Dutch refit yard Balk Shipyard has announced the relaunch of the 29-metre motor yacht Belle de Jour following a four-month refit.
An extensive scope of work was carried out on the yacht – a repeat client for the shipyard – to prepare her for the upcoming summer season.
The refit programme included spot hotwork on her hull, the repair of her rudders and a complete antifouling, alongside repainting her hull below the waterline in a shade of pastel blue and refreshing her mast deck. Her technical and electrical systems were also inspected and maintained where necessary.
Belle de Jour was originally delivered by Dutch shipyard FlevoShip Holland in 2013 as its flagship build - a title she still holds today. She was designed by the late Pieter Beeldsnijder, whom the yard described as a "true Dutch legend". The designer was responsible for around 2,500 vessels during his working life, including a Royal-commissioned 15-metre sailing yacht for the then-Princess Beatrix on her 18th birthday.
Backed by decades of maritime history and design expertise, Belle de Jour stands proudly in the water with her long exterior lines, closed bulwarks and large freeboard. Her general arrangement maximises space in 140GT of interior volume, delivering what the shipyard describes as "the impression of a much larger vessel".
Balk Shipyard worked closely with Belle de Jour's original builders on the refit, ensuring she completed the works with the same attention to Dutch design principles and build quality as at her original launch.
“Every vessel has a story worth preserving,” said Evan Kortmann, CEO of Balk Shipyard. "Our primary role as a refit and ReCraft specialist is to ensure vessels are primed for their next chapter, while honouring those that came before. Belle de Jour represents precisely the Dutch excellence we're committed to stewarding."
Her redelivery is expected imminently.
The shipyard recently relaunched the 45-metre Royal Hakvoort motor yacht Awatea following seven months of refit works.
Read More/45m Royal Hakvoort yacht Awatea relaunched from Balk Shipyard following extensive refit