Refit guide: Top tips for a quick superyacht refit

“Never underestimate how much of an impact adding in new fabrics and loose furniture has on the feel of a boat,” says Charlie Baker of RWD. “When you board a yacht after a refresh, you realise how tough the impact of salt and sunlight really are.” When time is short, you’ll need soft furnishings and fabric options available at short notice, but, says Pomponi, “designers are often strategic in only showing these options to clients”. New artworks and decorative accessories are an easy addition too. “They’re an instantly impactful way to add a personal touch.”

If speed is your priority in a refit, avoid altering major structures such as steel bulkheads, which lead to engineers and possibly classification organisations and a lengthier process. If structural changes are compulsory, “planning is paramount”, says Baker. “On Ilona [pictured], which went through fairly major changes last year, the work in the yard was done quickly but the planning and preparation was done well in advance to minimise the time the boat was out of action.”

Lighting tech has come a long way, and modernising systems can enhance the feel of a yacht. “If there are halogen spots, introducing LED technology, string lights and multiple dimmable circuits can create a totally different ambience,” says Pomponi. Baker adds that one should also consider updating the flow of natural light. “Window treatments can make a room feel completely different. How a sheer curtain or blind reacts with light through a porthole or window can soften a formerly stark room,” he says.

“Furniture and joinery can be retained but modernised,” says Pomponi. “A high-gloss dark panel could be treated with a multi-step varnish removal and lime-washing process, for instance, and brass fittings or hardware can be turned into silver or chrome. On the refit of Nero [pictured], we used a product that gave an aged patina look to the portholes for a new look.”

A smart designer will look at adapting existing elements rather than stripping them out. Muzio references a past project, where mother-of-pearl veneers were used throughout, to the dismay of the owner. “Re-veneering is a big job, but we found a way to cover the panels with leather instead.” One can also look at adapting how spaces are used. “Refits often involved modernising a boat to focus more on a more relevant lifestyle. In the past we have turned a library into a corner for amenities for the spa.”

According to Baker, a dedicated owner’s rep is essential on any project. “They can make all the difference to a project running smoothly and efficiently.” And Sorgiovanni says choosing a yard with experience in refits is also vital. “Things can go wrong if you work with a second-tier yard. I would always recommend using some of the traders that built the vessel in the first place.”

Nothing moves faster than tech, and it’s not unusual to find systems significantly out of date. Replacing televisions or speakers is easy, but if you’re looking to update the systems entirely, Baker recommends using a specialist audiovisual and tech consultant. “As well as ensuring you have something that meets your requirements now, they’ll ensure a system can be put in place with added flexibility, so your yacht can also be ready for the next gen of tech when the time comes.”