A refit is strategy, not just specification
At Y.CO, refits are approached with the same discipline as a new build, but with one key difference. You are working with an existing vessel, its structure, history, and limitations. That makes planning even more critical.
“It starts with listening,” says Yoann. “We capture the owner’s vision, whether that is redesigning interiors, adding a pool, changing structure or design, upgrading propulsion, or improving sustainability.”
From there, Y.CO leads a detailed feasibility study. This includes technical assessments, realistic budget forecasting, and timeline planning. The goal is clarity before commitment.
A refit only succeeds when scope, cost, and ambition are aligned. Without that groundwork, projects risk overruns, delays, and compromise.
Shipyard selection and owner advocacy
Once the scope is defined, the next decision is where and with whom the work will be done. This is where experience matters.
“We select the right shipyard and partners, leveraging our global network,” Yoann explains. “Throughout the project, Y.CO acts as the owner’s advocate.”
That advocacy covers engineering reviews, procurement, quality control, and regulatory compliance. It also means managing complexity on the owner’s behalf, translating technical decisions into clear choices, and protecting priorities when pressure builds.
Then comes the big moment, redelivery.
“Redelivery day is about ensuring everything works flawlessly,” Yoann says, “and that the crew is fully briefed.”
What modern refits really involve
Recent Y.CO refit projects show how far modern refits can go.
On a 50-metre Feadship, Y.CO managed the addition of a custom swim platform on a yacht more than 20 years old. The challenge was not just adding space, but preserving structural integrity and aesthetics, while improving water access and crew storage.
On a 70-plus metre motor yacht, the team designed and installed a pool. This required major engineering work, including weight distribution analysis and system upgrades. The result transformed the onboard lifestyle and demonstrated what is possible when creative vision meets technical precision.
Thinking big
Looking further ahead, Y.CO is currently managing its largest refit to date. A 10-year refit of a large sailing yacht built by Oceanco, with a scope spanning full paint, teak renewal, interior works, rigging upgrades, and a complete engine room conversion. This includes particle filters, new generators, and a new battery bank.
“The challenges are space, weight, and stability,” Yoann explains. “The timeline spans over three years, including more than a year of pre-planning and approximately 18 months of execution.”
This is refit as reinvention.
Sustainability, wellness, and future readiness
Owner priorities are shifting, and refits are reflecting that change.
“Sustainability is now a core focus,” says Yoann. “Owners are increasingly interested in hybrid propulsion, energy recovery systems, and eco-friendly materials.”
Wellness is also moving up the agenda. Requests now extend beyond gyms and spas to include air and water purification systems, better acoustics, and healthier onboard environments.
Technology plays a parallel role. Smart energy management systems and improved connectivity are no longer optional extras. They are expectations.
“Today’s yachts must be luxurious, responsible, and future-ready,” Yoann says.
When is it time to refit?
Owners often ask whether a refit is necessary or whether it can wait. According to Yoann, the signs are usually clear.
Regulatory changes may force upgrades. Rising maintenance costs can signal inefficiency. Lifestyle changes can mean the yacht no longer fits how it is used. Charter yachts may lose competitiveness if they fall behind market expectations.
There is also a practical reality shaping decisions.
“With the limited availability of new-build slots,” Yoann notes, “more owners are turning to existing vessels and considering refit as a practical alternative.”
In many cases, a refit delivers results faster and more cost-effectively than waiting years for a new build.
“A refit is an investment in enjoyment and value,” he says. “If the yacht feels like it is falling behind, it is time to start the conversation.”
The Y.CO perspective
For Yoann and his team, refits sit at the intersection of engineering and imagination.
“We have the privilege of managing refits for some of the world’s most iconic yachts,” he says. “It feels like being part of the backstage crew for floating masterpieces.”
What excites him most is where the industry is heading.
“Being part of the shift toward smarter, cleaner, and more capable vessels,” Yoann says. “It is not just about luxury anymore. It is about purpose and progress.”
That belief underpins Y.CO’s approach to every refit. Strategic, owner-led, and designed to ensure that when a yacht returns to the water, it is fully updated and ready for what comes next.
