|On Board| K aos, A2,
|On Board| K aos, A2, Aquilla … these are just a few examples of yachts that are more famous for their refits than their original builds. Many of the world’s leading shipyards – including Lürssen, Feadship, Benetti, Royal Huisman and Oceanco, among others – have completed incredible refit projects that go far beyond a fresh lick of paint and some new furnishings. Increasing numbers of owners are choosing to commission refits instead of starting from scratch, but, if resources are not in question, why not buy new? There are numerous economic and environmental pros – and cons – to embarking on a major refit project, and cost isn’t always the main objective. Year-on-year, the State of Yachting report reveals an increase of refit yard visits by yachts over 30m globally – peaking in 2021 with 1,397 projects – and 2022 is no different. The refit business started with Christina, built in 1943 and then converted from a naval vessel into a 99m superyacht by then-owner Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis. She was remodelled by architect Cäsar Pinnau, setting new standards for non-commercial yachting and, in turn, inspiring a new era of refitting. She is still available for charter under the name Christina O. This year has already seen the delivery of some spectacular refitted vessels, ranging from mammoth rebuilds such as Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s award-winning refit of 51m Masquenada, which was transformed from a motor yacht into an explorer, to simpler redesigns such as Galaxy, a 56m classic Benetti that was delivered in March after receiving an otherworldly interior makeover by Njord by Bergman Design House. Just because it’s a refit, doesn’t mean it’s easy – nor is it inexpensive. The 2016 refit of 115m superyacht Luna cost almost €50m. When Australian entrepreneur Ian Malouf, the owner of 73m Lürssen Coral Ocean, famously embarked on a “no expense spared” refit, it wound up costing a staggering €35m. Malouf’s yacht hit the waves in June, debuting her complete transformation, which features an extended sundeck and a redesigned spa pool, alongside an interior outfit including a master suite with 180-degree views that has doubled in size, plus new and improved wellness, dining and leisure facilities. A refit is also a good opportunity to tap into ‘in vogue’ trends that may not have been popular – or possible – when the yacht was first built. The designers behind the refurbishment of Coral Ocean, for instance, made sure to include plenty of indoor-outdoor spaces to reflect the style of the moment. As production improves, superyachts are getting longer and longer, but this doesn’t mean owners need to buy new every time. If an owner wishes to extend their Amels’ Here Comes the Sun, which has been extended to 89 metres PHOTO © DAMEN YACHTING 46 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
