The 47.9-metre vessel enters the Reviva Refit facility in Istanbul for comprehensive structural and technical updates.
Mengi Yay Begins Comprehensive Yacht Refit
The refit division of Turkish shipyard Mengi Yay, operating under the name Reviva Refit, has commenced work on the 47.9-metre motor yacht MIRABELLA. Codenamed Project R15, this undertaking represents the fifteenth major refit project for the facility since 2017. The vessel arrived in Istanbul in mid-September 2025 to begin a comprehensive modernization program that addresses both technical systems and aesthetic presentation.
Following her arrival, the yacht was hauled out in early October to facilitate a tight six-and-a-half-month schedule. The project aims to refresh the 2004-built vessel significantly, ensuring she meets contemporary standards before the upcoming summer season. The shipyard has mobilized teams to handle multiple aspects of the renovation simultaneously, ranging from structural steelwork to delicate interior joinery.
Exterior Restoration and Technical Upgrades
A primary focus of the project involves a complete repaint of the hull and superstructure using the Awlgrip system. This process takes place within a climate-controlled environment to ensure a flawless finish and long-term durability. Beyond the exterior surfacing, the technical scope includes significant revisions to the electrical infrastructure. The engineering teams are tasked with upgrading the main electrical systems, replacing interior light fixtures, and enhancing exterior deck illumination.
In addition to the lighting overhaul, the vessel will receive targeted updates to her audio-visual and electronic integration systems. These technical improvements are designed to bolster the operational efficiency of the yacht while providing a more robust entertainment experience for guests. The removal, cataloging, and storage of all exterior fittings ensure that the painting and reassembly process proceeds without compromising existing hardware.
Interior Overhaul and Deck Modifications
The interior spaces will undergo extensive renovation, characterized by the deep sanding of existing woodwork down to the veneer. This meticulous process aims to correct discoloration and prepare the surfaces for refinishing and protective coating. The scope extends to the installation of new upholstery and updated furniture, effectively modernizing the guest areas while respecting the original design intent of the Trinity platform.
On the exterior decks, lifestyle enhancements include the installation of a new, bespoke Jacuzzi on the sundeck and the reconfiguration of seating arrangements to improve guest flow. A significant structural modification involves the integration of a transformer platform at the stern. This addition requires the creation of a dedicated watertight chamber and structural reinforcements to the swim platform, increasing the vessel’s utility for water sports and tender operations.
Project Management and Delivery Timeline
Rob Dolling of Verpeka Dolling Superyachts serves as the Owner’s Representative and Technical Manager for Project R15. His role involves close coordination with the shipyard to ensure technical integrity and adherence to the strict timeline. The schedule targets a delivery date of April 15, 2026, allowing for immediate deployment following the winter yard period.
The completion of MIRABELLA will mark another milestone for Mengi Yay’s refit division, demonstrating its capacity to execute complex structural and technical updates within a singular season. With work progressing on schedule, the project highlights the growing demand for comprehensive refit services in the Turkish maritime sector.
Intelligence synthesized from: newsatsea.com, superyachttimes.com.