15 of the best superyacht refit projects

Feadship superyacht Faith (previously known as Cakewalk and Fortunato) went in for an extensive refit that saw her sun deck completely restyled with the pool moved from aft to forward. But the refit of Faith at Compositeworks in La Ciotat, France wasn't just cosmetic. Modifying the generator also helped reduce noise in the owner's cabin of the 62.3 metre motor yacht. The refit of Faith, one of the best Feadship superyachts, earned the yacht a 2013 World Superyacht Award for best refitted motor yacht.

The former crab catcher _SuRi _underwent a serious refit at Bay Ship & Yacht Co in 2012. The rebuild of SuRi saw the yacht literally cut in half so she could be extended by 11 metres, bringing the new LOA to 63.4 metres. Expedition yacht SuRi was rebuilt so she could tackle some far-flung cruising destinations, such as going on adventures in Antarctica, where she was available for charter. The refit allowed her to have extra room for tenders and toys, and the added length also went towards creating a glass-enclosed lounge aft of the saloon so guests can enjoy the passing views in any climate.

Shemara emerged from an extensive refit in 2014, which saw the classic motor yacht restored to her former glory. Restored in Portsmouth, UK she is one of the best British superyachts afloat. Shemara had been forgotten for years until her current owners saw her in Boat International magazine in 2007 and fell in love with the beautiful classic yacht. The actual refit project of Shemara took three and a half years and took one million man hours. She is a cunning combination of classic and contemporary, retaining her traditional gentleman's yacht exterior styling but bringing in interiors with a contemporary twist for comfortable living.

Ron Holland, the original designer of M5 (previously named Mirabella V), literally got to go back to the drawing boards for the refit of the Vosper Thornycroft sailing yacht. One of the best yacht refits, the changes to M5 included a complete restyling of her aft section, which saw the LOA extended by three metres and the aft redrawn to create a sleeker profile. Not surprisingly, the aft deck was extended, and M5 now has better water entry with a new boarding platform. The 78.4 metre is the largest sailing sloop in the world, and an 18-month refit at Pendennis saw M5 receive the the largest composite forestay ever built. Redman Whiteley Dixon designed the interior overhaul.

When making a list of the best superyacht refits, Attessa IV must be included. Actually a rebuild in every sense, this yacht was brought into being from the bones of a former Japanese vessel named Evergreen. Her superyacht exterior and grand interior belies these origins, making the rebuild all the more impressive. The masterful rebuild of Attessa IV that produced a superyacht masterpiece was carried out at Vancouver Shipyards. Attessa V's owner, Dennis Washington, had a brief that included giving the yacht a new bow, stern, foredeck tender garage, helipad and totally redesigning the superstructure style and interior. She brilliantly includes antiques into her interior design, which is also notable for the huge glass sculpture by artist Dale Chihuly in her upper deck lounge.