Originally delivered by Royal Hakvoort in 2008, Awatea arrived at Balk Shipyard in late 2025 for what the yard describes as a comprehensive ReCraft project. The work included technical modernization, exterior refurbishment, interior updates, and a striking return to a color scheme inspired by the yacht's original appearance.
Built with naval architecture by Diana Yacht Design, exterior styling by Cor D. Rover and interiors by Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design, Awatea remains a notable yacht within the Royal Hakvoort custom yacht fleet. At the time of her launch, she was the first Hakvoort designed by Cor D. Rover and the fourth-largest yacht ever delivered by the shipyard.
Reviving a Signature Color Scheme
The most immediately noticeable change is Awatea's new exterior finish. Her previous pastel blue hull has been replaced with a rich Poseidon Metallic Blue paint scheme supplied by Alexseal, paired with a crisp white superstructure. The updated livery takes inspiration from the yacht's original 2008 appearance while giving the vessel a more contemporary presence.
Alongside the repaint, the yard completed antifouling works and addressed localized corrosion areas to support long-term durability and reduce future maintenance requirements on board the yacht for sale. Additional exterior works included revarnishing deck furnishings and exterior woodwork, refurbishment of deck doors, and replacement of several windows.
Modern Systems for Future Cruisin
Beyond the cosmetic changes, the project involved a substantial technical overhaul. All major onboard equipment underwent servicing and inspection, including the main engines and generators, watermaker, sewage treatment systems, anchor winches, pump valves, and safety equipment.
The motor yacht for sale also received a completely upgraded HVAC system, new radar equipment, depth and speed sensors, and a full modernization of both the AMS and PMCS control systems.
Lighting was upgraded throughout the interior and exterior, introducing integrated ambient lighting controls, while the galley underwent a complete renovation. According to Balk Shipyard, the objective was to preserve the yacht's original character while ensuring her systems and infrastructure remain capable of supporting future cruising plans.
Leveraging the Dutch Superyacht Ecosystem
A key factor in Awatea's refit was its location within the Netherlands' closely connected yacht-building sector. Originally delivered by Royal Hakvoort in 2008, the yacht returned to a region where many of the suppliers, engineers and craftsmen involved in her construction remain active, allowing Balk Shipyard to access specialist expertise and resolve issues that had proven difficult to address elsewhere.
The yard cited several examples of local knowledge speeding up repairs, including work on Awatea's bespoke door hinge system. Crew members also highlighted the ease of sourcing specialist equipment, with Chief Stewardess Chloë Norman noting that replacement wine fridges, which had taken months to search for in the United States, were identified and ordered within half an hour of arriving at Balk Shipyard.
it is not uncommon during a refit in the Netherlands – regardless of when a yacht was originally constructed or by which yard – for the Dutch refit yard to personally know the hands that originally built, engineered, and installed the equipment."
- Balk Shipyard
The crew further praised the yard's communication, project management and attention to welfare throughout the project. Delivered as My Trust, Awatea also holds an important place in Hakvoort's history, introducing Cor D. Rover's design language to the builder's portfolio alongside interiors by Felix Buytendijk Yacht Design.
Following her Atlantic crossing and extensive refit programme, the yacht now returns to service with upgraded systems, refreshed exterior finishes and a range of onboard improvements ready for her next cruising season.
Awatea is listed for sale on YachtBuyer and is currently asking $23,500,000.
Landmark Builds Across the Hakvoort Fleet
According to YachtBuyer MarketWatch, the largest yacht database in the world, Awatea joins a distinguished fleet of custom yachts delivered by Royal Hakvoort over the past decade. Among the shipyard's most notable recent projects is the 64m explorer yacht Scout, an award-winning expedition vessel known for her ice-class hull, private greenhouse, observation lounge and highly personalized interior.
The yard also delivered the 61m Asia in 2024, featuring a dedicated owner's deck, extensive glazing and a 1,268GT interior designed by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Other landmark Hakvoort projects include the 61m Just J's, recognized for her beach-house-inspired interior and expansive owner accommodation, and the 61m Top Five II, a global-cruising yacht designed around exceptional volume, accessibility and long-range capability.
Together, these yachts highlight Royal Hakvoort's longstanding focus on fully custom construction, with each project developed around a highly individual owner's brief.
Interested in owning a Royal Hakvoort yacht? View all new and used Royal Hakvoort yachts for sale, tracked in real-time by YachtBuyer MarketWatch. We scan the entire market to ensure access to all genuine listings, saving you time. Alternatively, you can view all other superyachts for sale.
