Moonen Shipyards in the Netherlands is to refit Etoile d’Azur a motor yacht they built and launched in 2007.
Still in the hands of her original owner, this 26.25-metre motoryacht has already sailed to the Caribbean on her own bottom and now plans an extensive cruise of the Norwegian fjords and beyond.
Designed by René van der Velden, Etoile d’Azur is the seventh of eight Moonen 84 displacement motoryachts launched between 2002 and 2008.
The owner specifically arranged everything so that the refit could take place at the shipyard while en-route from her normal berth in southern Spain. He is also considering serious plans for the future, that include shipping the yacht to New Zealand and then cruising her all the way back to Europe.
The refit will include a comprehensive paint job and the installation of an electrical zero speed stabilisation system in place of the existing hydraulic system.
This solution has already been successfully deployed on the Moonen 82 fast displacement motor yacht My Way, which was launched earlier this year. The electrical system uses roughly half the power of its hydraulic zero-speed alternative. Moreover, as it does not require a larger generator there will be no synchronisation required, and this offers considerable cost savings.
Another major part of the refit will be an extension of the flybridge aft. This will serve as a cover for the main deck aft area, creating even more shading for alfresco dining.
In addition, the enhanced flybridge deck space will facilitate the owner’s desire to carry more watersport toys onboard, including scooters, in addition to the tender and jetski currently stored in this location while underway.
Last but not least, various cosmetic changes will be made to the yacht’s interior and systems while the electrics will be updated where required.