The 46-metre Cheoy Lee explorer yacht Avalon 101 has emerged from a major nine-month refit at Denia Shipyard in Spain, revealing a dramatic new exterior profile following an extensive transformation programme.
The project ran from October 2025 to June 2026 and was managed by German broker and shipyard Drettmann Yachts on behalf of the owners, with oversight provided by managing partner Yannick Altevolmer in collaboration with Captain Troy Norton.
Built in 2011, Avalon 101 underwent a comprehensive programme of cosmetic, technical and operational upgrades after her owners completed a full cruising season on board following their purchase of the yacht in 2024. According to Drettmann Yachts, the brief was to modernise the vessel's appearance while preserving her long-range cruising capabilities and addressing key maintenance requirements.
The most visible change comes courtesy of a complete exterior redesign by Pascoli International. The explorer yacht has been repainted with a deep navy-blue hull, bold red boot stripe and white superstructure, replacing her previous red-and-white colour scheme. The repaint was carried out by Nautipaints and is intended to give the yacht a more contemporary appearance while retaining her explorer-yacht character.
Alongside the exterior transformation, the refit included a substantial programme of technical works. The underwater hull was sandblasted and recoated, all three Northern Lights generators were rebuilt and a new Hamann sewage treatment system was installed. The anchor windlasses also underwent servicing, alongside a number of reliability and maintenance upgrades throughout the yacht.
Interior modifications focused on functionality and crew operations rather than a wholesale redesign. Works included a complete rebuild of the galley, installation of new Cantalupi lighting throughout the yacht and a series of upgrades aimed at improving onboard comfort and efficiency.
Exterior enhancements included a new teak deck on the bathing platform and the installation of a new sun awning system by Multiplex spanning the yacht's three decks.
"This refit was about translating the owners' vision into a completely refreshed exterior while preserving everything that makes Avalon such a capable explorer yacht," said Altevolmer. "The new paint scheme has fundamentally changed her visual presence, while the extensive technical work completed ensures she continues to be prepared for reliable operation and extended cruising."
Drettmann Yachts acted as the owner's representative throughout the project, overseeing tender evaluations, supplier negotiations, budgeting, scheduling and quality control through to delivery.
The completed yacht has now departed Denia Shipyard following the successful conclusion of the refit programme.