Completed between October 2025 and June 2026 at Denia Shipyard, the refit brief focused on modernizing the explorer while preserving the capabilities that have defined the Cheoy Lee-built vessel since her delivery in 2011.
Designed by Ron Holland as part of Cheoy Lee's Marco Polo Series, Avalon 101 is a steel-hulled explorer yacht developed for long-range cruising, sharing the same ocean-going platform as her sistership Limited Risks.
A Dramatic New Exterior
The most striking element of the refit is Avalon 101's completely reworked appearance. Italian design studio Pascoli International developed an updated exterior color scheme that replaces the yacht's previous red-and-white finish with a deep navy-blue hull, crisp white superstructure and contrasting black detailing. A bold red boot stripe completes the new profile, giving the explorer a sharper, more contemporary character while remaining faithful to her expedition roots.
The repaint was completed by Nautipaints, transforming the yacht's visual presence without altering her underlying Ron Holland profile.
The exterior work extended beyond paint. A new teak bathing platform was installed, a custom sun awning system now spans all three exterior decks, and the motor yacht's mast was removed, fully refurbished, repainted and reinstalled as part of the wider modernization program.
Practical Changes Below Deck
While the visual changes are immediately apparent, much of the nine-month project centered on the yacht's engineering systems.
The underwater hull was sandblasted before receiving a fresh protective coating, while all three Northern Lights generators underwent complete overhauls to improve long-term reliability. Engineers also installed a new Hamann sewage treatment system and serviced the anchor windlasses alongside numerous preventative maintenance tasks carried out across the yacht.
Rather than introducing new technologies for their own sake, the work concentrated on ensuring Avalon 101 remains a dependable platform for extended cruising. The extensive mechanical program also reduced future maintenance requirements while improving operational efficiency ahead of the yacht's next cruising seasons.
Upgrades That Improve Life On Board
Interior work concentrated on functionality instead of redesigning the superyacht's existing layout. The galley was completely rebuilt to improve workflow for the crew, while new Cantalupi lighting was installed throughout both guest and crew areas. Additional modifications focused on improving day-to-day onboard operations, enhancing comfort without fundamentally changing the character of the yacht.
The result is a refit that prioritizes usability alongside aesthetics, ensuring the yacht continues to serve as a practical long-range explorer while benefiting from updated onboard systems.
With the refit now complete, Avalon 101 has departed Denia Shipyard ready to resume cruising. Managed by Drettmann Yachts on behalf of the owners, the nine-month project modernized the explorer's appearance, engineering and onboard functionality while preserving the long-range capabilities and character that have defined the Marco Polo Series since its inception.
Recent Refit Projects Across the Industry
Avalon 101 joins a growing number of superyachts returning to service following major refit programs, as owners continue investing in modernization to extend the lifespan and capability of proven platforms.
Recent examples include the 45m Awatea by Royal Hakvoort, which completed a seven-month rebuild at Balk Shipyard with a new metallic blue exterior, upgraded engineering systems and extensive interior improvements, alongside the 29m Belle de Jour, which underwent structural repairs, technical maintenance and cosmetic enhancements before returning to the water.
Turkey's Mengi Yay also recently relaunched the 40m Bering explorer Familia following one of the year's most ambitious structural refits. The project included a two-meter hull extension, a redesigned stern with a dedicated tender garage and numerous engineering upgrades aimed at improving long-range capability and onboard practicality.
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Together, these projects highlight the growing role of refits within the superyacht sector. Rather than replacing existing yachts, many owners are opting to modernize styling, engineering and onboard systems, allowing established vessels such as Avalon 101 to remain competitive, capable and ready for many more years of cruising.
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