On board: the 52m Amels superyacht Seahorse in Genoa

Built by the Dutch shipyard Amels in 1999, the 52 metre superyacht Seahorse is currently in Genoa following her relaunch from Icon Yachts in Harlingen around two weeks ago. Heading to the MYBA Charter Show shortly after her extensive five month refit, she has certainly generated a lot of interest from the industry and the SYT media team were delighted to be shown around the all new Seahorse by Finnish Captain Peter Stepniewski.

You just completed a big refit at Icon Yachts, can you tell us what work was undertaken?

We did a major technical refit and installed new set of zero speed stabilizers to improve general guest comfort. We also did a big upgrade throughout her interior - everything was changed from ceiling to carpet. Amongst the other works undertaken at Icon, we also upgraded or replaced 80% of the bridge equipment. We went all digital when it comes to charts and publications onboard. We bought brand new tenders and brand new jet skis, and we also completed some paint works on the outside.

Why did the owner choose to go to Icon for the refit and not back to Amels?

It’s not that easy nowadays to choose where to go, as everyone wants to go for a refit every three to five years. We approached a few shipyards and we wanted to do a northern European refit.

Is she a popular charter yacht and do you think the refit will attract more charters?

This was a private Australian flagged yacht. We took her over one year ago and then we reflagged her and went into the commercial process so we could become a charter yacht. We started the charter season in mid-July 2015, and we were busy with charters until the Monaco Yacht Show. We weren’t pushed to do the refit to improve our charter schedule, but we wanted to do it. With all the visits we’re receiving here at the Show it looks like we going to be very busy again this season. She is a really attractive boat.

Where will you be cruising this summer?

We’re prepared to stay in the Med, but if we get inquiries for the Baltic sea and the owner and clients are both happy, we can go anywhere.

Have you received a lot of interest at the Show?

Yes we have. She looks 10 years younger than she is, she is really a fresh yacht. Clients are usually looking for a charter boat of a maximum of 5 years old. We are 16 years old and everybody can see that we are very good quality.