You could almost call them fraternal twins. Zaliv III and Alexander Again (at right), two recent 50-meter launches, have the same builder (Mondo Marine), the same designer (Giorgio Vafiadis) and the same interior designer (Luca Dini). They are built on identical aluminum hulls and were launched within months of each other this year. Yet if you saw these two tied up at the same dock, you might never guess they were related. And if you went aboard each one, you’d be convinced they were perfect strangers.
Mondo started as a toy company, founded by brothers Ferruccio and Elio Stroppiana in 1948. In the late ’60s, they started building yachts in fiberglass and in 1978 acquired their nearly 376,737-square-foot shipyard in Savona, just outside of Genoa, Italy. That two such different yachts were born in the same yard is a source of obvious pride for the builder. It seems that every yard is willing to customize these days, but what Mondo Marine has done with Zaliv III and Alexander Again demonstrates just how keenly it listens to its clients.
Zaliv III is a handsome build with a navy hull and straightforward lines. Large, vertical windows bring the outside in. The interiors are elegant yet comfortable, and have been designed to let the owner cruise the Med with his large family and entertain business associates in equal style. Linen, cottons, twill, nubuck suede and acres of clean, linear teak create a classic, yet contemporary décor. This is a yacht that celebrates its connection to the sea — the interior is flooded with natural light (though leather Venetian blinds can be silently adjusted by an automatic Lutron system to create any kind of mood), and freestanding, comfortable furniture in the many outside areas welcomes outdoor relaxation.
View the complete photo gallery here.
The sun deck has a pool with sun pads, aft, and a settee and chaise longues. A covered dining area with a grill and comfortable bar area to port and a curved sofa to starboard offer guests a fantastic place to take in some sun, read a book and completely unwind. 
There are two owner’s cabins aboard Zaliv III. The larger stateroom on the upper deck features a private office, his and her heads, a Jacuzzi, a canopy bed and a private deck area aft with seating and stairs to the sun deck. Forward of the pilothouse (and a single cabin for the captain) is a very comfortable conversation area with built-in curved settees to port and starboard, and one that faces forward with a sea view.
The main deck features an aft exterior dining table and seating area. Large glass doors open completely to the bright salon, paneled in modern-looking teak and with a low, square coffee table in the center of the room and large sofas to port and starboard. A divider contains a large flatscreen television and separates the main salon from the dining room. The galley is to port, and a hallway to starboard leads to the second full-beam master — this one also has a private office, a king berth with settees to port and starboard, his and her heads, and a Jacuzzi.
The lower deck accommodates two amidships guest rooms with queen berths and two staterooms with twin berths, all with en suite baths. The engine room and tender garage are aft. Forward are crew quarters for 10.
Twin 3,650-horsepower MTUs allow Zaliv III to cruise at 20 knots, with a reported range of 3,500 miles.
Everything aboard Zaliv III speaks of lightness, elegance, modernity and a connection to the surrounding sea and elements. For Alexander Again, the second Mondo Marine commission from this owner, the mood is entirely different.
