The Top Five Refit Projects of 2020

1. Lurssen Yachts - Kaos / Jubilee
One of the most profound moments in yachting of this year was the smooth re-delivery of 110m KAOS (ex Jubilee) from Lurssen’s Blohm + Voss facilities in Hamburg. Sam Sorgiovanni, Australian designer responsible for the yacht’s original interior design, was drafted for modifications to the megayacht’s bridge and main deck. Meanwhile British design studio Raymond Langton appointed the yacht’s interior where it is reported the majority of the changes were made. The German superyacht builder responsible for producing more of the Top 100 largest yachts in the world than any other yard has cemented its position in the refit sector with this monumental refit job.

2. Feadship - W / Larisa
We at Superyachts.com love a modern take on a classic, and nowhere was this more tastefully done this year than on Feadship’s freshly refitted W (ex Larisa). The 57.6m superyacht emerged from Feadship’s Makkum facility in July after a 10-month refit in her home yard, donning a new metallic silver hull and major interior upgrades while retaining her classic Feadship character. The yacht’s original Bannenberg & Rowell interior design from 2013 was complemented by additions from Fort Lauderdale-based A La Mer, Inc. and W was equipped with new state-of-the-art technological systems to match her modern makeover.  

3. Icon Yachts - Ragnar / Sanonberg
Another project hailing from the superyacht hub of the Netherlands, Icon Yachts set the refit bar high from the outset this year with the launch of 68m Ragnar. One of the most distinguished explorers on the water, Ragnar is utterly transformed from the original ice-breaking support supply vessel she once was. After a three-year refit, Ragnar emerged to show off her unique RWD exterior which draws on medieval war craftsmanship and British heritage for design inspiration. This eclectic explorer is available for charter with Burgess Yachts.

4. Palumbo SY Refit - Solandge
On the other end of the spectrum for scope is the 5-month refit of Lurssen motor yacht Solandge by Palumbo SY Refit in Malta. Marking the third visit by the 85.1m giant, Palumbo SY were charged with a new paint job among other minor upgrades. The timely works were commendable in light of the fact the whole job was conducted during a global pandemic from start to finish, and Palumbo SY Refit was also pleased to report due to perfect climate conditions there was no need to use any form of climate control for the paint to cure. Solandge’s makeover demonstrates the diversity of scope within the refit sector - and other than that, she looks fantastic. 

5. KRM Refit & Repair - Wolfoz / Miami Blues
Last but not least on the list of top refit projects this year is the extensive project and ongoing repair works underway on classic Oceanco 36m Miami Blues. Demonstrating the flexibility of the Turkish refit yard, who made headlines for the repeated works it has undertaken on 65m Benetti Rahil, Miami Blues will emerge with the new name of Wolfoz as well as a full paint job, extended hull transom area, new hardtop and completely new interior. She will also be fitted with a new flybridge area and fully replaced decking, truly bringing this Dutch pedigree build into the modern day. Cementing KRM’s status as a premium refit yard on the global stage, the highly anticipated project will also confirm Turkey’s rising stardom in the superyachting landscape.