vessel designed for the modern market
“The design process for Virtus XP was driven by an acute understanding of evolving market trends,” explains Auvare. “Much like haute couture, the design reflects what the market desires at the moment. We didn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, we focused on incorporating the latest trends in superyacht design and functionality.” This strategic approach has already proven successful, with the first hull in the series selling quickly, thanks to its alignment with contemporary buyer preferences.
Virtus XP hull 2, like its predecessor, is positioned as a crossover between the rugged qualities of traditional explorer yachts and the sleek elegance increasingly sought after by today’s buyers. According to Legrand, the design responds to the shift from pure expedition vessels to yachts with sleeker, faster-looking lines and expansive glass elements, offering a balance between the adventurous spirit of exploration and refined, modern aesthetics.
Seamless integration of style and function
A key feature of the Virtus XP hull 2 is its innovative deck layout, which allows for ample exterior space without sacrificing interior volume. “It was a bit of a challenge to fit an operational helipad on a 52.6-metre yacht,” notes Legrand, “but we managed it without compromising the yacht’s layout.” The certified helipad is designed to accommodate a helicopter for longer journeys, a feature that aligns with the needs of an owner looking to explore far-flung destinations.
This ambitious design required creative solutions, such as positioning the bridge on what would traditionally be the sundeck. This shift allowed for a larger master suite on the upper deck and generous guest accommodations for as many as ten guests, resulting in six distinct decks on a 52-metre vessel – a rare feature for a yacht of this size. “The layout is very clever,” Legrand adds, “and it’s something that has since been emulated by others in the market.”
The interiors of Virtus XP hull 2 are another aspect where flexibility meets luxury. “While there is an initial concept for the interior design, there’s still room for customisation,” explains Auvare. This flexibility allows a potential owner to put their personal stamp on the yacht while maintaining the thoughtfully designed layout by Paolo Dose of VYD Studio that makes the Virtus XP series unique.