Late last year, the 35-metre Heesen motor yacht Opus II arrived at the KRM Yacht Refit & Rebuild facility for a refit, after which she will be named Red Phoenix. Red Yacht Design has released renderings of Red Phoenix’s redesigned exterior areas, providing a first look at how the vessel will appear once her transformation is complete.
When she was delivered in 1997, Red Phoenix featured original exterior design by Francesco Paszkowski, interior design created by Evan K Marshall, and naval architecture imagined in-house by her Dutch shipyard.
Aiming to retain the vessel’s original heritage and also reinvent her character, Red Yacht Design have reimagined Red Phoenix’s exterior silhouette with a grey hull and superstructure, combined with vast glass surfaces on both the hull and superstructure for natural light and panoramic vistas.
During the refit, Red Phoenix’s hull and superstructure will be repainted, while her teak decks will be replaced with Esthec. Her transom area will also be rebuilt, making an extension to include a three-metre swimming platform. Meanwhile, the yacht’s bow boasts a new seating area for those onboard to admire the surrounding scenery.
Another one of the refit’s highlights is the inclusion of a new hardtop that now shelters the sundeck lounge area. The sundeck’s living areas have also been expanded, and are now home to a Jacuzzi, dining area, bar and several lounging areas.
At a volume of 271 GT, the yacht is able to host as many as six guests across a three stateroom layout, comprising one owner’s suite and two double staterooms. Thanks to the refit, Red Phoenix’s three stateroom layout will be upgraded to offer five staterooms total, and a new captain’s cabin will also be added to her wheelhouse.
Kerem Baser, owner of KRM Yacht, commented: “Refits are more than upgrades—they’re opportunities to give yachts a second soul. Our team specialises in executing complex transformations with precision, and Red Phoenix is a testament to what’s possible when expert craftsmanship meets bold design vision.”
Regarding her performance, Red Phoenix is powered by twin MTU engines that propel her to a cruising speed of 29 knots and a top speed of 35 knots. The rebuild will see the overhauling of her MTU engines and a redesigning of her engine room. Two new Zero speed stabilisers will be installed so that those onboard can enjoy a smooth journey.
“We approached Red Phoenix as a design rebirth. This project was about more than aesthetics—it was about capturing a new spirit. We’ve reshaped every curve, expanded every living space, and added features that reflect how today’s owners want to live and entertain,” Fatih Surekli, Managing Partner of Red Yacht Design, concluded.
Source: https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/heesen-yacht-opus-ii-refit-renderings
