Watch the 26-Month Refit of 79m Superyacht Moonstone (Ex-Albatross) at Damen Yachting

A new video has been released capturing the remarkable 26-month refit and relaunch of the 79m superyacht Moonstone, formerly known as Albatross.

The footage shows the Delta Marine-built yacht’s journey at Damen Yachting’s Vlissingen facility, from major structural modifications to her return to the water under her new name.

Transforming Albatross into Moonstone

Originally delivered in 2016 as the 72-meter Albatross, the yacht was shipped to the Netherlands in late 2022 for a complete redesign. The video shows the complex hull extension that removed 10 meters and added 17 meters, taking her to 79.2 meters overall with a gross tonnage of 2,149GT. Damen Yachting’s Amels Refit division oversaw the engineering, while London studio Harrison Eidsgaard handled both the new exterior lines and a contemporary interior scheme.

Superyacht Moonstone during refit at Damen Yachting refit center

The refit of the yacht went far beyond cosmetic updates. Viewers see the hull reshaped, exhausts lifted, and technical systems reengineered to maintain balance and performance. The transom was rebuilt to integrate a larger swim platform and beach club, while new lifestyle features include a wellness center, outdoor pool, winter garden, and upgraded sun deck with bar and jacuzzi.

 Superyacht Moonstone under way

Interiors of the motor yacht were almost entirely reimagined, replacing the original François Zuretti design with a modern layout tailored to the owners’ brief. Guest capacity remains 12 across six staterooms, supported by two staff and a crew of 18.

A Successor in Name and Spirit

This new Moonstone is thought to succeed the original 61m Moonstone delivered by Amels in 2021. This first yacht, which was built on the Amels 200 platform, emphasized hybrid propulsion and long-range family cruising, whereas the 79-meter successor carries forward that ethos with greater volume, expanded amenities, and a design recalibrated for decades of global voyaging.

Superyacht Moonstone at anchor with tender adjacent
Original Moonstone

With a beach club, wellness hub, winter garden, and expanded outdoor spaces, she reflects the owner’s evolving lifestyle scaled up to meet new cruising ambitions.

Damen Yachting’s Current Projects

Alongside the refit and relaunch of Moonstone, Damen Yachting is advancing a busy new build schedule with six yachts currently in production. These include multiple units of the 53m Damen YS 53 support vessel, the entry model in the Damen Yacht Support range, capable of 19 knots and carrying up to 16 guests with extensive storage for tenders and toys.

Damen yachting support vessel YS 53 under way
YS 53
Damen yachting support yacht YS 53 interior with dining area and L-shaped sofa
Damen yachting support yacht YS 53 storage area

At the larger end of the order book is the 75m Damen Hybrid, a custom expedition yacht designed by Michael Leach with an assertive exterior, adaptable expedition deck, and onboard cultivation pods that allow fresh produce to be grown at sea.

Rendering of Damen 75m Hybrid yacht at anchor
Damen 75m Hybrid

The video of Moonstone’s refit captures not just the scale of her transformation but also Damen Yachting’s growing expertise in complex rebuilds. With a robust order book spanning support yachts and next-generation hybrids, the Dutch yard is strengthening its position at both ends of the superyacht spectrum.

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