Feadship has welcomed home the 57.60-metre superyacht W (ex-Larisa). Originally launched in 2013, she was recently acquired by new owners who have asked Feadship to carry out a refit that will encompass their personal preferences in terms of facilities, sleeping accommodations and exterior.

The first changes that Feadship spotters will instantly recognise when W is relaunched in six months’ time will be the new metallic silver colour of her previously white hull and the significantly larger Jacuzzi on the sun deck.

The interior will also have a new layout on the lower deck as the current VIP stateroom is converted into two guest suites, bringing the total number of cabins on that deck to four and offering superb accommodation for eight guests.

The current owner’s stateroom on the main deck will be retained while the option to carry two further guests will be created in the bridge deck lounge. A Murphy’s bed will be installed and the day-head on this deck refitted into a dedicated bathroom for those times when the lounge is converted into a guest suite.

The owners will keep the majority of the interior style originally developed by Bannenberg & Rowell Design, while adding personal touches in partnership with A La Mer Inc. from Fort Lauderdale. With all her systems and software also having been maintained and updated,

W will be in as good-as-new condition by the time the refit is completed mid-March 2020.

Dutch superyacht builder Moonen Yachts in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, is under new ownership. An Australian couple, Matthew and Louise Baxter are the new owners of the shipyard. Matthew, of Scottish origin, is a successful Australian businessman and entrepreneur, who in 1972  established the A M Group, a privately  owned worldwide group of manufacturing companies of which he is executive chairman.

Louise and Matthew first discovered Moonen Yachts whilst sailing on Pittwater harbour in Sydney where they came across the beautiful Moonen yacht, Aurora (Moonen 84). This lead to their involvement with Moonen, a midsized Dutch pedigree shipyard with a dedicated and highly skilled team.

In Matthew’s words “It is a privilege to own a yard like Moonen. The brand has an impeccable pedigree, the yachts are true Dutch quality and the team is young, reliable, talented, and very loyal to the company. These characteristics are fundamental for success. I realise that the yard has to re-energise, but we are well prepared with a strong strategic plan and a strong balance sheet, I see a promising future ahead.”

The shipyard is very honoured and excited with Mr & Mrs. Baxter as their new owners. “We have trust in these new investors and have faith that they will establish a strong future for Moonen Yachts” says Johan Dubbelman, Moonen’s CEO. The 30 to 50 meter market is solid for well-built designs, and our plans are to increase production. Currently we have one, award winning, 36-meter Martinique in build, she’s 50% ready. The focus is to have her on display at the Monaco Yacht Show 2020.

Our aim is to scale up production efficiently and start two new build projects in the upcoming 6 months. Following on with the current build we will start a second 36 metre and a 44 metre, both new and future proof timeless Moonen yachts with interiors designed by the award winning renowned design houses, like Studio Indigo. By building on speculation, delivery times will be shorter and customisation still possible, which is an absolute advantage for our future clients.”

The majority of the staff and workforce, which are very important to Moonen, have been reappointed and are enthusiastic to be part of this strong new leadership. To assure continuous high-end quality, Moonen Yachts will reinforce the cooperation with long-term strategic partners and subcontractors.