Italy

Blue Fin Yachts srl

The 51-metre explorer superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a>, previously known as Aspire, has completed an extensive, 9-month long refit at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben Shipyard</a> in Livorno, Italy, following her recent sale to Pier Luigi Loro Piana.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199408/image/large-ec0fd3874d6fb77a7fda184cafe24252.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199408">Her refit includes an extension to her stern block designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Design</a>, as well as the complete renovation of her interior, and a fresh exterior hull paint job. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1144" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Loro Piana Interiors (Misa Poggi) (Company)">Pier Luigi Loro Piana</a> spoke at the relaunch, stating, “The most important element of this entire project was time. Time is the most essential factor for an owner and I am enormously satisfied with the capacity of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> shipyard which, together with all the collaborators, managed to complete this incredible transformation in just a few months.  Now, the project for the immediate future is to embark with my family and sail around the world.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199407/image/large-4fe6b6b5bd6d2fc245518fbbcb643b21.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199407">In addition to the extension, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> removed the deck crane, and installed a new crane below deck in the lazarette, and this has freed up an expansive area on the main deck. The Jacuzzi has been removed from the sun deck, and has been replaced with an outdoor cooking station.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199409/image/large-63af7a3df97d7ed4157a100babcffa27.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199409"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a> was originally built and launched by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1094" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Penglai (Company)">Penglai</a> in 2006 as the 45-metre Etra, having gained a 6-metre extension during an extensive refit in 2018. During this refit, a new swimming platform was also added. She features an original exterior design and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1095" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Fin Yachts srl (Company)">Blue Fin Yachts</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/199410/image/large-1d6068ad5bf57f4a507f8e6b57af0f17.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/199410">Her original interior comes from the drawing boards of Italian designer, Andrea Pezzini, owner and CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Floating Life Charter & Brokerage Ltd (Company)">Floating Life</a>, and have now been updated by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1144" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Loro Piana Interiors (Misa Poggi) (Company)">Misa Poggi</a>, and saw a reorganisation of the interior arrangement. In addition, the furnishings have been updated, as have the ceilings and floors.&nbsp;The explorer yacht is constructed with both a steel hull and superstructure. Performance-wise, Aspire can reach a top speed of 14.4 knots with a cruising speed of 13 knots. She has a range of 4,500 nautical miles and is operated by a crew of nine.Mario Pedol of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Design</a> commented, “We are particularly proud of this project that we were lucky enough to follow from the beginning, alongside the owner. The profile of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Masquenada51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Masquenada</a> is now much more sleek and elegant and, in redesigning the stern block, we have managed to improve the contact with the water and the liveability of this area, now transformed into a “pieds dans l’eau.” In addition to the aesthetic and architectural changes, many of her mechanical systems have been updated and refurbished.

51m superyacht Masquenada completes extensive refit

The 51m Penglai superyacht Aspire has just completed an extensive refit at Lusben Shipyard and is renamed Masquenada.


51m superyacht Masquenada completes refit at Lusben

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/100178/image/large-16b99c14c118c3de18a0fdda7279534c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/100178">First launched in 2006 in China as the 45-metre Etra, the explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1798" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aspire51.0m (167'4&quot;)Penglai2007">Aspire</a> as she is known today has undergone several significant changes since she first touched the water. A recent multi-million dollar refit project completed at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lusben Shipyard (Company)">Lusben</a> saw the vessel get extended to her current length with a new swim platform having been added. Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1096" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Andrea Pezzini (Company)">Andrea Pezzini</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1095" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Fin Yachts srl (Company)">Blue Fin Yachts</a> developed the project’s naval architecture. Inside, she can accommodate up to 12 guests and eight full-time crew. Here she is seen anchored off Monaco last summer season.

The 51m explorer yacht Aspire in Monaco

The luxury explorer yacht Aspire spotted on the French Riviera anchored off Monaco last summer. 