47m Heesen motor yacht Atina begins major refit work

The 47 metre Heesen motor yacht Atina has begun major refit work at FDC Yachts in Turkey. 

Built in 2008, Atina has sailed under many names since her launch including Elandess, Raasta and most recently Naseem. She was sold to a new owner in June 2021 and has now embarked on an extensive six-month refit with the design expertise of Red Yacht Design.

The refit work will include "major changes" to her exterior deck layout to offer better relaxation areas for guests, a new hardtop and navigation mast and a full exterior repaint.

Cana Gokhan, design director and co-founder of Red Yacht Design, said the aim is to make the most out of Atina's exterior spaces with a significant focus placed on the sun deck, at the owner's request. The deck has been redesigned with a larger pool set forward of the mast and an enormous bar that can seat up to 12 guests for parties or sporting events (with the addition of a TV). The bar has been specially arranged so that the owner can work at the bar away from the circulation of the crew.

The aft area of the sun deck, which was originally left empty with free-standing loungers, has been redesigned to include fixed sofas and sun pads. Above, a new hardtop and mast were designed to be more modern while integrating with the existing lines of the superstructure. Side windows were added to shield the area from wind and offer a higher degree of privacy to guests on board.

Elsewhere, the bridge deck aft has been redesigned to accommodate a more spacious lounge area for "hanging out" after an evening meal, while the garage will be transformed into a casual beach club and gym with an electric swim ladder added to the transom door. Jet skis will now be stored in the well of the foredeck. 

A new interior, also by Red Yacht Design, features a revised upper saloon designed in close collaboration with the owner, with a new entertainment system installed throughout. Other works include an overhaul of machinery, a rebuild of the main engines and generators and technical upgrades to the wheelhouse and engine room.

Speaking on the new project, Eyup Ozbelen, managing partner of FDC Yachts, said: "Atina is one of the most exciting refit projects of this year. The owner wanted a comfortable, innovative and inspiring work in the refit and design process. So, FDC Yachts and suppliers work close and hard in order to make real the owner’s demands.’’ 

Sources:boatinternational.com

Photo:Holly Overton