Foreland Marine Consultancy
Sailing yacht in refit yard
Refit Project Management

Superyacht refit,
managed with rigour

We provide full refit project management for motor and sailing yachts over 24 metres, from initial assessment through to sea trials and handover. From a light refresh to a complete rebuild, our first priority is to deliver on time and on budget.

Track Record

Classic to Carbon

Twenty-five large yacht refit projects delivered across seven countries. High-profile classic and modern racing yachts prepared for the grand prix circuit. Multiple sailing yachts exceeding 40 metres. Motor yachts in excess of 60 metres undergoing comprehensive rebuilds. Historic restorations of vessels dating from the 1920s alongside performance programmes on recently launched craft.

This breadth of experience means our team has encountered the specific challenges associated with each vessel type, from managing complex coatings schemes on pre-war hulls to commissioning carbon rigs on contemporary racing yachts, and overseeing in-depth mechanical and interior refits on large motor yachts.

25

Large yacht projects

7

Countries

30-60m+

Projects delivered

100+

Years of vessel heritage

What We Do

The full scope of a refit

Planning & Specification

Scope definition, design review, work specification, and budget development prior to the yard period. Thorough planning at this stage is fundamental to a well-executed refit.

On-Site Project Management

A dedicated project manager present at the yard throughout the refit. Daily progress monitoring, contractor coordination, quality assurance, and structured owner reporting.

Yard Selection & Tendering

Assessment of yards against capability, availability, track record, and commercial value. Management of the tendering process and contract negotiation on behalf of the owner.

Budget & Cost Control

Detailed financial tracking from the outset, with monthly reporting, change order review, and supplier negotiation. Full transparency on expenditure at every stage.

Quality & Compliance

Milestone inspections, coatings and paint survey, systems testing, and formal sign-off at each phase. Coordination of class surveys and flag state requirements as required.

Sea Trials & Handover

Coordination of trials, snagging resolution, crew briefing, and a structured handover process to ensure the vessel departs the yard fully operational and to the agreed standard.

How We Work

Independent oversight, aligned with the owner

Our project leads are predominantly former captains and chief engineers who have managed complex yard periods from the operational side. Their practical experience enables them to identify quality issues early, manage contractor performance effectively, and maintain the standards the owner expects.

They are supported by in-house naval architects, vibration analysts, coatings and paint surveyors, and equipment specialists. Financial oversight is provided by qualified accountants within the team, with tax advisors and shipping brokers available for registration or commercial matters. The necessary expertise is readily accessible within the organisation.

Foreland receives no commissions from yards, suppliers, or subcontractors. The owner receives impartial advice and transparent reporting throughout the project.

Welder working on a yacht hull in dry dock
Craftsmen restoring traditional timber planking on a classic yacht
Classic Yachts

Preserving heritage, faithfully

Some projects demand more than technical competence. The restoration of a classic yacht carries a responsibility to honour the original design intent, the craftsmanship of a previous era, and the vessel's place in maritime history. We approach these projects with the respect they deserve.

Whether working with traditional timber construction, period-correct hardware, or sympathetic upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, our team understands the balance between preservation and practical seaworthiness. The goal is always a vessel that sails as beautifully as she looks, faithful to her heritage but ready for the sea.

We work closely with specialist yards, skilled shipwrights and conservation-minded designers to ensure that every decision, from material selection to structural approach, is made with the vessel's legacy in mind.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is yacht refit project management?+
Yacht refit project management is the independent oversight of a refit on behalf of the owner. The project manager is present at the yard throughout the works, monitors progress, controls budget, manages change orders, coordinates classification and flag surveys, and reports to the owner. The role is separate from the yard's own project staff, who represent the yard's commercial interest.
How much does yacht refit project management cost?+
Independent project management on a typical 30 to 50 metre refit ranges from 3 to 8 percent of total refit value, depending on scope, yacht complexity, and yard location. On a £2 million refit this represents £60,000 to £160,000. The cost is routinely outweighed by cost savings achieved through competitive tendering, supplier negotiation, and change order discipline, which commonly save 10 to 20 percent on the gross refit budget. See our detailed guide to superyacht refit cost for full ranges.
How do you select the right refit yard?+
Yard selection is based on vessel type, scope of work, geographic preference, capabilities, and track record. We assess multiple yards against these criteria, manage the tendering process across northern European, Mediterranean, and lower-cost options, and recommend the option that best serves the owner's interests, not the option that pays the largest referral fee, because we do not accept referral fees from yards.
What is the typical scope of refit project management?+
Our involvement covers the full lifecycle: initial condition survey, scope and specification development, yard selection and tendering, contract negotiation, daily on-site oversight, budget and cost control, quality assurance, classification and flag coordination, sea trials, and formal handover. Owners can also engage us for individual stages if a refit is already in progress.
How long does a typical superyacht refit take?+
A routine maintenance haul-out runs two to four weeks. A standard winter refit runs eight to sixteen weeks. A mid-life refit with paint and machinery work runs three to six months. A major refit with structural and interior scope runs six to twelve months. A full rebuild on a yacht over 50 metres can extend to eighteen to twenty-four months.
How do you manage refit budgets and timelines?+
Detailed cost tracking from day one, with monthly reporting to the owner, structured change order management, milestone-based payments, and proactive identification of schedule risks. We tender all variations to multiple suppliers where time allows. Full financial transparency is maintained throughout, with the owner able to see line-item expenditure at any time.
Can you manage a refit at any shipyard worldwide?+
Yes. We have delivered 25 large yacht refit projects across 7 countries, with established working relationships at yards across the Mediterranean (MB92 Barcelona, STP Palma, Monaco Marine, Lusben Viareggio), northern Europe (Pendennis, Lürssen Wadden, Vitters, Royal Huisman), the UK (Pendennis, Berthon), the Caribbean and the US. Our team deploys to any yard.
Classic yacht racing under full sail

Built to last. Built to race. Ready for whatever comes next.

Related: New Build · Technical Consultancy · Yacht Management

Further Reading

Refit Project Management: What to Expect from Planning to Sea TrialsHow Much Does a Superyacht Refit Cost?Refit for Performance: Upgrading an Ageing Racing Programme
Shipyard with yachts in dry dock
Work With Us

Ready to begin your refit?

From a focused pre-season programme to a multi-year restoration, we provide the planning, oversight, and project management required to deliver on time and on budget.

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