Melek, the ninth yacht in the 56-meter series of Perini Navi, never looks back. Far away from her first version in 2003(Burrasca), the shipyard has succeeded in crowning the evolution of this model with an authentic “ketch sapiens.” Apparently, the ninth time is the charm. From an aerial view, the greatest innovation is seen in the deck design and in the aluminum superstructure. But that is not all. Overflying the vessel in a spiral descent, there is the flybridge, with an ample sunbathing area and a bubbly Jacuzzi. Of course, all our expectations are lived up to by the fiftieth member in the Perini Navi family. Again, the fiftieth time is the charm.
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The secret of the re-stylization of the original Melek lies in the interpretation of space. The lines are beautifully elegant while offering on-board entertainment. Free spirits in wide spaces or vice versa. For example, the flybridge only ends where the side handrails begin, thus adding safety and protection to freedom. Once in the cockpit, our well-being is protected by large glass panels along the perimeter. The open-area living-room includes two L-shaped sofas located on opposite sides of two islands. Retractable TV screens and all sorts of drawers are hidden behind the furniture. Outside, a semicircular staircase takes us back to the bridge. But that is not where we are heading, as we have already seen round Jacuzzis, little fridges, and L-shaped sofas. The main saloon is where we are now heading.
(Out of the corner of our eyes, we see how Melek's transom folds hydraulically, thus creating a terrace on the sea, including a ladder).
The interior, wholly designed by Perini Navi, plays with the duality between a classical and a modern style. The walnut inlays as well as leather and other noble materials –wenge, fir, and parchment– enhance its supreme appearance.
The main saloon –another open space– looks cozy, with corners rounded off by leather-paneled cabinets. In the center, there is an unusual three-ramp staircase: the two lateral ones mirror each other and lead to the guest deck, while the central one leads to the bridge. The staircase, thanks to its illuminated showcases, perfectly divides the saloon from a living area furnished with another L-shaped sofa, two armchairs, a coffee table, and a dining area with a round table, which can be extended for up to 12 guests. The other annexed sector becomes distinct with an S-shaped sofa, and a card table.
A few steps away, both unusual and elegant solution separates the saloon from the navigation area: a cherry wood folding door whose panels can be completely folded, just like an accordion. Going back to the staircase, a gangway extends from the two mirrored ramps, dividing the main cabin from those of the guests.
The main cabin, truly monastic, is located astern and takes up the full beam. It is divided into two areas, and it has a double bed, sofa, desk, and en-suite bathroom. The bathroom has a bathtub, a double wash-hand basin, and a vanity table, which altogether vaporizes the mermaids' singing. Towards the bow, there are four double guest cabins, with en-suite bathrooms. Melek was built in Perini Navi's shipyard, in Istanbul, and it was then tugged across the Mediterranean to Viareggio for her completion. She is a true 21st-century ketch, defined by her performance, aerodynamics, and sporty look. Boasting her grey chrome hull and aluminum masts, she sails away from us, into the horizon.
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