Unforgotten History: The Top Refits of 2023

EMERALD

In February 2023, M/Y LEGACY V was relaunched as EMERALD following a 16-month extensive refit at Balk Shipyard. She is a classic Feadship superyacht, originally built in 1990, that now boasts not only a new name but magnificent new features.

She was extended by 1.8m, now with an LOA of 50.4m as opposed to her original 48.6m LOA. Alongside restyling of the stern and an additional stairway built from the aft cockpit to the swim platform, she was repainted in ‘orion green’: a striking colour that compliments her new features. 

EMERALD’s interior design was updated with a timeless monochrome theme by Design Unlimited, and the layout was remodelled to create more space inside. Her exterior spaces feature automatic sliding glass doors, a large bridge deck and a jacuzzi, sunbeds, and a wet bar. 

As well as aesthetic updates, EMERALD’s technological equipment was also upgraded, now including brand new navigation, AV/IT and communication systems as well as two zero-speed Quantum extendable stabilisation fins. 

CARINTHIA VII 

In September, the industry welcomed the impressive return of Lürssen motor yacht CARINTHIA VII, as she emerged from an extensive refit at the German shipyard's Hamburg facilities.

The 97m vessel, famously known as one of the world's first true 'mega' yachts following her launch in 2002, underwent a complete overhaul of her exterior decks to introduce new lounge and living areas, as well as the addition of a brand-new 12m pool and fitness room. Following her refit, CARINTHIA VII then entered the charter market for the first time in her 21-year history, remaining exclusively represented by Fraser.

CARINTHIA VII's refit and entrance to the charter market represented both a historic milestone for Lürssen and the global yachting community. Named Project Faberge throughout her construction, the 97m vessel represents a sought-after level of craftsmanship, engineering and styling in the industry; so sought after in fact, that her interiors have remained hidden since her original launch in 2002. She was soon on display at the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show with Lürssen and Fraser. 

KOKOMO II 

KOKOMO II completed an extensive eight-month refit at Brisbane's Rivergate Marina and Shipyard in February, boasting a transom extension. She now has an LOA of 37m, alongside featuring a full exterior paint job and full electrical works. 

She is a heritage yacht that now boasts modern standards of performance and comfort. Marty Johnson, Project Manager at Rivergate, commented: ‘Probably the highlight for the vessel is the fact of her vintage and we’ve now brought the vessel up to modern day standards with the additions, adding a lot of extra benefits to the vessel – better liveability and better for cruising the beautiful waters around Australia.’

MALTESE FALCON

Perini Navi’s legendary 88m MALTESE FALCON emerged from an extensive six-month refit at Lusben in June 2023. Originally delivered in 2006, she has been adapted to her owner’s more contemporary requirements. 

The first challenge of the project was respraying her entire hull the distinctive shade of ‘Perini Blue’, MALTESE FALCON now boasting a gleaming fresh hull repaint. Her onboard systems were updated, with essential maintenance carried out on the generators, main engines, and propellers. 

This iconic yacht also saw advancements of her sustainable nature, with her original generators being replaced with those that are more efficient and have lower fuel consumption. 

Final refit works included the replacement of the teak deck alongside particular attention being given to the cabins and bathrooms, ensuring her indoor spaces provide the maximum comfort for guests. 

FAIR LADY

In the last few weeks of 2023, 37m FAIR LADY emerged after completing an extensive refit at Royal Huisman’s Huisfit. She was first launched in 1928, and this refit has seen significant updates to the vessel whilst maintaining her classic looks. 

All the necessary upgrades were provided in two phases over two consecutive winters. Phase one included hull repairs and painting, varnish repairs and maintenance of the main engines, stabilisers and gensets. Her interiors also saw a refurbishment of the guest cabins and the installation of new carpets. 

In phase two of her refit, FAIR LADY’s engine room was stripped, the main engines were overhauled and new gensets and stabilisers were installed. The most significant aspect of this phase was the installation of an entirely new bridge. 

Stefan Coronel, Manager at Huisfit commented: ‘Thanks to the owner’s vision to preserve Fair Lady’s heritage, this classic motor yacht will not become forgotten history. We are proud to have been a part of the Fair Lady’s new lease on life. We wish fair winds to Fair Lady.’

CATCH

In May, another heritage Feadship yacht was relaunched following a winter refit at the Dutch yard’s facility in Amsterdam: 26.60m sportsfisher CATCH. She was originally delivered in 1984 as GALLANT LADY, and underwent a 15-month refit in 2005 where she was stripped back to her bare metal hull. 

Her owner wished for CATCH to complete a refit back home at the Feadship yard, to ensure that the classic Dutch DNA was injected into her new design. The project included a full repaint, new teak decking on the foredeck, a new veneer on the main deck aft, installation of a sun awning to create a covered foredeck lounge area, technical maintenance, and an upgrade of the LED lighting system.