At the World Superyacht Awards 2022, the 51m MASQUENADA motor yacht wins Best Refitted Yachts Award. The yacht belongs to Pier Luigi Loro Piana, an Italian billionaire businessman. The refit project was needed after the owner started planning a round-the-world trip and realized that an explorer yacht would offer much more onboard comfort during long-range cruises.
Initially, Pier Luigi Loro Piana considered building a new yacht, however, together with Mario Pedol, co-founder of Nauta Design, he decided to find a suitable vessel for refitting. Following 8 months of refurbishment, the Masquenada motor yacht was relaunched in June 2021. She spent her first summer cruising the Mediterranean and has now departed for the Caribbean at the start of a three-year voyage that will take her around the world.
The aft bulwarks were cut away to create a flush deck with enough space for helicopter operations. The transom was transformed into a true pieds dans l’eau swim platform. The old deck crane was replaced with a custom-built, 7.5-tonne capacity crane that folds away into a dedicated compartment below deck.
The yacht features enough space for two or more tenders, including an amphibious Iguana. When the tenders and toys are in the water the flush aft deck can serve as a massive lounging space. The boarding ladders on both sides are height-adjustable depending on whether a tender or the Maxi Dolphin-Nauta chase boat is docked alongside.
The aft overhangs of the upper and bridge decks were extended by 1.5 meters to create a more graceful profile. The bridge deck features room for gym equipment and two sailing dinghies that can be stowed away in a covered bay that doubles as a sunbed. The upper deck aft is set up for al fresco dining and lounging. The top deck can be used an observation platform with a fitted BBQ-galley.
The original twin Caterpillar 3508 engines (total 2,100 hp) were thoroughly serviced and a new exhaust system was installed. The new propellers and the reconfigured hull lines aft made it possible for the yacht to receive an extra 1.5 knots of top speed. The brand new three Kohler generators are housed in sound-proof boxes and mounted on vibration dampers with structural reinforcements to avoid noise transmission through the hull.
The interior design was created by Misa Poggi. Guest accommodation includes two suites on the main deck, three on the lower deck, and a master stateroom on the upper deck forward for a total of 12 guests including the owner.
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