From research to execution, what is the true value of an interior crew-led refit?
Every superyacht will require a refit, and an interior overhaul is more than a decorative update — it’s an opportunity to transform spaces and enhance the onboard experience. Chief stews are perfectly positioned to take the lead in these projects, drawing on their firsthand understanding of the yacht’s daily flow, the nuances of guest needs and the owner’s vision.
“One of the most important skills we can have as project managers is the ability to engage the crew and make them feel responsible for projects,” says A Iraghi, owner of Silvia Iraghi Luxury Interior Management. “This includes delegating tasks to the chief stews, particularly in the interior areas where they work.” Their insights ensure a balance between aesthetics, comfort and function, which elevates the overall refit.
Nicole Nel, who was deeply involved in the refit of the 198ft Iron Blonde, emphasizes the power of listening. “It is all about listening to exactly what the (new) owners were trying to achieve and helping them bring that vision to life,” she shares. To maintain their connection throughout the process, Nicole created mood boards and kept communication flowing with regular updates, making sure the owners’ input was woven into every detail.
Jessie Cohen, former chief stew of the 135ft Stay Salty, led a comprehensive interior refit, seamlessly blending modern trends with timeless appeal. “I had my finger on the pulse of all the new design trends,” Jessie says. But she ensured the “new” stayed in balance with timeless styling. Her experience also proved that a stunning result doesn’t always come with an extravagant price tag. “Just because it’s a super-yacht doesn’t mean you have to choose the most expensive items,” she adds, showing that careful, creative choices can deliver luxury without the splurge.
Refits, of course, come with challenges. For Jessie, coordinating the interior upgrades alongside the technical work was like solving a complex puzzle, especially when equipment had to be imported from Europe to the US. “A lot of engineering and AV upgrades were needed, so scheduling them to work together was a challenging puzzle,” she says. But seeing the project come to life made every moment worth it. “Watching everything finally come together was so rewarding; it was a true labor of love.”
Nicole faced different hurdles when new ownership called for a complete rebranding. “The yacht was renamed and its style completely redesigned, so everything had to change,” she explains. “The challenge was to ensure the new owners truly felt the yacht is now theirs with its new identity.” The payoff came when she saw their delighted reaction. “Seeing the look on the owners’ faces when they saw it for the first time meant a lot to me; I put my heart into the project.”
These stories show that successful refits go beyond choosing beautiful decor — they require careful planning, team leadership and adaptability. “You need good preparation and planning, thorough research and a great team,” Jessie emphasizes.
Silvia highlights that the entire crew plays a crucial role in quality control and tracking day-to-day progress during a refit. “Typically, project managers tend to keep everything to themselves, but there is so much value in involving the crew,” she says. When chief stews specifically are part of the process, they also bring unique insights that improve comfort and function. In Jessie’s project that included how the interior design could appeal to future charter guests. “We chose to go in a natural and coastal direction, wanting to appeal to a wide range of clientele,” she notes.
Ultimately, the reward of a refit goes beyond the final reveal; it’s about the journey of planning, problem-solving and showcasing the expertise of chief stews. For some, leading such projects is also an excellent exercise for those considering a future in interior design after their yachting careers, showcasing their ability to manage complex projects and transform spaces.