Launched on April 5 at the yard’s Tuzla facility in Istanbul, the project - the first unit in the Mengi Yay Virtus XP series and now christened Gray Wolf - is now preparing for sea trials ahead of delivery, with a public debut expected at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026.
Largest Launch to Date for Mengi Yay
At 52.5 meters, Virtus XP becomes the largest yacht delivered by Mengi Yay to date, taking the position as flagship within its current fleet. The launch reflects the yard’s continued focus on the explorer yacht sector, where demand for long-range capability and robust construction remains strong.
The result of a meticulous engineering process and a clear, unwavering vision, [Gray Wolf] reflects Mengi Yay’s 62 years of shipbuilding expertise, as well as a tangible representation of the Turkish yacht building industry’s growing strength on the global stage."
- Mengi Yay
The explorer yacht also underscores the broader trajectory of Turkish shipbuilding, with domestic yards continuing to expand their technical scope and international visibility through larger, more complex builds.
A Layout Built for Life at Sea
A key aspect of the design is the allocation of generous exterior deck areas, paired with an interior configured for extended stays onboard. The layout prioritizes ease of movement and functional zoning, ensuring that social and private spaces remain clearly defined.
The design language stays consistent throughout the superyacht, with a modern profile and restrained detailing that supports long-term usability rather than short-term styling trends. Interior spaces are arranged to support comfort over extended voyages, with an emphasis on continuity between living areas.
Built for Offshore Performance
Virtus XP has been developed with a clear emphasis on extended cruising and offshore capability. Her steel hull and aluminum superstructure are engineered to handle demanding sea conditions, while maintaining efficiency across long passages.
Both the exterior and interior of the motor yacht design come from VYD Studio, which has shaped a layout centered on usability and spatial clarity. The approach focuses on clean transitions between interior and exterior areas, with circulation and practical onboard living guiding the arrangement. Naval architecture and engineering have been handled by Van Oossanen Naval Architects, known for performance-driven hull development.
Fuel capacity exceeds 65,000 liters, supported by 15,000 liters of fresh water and 11,500 liters allocated to black and grey water storage - figures that position the yacht for extended автономous operation without frequent port calls.
Second Virtus XP Hull Available
According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, the largest yacht database in the world, a second hull in the series, Virtus XP/02, is currently listed for sale ahead of her 2026 delivery, presenting buyers with early access to the platform. The yacht introduces several owner-focused features, including a private foredeck pool linked to the upper deck suite and a helipad positioned at owner level. Ice Class 1D capability extends cruising potential into colder regions, while a 98-square-meter aft deck and panoramic sundeck provide generous outdoor space.
With 499GT of internal volume and accommodation for 10 guests, the layout is designed for extended time onboard, supported by a diesel-electric propulsion system delivering a 3,100 nautical mile range.
The second Mengi Yay Virtus XP hull is on the market with Fraser Yachts and is currently asking €34,125,000.
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