Moonen Shipyards in the Netherlands has received the order for a refit of the Moonen 84 Etoile d'Azur. Launched in 2007, this 26.25-metre motoryacht is still in the hands of her original owner, who had already taken her to the Caribbean on her own bottom and now plans an extensive cruise of the Norwegian fjords and beyond. First, however, Etoile d'Azur will return home to Moonen where she will be greeted by many of the craftsmen who originally created this successful global cruiser.
Designed by René van der Velden, Etoile d'Azur is the seventh of eight Moonen 84 displacement motoryachts launched between 2002 and 2008. "It is a real pleasure for us to welcome back a yacht of this pedigree," says Niek van Twillert, head of design and development at Moonen Shipyards. "The owner has already clocked up some impressive mileage on his superyacht, including a transatlantic crossing. Now Etoile d'Azur is going to embark on a major cruise to Scandinavia and other northern European locations. The owner specifically arranged everything so that the refit could take place at Moonen en-route from her normal birth in southern Spain. He is also considering some serious sailing plans for the future, including having Etoile d'Azur transported to New Zealand and then cruising her all the way back to Europe. One thing is for sure, she will be ready for anything and everything once we have completed this extensive refit."
The project will include a comprehensive paint job and the installation of an electrical zero speed stabilisation system in place of the existing hydraulic system. This solution has already been successfully deployed on the Moonen 82 fast displacement motoryacht My Way, which was launched earlier this year. The electrical system requires approximately half the power of its hydraulic zero-speed alternative. Moreover, as it does not require a larger generator there will be no synchronisation required, which offers considerable cost savings.
Another major part of the refit will be an extension of the flybridge aft. This will serve as a cover for the main deck aft area, creating even more shading for alfresco dining. In addition, the enhanced flybridge deck space will facilitate the owner's desire to carry more watersport toys onboard, including scooters, in addition to the tender and jetski currently stored in this location while underway. Last but not least, various cosmetic changes will be made to Etoile d'Azur‘s interior and systems while the electrics will be updated where required.
Moonen Shipyards
+31 (0)73 621 0094
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www.moonen.com