Originally an ocean going salvage tug, 88m (287′) M/Y Arctic P was custom built in 1969 by German shipyard Schichau Unterweser AG.
Different refit projects, involving the beach club being completely redesigned, the Jacuzzi, swimming pool and dining area successfully installed and the galley, engine room and pilothouse all renovated, added to the lavish and luxurious interior disguised by her sturdy exterior.
The steel superstructure and hull – with plating as thick as 50mm in certain spots – make her strong enough to dribble through ice floes in the southern ocean where few other vessels are capable of.
With a colossal fuel capacity of 1.4 million litres, Arctic P boasts an incredible reported range of nearly 20,000 nautical miles, a cruising speed of 20 knots and a max speed of 22 knots.
No wonder why she has successfully undertaken some of the most far-out expeditions of any modern yacht including setting the world record for furthest voyage south, by reaching a distance of just 677 miles from the south pole.
To keep getting the best out of Arctic P and ensure to have never to compromise on the pleasure of her cruising, Palumbo Superyachts Refit Malta was entrusted with her maintenance, counting on the shipyard’s skills and expertise needed for such a one-of-a-kind vessel.
By combining the yard’s resources with its extensive experience, the best outcome was reached on all the agreed service and repair works on decks, engines, technical room and interior, with the major intervention being a complete replacement of the A/C system.
The end result is that the operational reliability is now reinstated for more adventurous vacations to be planned on board this legendary expedition yacht.

Launched in 2010, 61.7m (202′) Mary-Jean II is a stunning piece of mastery from renowned Italian shipbuilder ISA. This superyacht combines the very latest technology with a contemporary interior design interpreted by the most exquisite Italian craftsmanship.
The twin Caterpillar engines take her to a top speed of 17 knots with a comfortable cruising speed of 14 knots. Her spacious and beautifully-appointed deck areas are dedicated to sunbathing, dining and total relaxation and for those who prefer a more active lifestyle, there is a generous array of water sports equipment easy to launch from the spacious swim platform.
Mary-Jean II, that can accommodate 12 guests in seven staterooms run by a crew of 15, is headed by experienced British Captain David Burgess, who’s kindly agreed to answer our follow-up interview before leaving the Ancona shipyard at the end of our refit operation last September.

Q.: Why did you choose Palumbo Superyachts Ancona?
A.: We have been working with Palumbo for some time now since they took over ISA yachts. Mainly for supply of yacht specific hardware, design & systems information, drawings and spare parts. After our summer season in the Adriatic, we had some follow up work from our ten year refit to complete and Ancona seemed like a good option for us. I was in touch with Diego Marinelli and his proposal for the work was very competitively priced but mainly included certain specifics in the scope of work that would ensure a positive outcome.
Also, we had the added benefit of PalumboSY Ancona being the build yard for Mary-Jean II, enabling us to make some important upgrades to various on-board systems with the specialist knowledge of the technicians that installed them originally. This knowledge proved essential in making the upgrades viable economically and allowing them to be completed within our tight maintenance window.

Q.: Are you happy with our team and the services provided at Palumbo Superyachts Ancona?
A.: The main work carried out on board was the recoating of a sewage tank. Quickly identified as being a larger task than initially thought, Diego and his team reacted quickly to set up a very thorough sandblasting operation. The protection and containment of the blast material was excellent and the final result of the airless spray coating application was superb. In addition, the works on the various yacht specific upgrades went very well and the benefits of having the build technicians completing the work were clear to see. All of the work was managed by our incredibly energetic and enthusiastic project manager Pasquale Sellitto who met all of our demands in a very professional manner.

Q.: Would you recommend Palumbo Superyachts Ancona?
A.: I would indeed. Our experience was very positive and in a very short space of time we achieved a great deal. I would certainly recommend Palumbo SY Ancona to any ISA built yacht that may wish to make some upgrades or modifications on board. With the expertise and knowledge at hand, Palumbo will certainly be able to offer solutions that fit in with the build fabric of the yacht.

A new 500t floating dry dock dedicated to lifting boats is operating in our Marseille shipyard, where it has already started its mission to host yachts up to 45 meters in length and with a maximum draft of 4.5 meters.
Inside, the basin will allow to carry out all kinds of Refit works: from painting, to mechanical work, to teak, all done in a covered and protected environment.
The floating dock is part of a significant investment in the shipyard to expand its capabilities – following the high demand – and in support of Palumbo Superyachts Marseille’s ongoing strategy to increase the quality of services, now justified by the renewal of the state concession for further 21 years.
This “U” structure is built in steel just like a ship and operates on a fairly simple principle.
The basin partially submerges so for the yacht to slide inside it and, once the vessel is in position, the basin load is lightened by pumping the ballast seawater out of the tanks placed inside the hollow walls, allowing the basin to emerge and lift the supported yacht.
The remaining seawater is pumped out of the basin, in order to expose the yacht hull and perform the necessary maintenance or repair work.
This solution has the advantage of being a very economic, functional and flexible method of carrying out dry land work, producing a significant increase in turnover and a substantial reduction in delivery times for the benefit of our customers.
Besides, being covered, our floating dry dock provides the advantages of being equipped with air systems for the extraction/ ventilation and heating, adding further value to existing services.
Another tangible proof of Palumbo Superyachts Marseille’s constant commitment to ensuring maximum professionalism and quality of service… promptly rewarded by our affectionate clients’ response, dry dock slots are filling up quickly!

Photo credit Sigrun Sauerzapfe aka Siggi

Sarastar, the Mondomarine 60 metre superyacht custom built in 2017 that quickly became an icon in the luxury market, has touched base with the Savona shipyard for some tender care. The accommodation and living areas of this all-aluminium – opulently spacious motor yacht that sleeps up to 12 guests and 13 crew – are arranged over three cascading decks, all linked by a chrome staircase with back-lit onyx.
Her timeless styling, beautiful furnishings and sumptuous seating features are a masterpiece of design and naval architecture.
Powered by 2 MTU 16V4000M73L diesel engines delivering a top speed of over 20 knots and comfortably cruising at 18 knots, this highly sought-after full displacement superyacht has called upon our Savona-based shipyard for a number of repair works between charters.
So, during her brief ‘pit stop’ the following works were carried out: washing and applying two coats of antifouling; coating shafts and propellers with Propspeed; disassembling, cleaning and doing maintenance to the main sea chests; removing the left shaft and disassembling the SKF coupling to replace the shaft bearing; disassembling two propellers to check and balance them. Back in perfect shape, Sarastar headed out to sea sailing smoothly again in all her splendid glory.

L’Albatros is a motor yacht with a soul and stories all of its own. Delivered in 1985 by Sterling Yachts, then since she underwent full refurbishment to provide her with the latest equipment yet staying true to her original character.  Measuring 43.6 metres (143 feet) in length, is a world proven oceangoing vessel offering accommodation to 12 guests in 6 deluxe staterooms tastefully decorated including a master suite, 4 double cabins and 1 twin cabin.

A great family yacht, L’Albatros is a must for those with a taste for exploration. A crew of 8 ensures a relaxed 5-star experience aboard this perfect combination of performance and luxury that, among an extensive list of amenities and toys, is also fitted with zero speed stabilizers increasing comfort when the yacht is stationary, particularly in rough waters.

Exquisite Brazilian hardwoods and Italian marble surfaces complemented by designer fabrics abound throughout, and salon, dining and living areas are warm and inviting but with elegance and sophistication for more formal entertaining. Her sizeable exterior provides a formal expandable dining table as well as seating to enjoy cocktails from the outdoor wet bar.

As part of her maintenance program, treating the hull, in particular the area below the waterline, with antifouling is a key task. A smooth and barnacle free hull enhances performance by increasing boat speed, reduces fuel consumption and also helps lower the risk of introducing invasive species from one area of water to another.

As simple as it may seem, actually this task demands skilled and experienced personnel to successfully execute it, which is why Palumbo Superyachts Refit Naples was selected for the job.

Applying the antifouling necessarily involved: hauling, transferring the yacht on the hard, performing the job and finally launching. When on the hard, the hull was inspected and a thorough examination for any marine organisms blocking water intakes was carried out to prevent engine overheating.

It goes without saying that the whole procedure can weigh quite considerably on the annual maintenance costs of the boat but, when done properly like on this instance, it pays for itself in the long run.