Classic Feadship Broadwater Emerges From Major Refit

By Jenna Mehdi

Royal Huisman’s dedicated refit branch Huisfit has undertaken a successful conversion of the classic 50m Feadship superyacht Broadwater. Broadwater has now left the Royal Huisman Amsterdam facilities for an Atlantic crossing with a fresh new look.

Huisfit was commissioned for the works on Broadwater’s exterior and interior following a visit to the shipyard in 2019. The yard has described the conversion as ‘major’, with the scope of work ranging from comfort and aesthetic upgrades both inside and out, to changes relating to classification requirements. The Owner’s requirement for the work was to convert Broadwater into a ‘modern and liveable home away from home’ with strong charter capabilities. 

Yacht designer Adam Voorhes undertook the new exterior and interior styling of the yacht, wo was inspired by the Owner’s brief to bring to life a number of aesthetic and practical improvements to the classic superyacht. 

MCM Newport’s Peter Wilson assisted the experienced owner in selecting Royal Huisman’s Huisfit as the refit yard of choice, and oversaw the conversion project at the Royal Huisman Amsterdam facilities. 

Highlights of the work include the extension of the hull by some four metres. Not only does this create much more internal space and volume, but has also had a dramatic effect on transforming the yacht’s exterior appearance. 

Broadwater’s original classic transom has been removed and replaced with a re-styled stern, complete with aft deck and beach club. The hull and superstructure have been given a new contemporary colour scheme to complete the look. 

Other additions include a new hot tub, bar and day head on the sun deck, as well as new teak and furniture on Broadwater's main and bridge deck. The original arch and antenna have been replaced with a new composite sun awning hardtop manufactured by Rondal, Royal Huisman’s sister company.

The 50m luxury yacht has also benefited from a complete interior restyle, journeying from a classic dark theme more contemporary of the year she was launched to totally new modern elegance. This has been accompanied by a complete upgrade of the AV systems and replacement of the wheelhouse electronic systems. 

As the owner wished to convert Broadwater into a charter vessel, Huisfit were tasked with changing the yacht’s classification from private to commercial use. This required collaboration with shipyard, Flag state and Classification society in order to meet modern standards. Given that when Broadwater was built no such Large Yacht Code existed, this was a sizeable task in itself requiring work such as that to the fire boundaries and additional board systems such as a large emergency generator and water mist fire fighting system. 

Owner’s representative Peter Wilson of MCM Newport comments: “When I was first contacted by the Owner to discuss this refit, it quickly became apparent that this was an irresistible project. His vision was to breathe new life into this magnificent Feadship. It was a great pleasure to work alongside Adam Voorhees to see his designs evolve through the development of both the exterior and interior. 

The outcome is the result of the dedication and skill of all the boatbuilding disciplines involved to affect such a brilliant transformation. The fine pedigree of this yacht has been respected and dare I say enhanced. I have little doubt that Broadwater’s new profile, interior and myriad behind the scenes modifications and improvements, will stand her in good stead for her next quarter century and for all those fortunate enough to go on board.”

Jan Timmerman, CEO Royal Huisman comments: “Our shipyard  has an established track record of success with superyacht rebuilds and conversions. The Huisfit process brings together our infrastructure, technology and renowned skills, as well as leading industry specialists to provide a bespoke solution in a competitively tailored package.

On behalf of our team I can say that we are proud of the successful delivery of Broadwater. This is a very significant milestone for Huisfit and the result of great teamwork between the Owner, Peter Wilson, the Broadwater crew, various partners and the Huisfit team – despite the various challenges like working in Covid-19 times. Thanks to her visionary Owner, Broadwater will be future-proof for many years ahead.”

"I have little doubt that Broadwater’s new profile, interior and myriad behind the scenes modifications and improvements, will stand her in good stead for her next quarter century and for all those fortunate enough to go on board."

Owner’s representative Peter Wilson of MCM Newport

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"I have little doubt that Broadwater’s new profile, interior and myriad behind the scenes modifications and improvements, will stand her in good stead for her next quarter century and for all those fortunate enough to go on board."

Owner’s representative Peter Wilson of MCM Newport
By Jenna Mehdi
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