Following a comprehensive 300-day refit at Blohm + Voss, the 97.2-metre Lürssen superyacht Carinthia VII has debuted her new look at the Monaco Yacht Show 2023.

Lürssen teamed up with the yacht's central agent for charter, Fraser, to present the yacht alongside original exterior designer Tim Heywood and the team who spearheaded the refit, Bizzozero Cassina Architects. Key alterations include the addition of a slender 11-metre pool on the aft deck and a brand new 85-square-metre gym on the bridge deck, which is half-encased by six tonnes of sliding glass panels that can be completely removed when required.

Carinthia VII also underwent a huge number of technical modifications to convert her use from private to commercial. "This is a very complex job which requires the review of regulations and many negotiations with the class to navigate safely through the sea of rules," explained Alberto Perrone da Zara, Lürssen's refit sales director.

The interior was modified dramatically during the refit to give the yacht a fresher look and feel. However, the yacht had been maintained well throughout her life and the new owner decided to keep a single piece of original furniture in each room. The unique wooden floors have also been kept in some areas, as has the carpet on the stairs. Botticino marbles with integrated heating, reclaimed wood from an old monastery, delicate leather wall panelling and a refined art collection were all brought on board during the refit.

All of the guest cabins were upgraded during the refit with the charter market in mind. The master suite kept the same wooden cabinetry and retro dressing room, but has been given a brand new en suite with a freestanding tub that looks out over the ocean. On the aft of the owner's deck, a teppanyaki round bar has also been installed.

Meanwhile, the other cabins had their distinctive doors "raised" to meet commercial licensing requirements. Delivered in 2002, Carinthia VII has smaller cabins than a modern-day yacht, but Perrone da Zara pointed out that the windows are full-height, which is "incredible for 2022" and "it's uncomfy and impersonal to sleep in huge cabins".

Elsewhere, the walls wrapping around the staircase were relaid with laser-cut oblongs of leather, which gradually change from dark blue to sky blue as the staircase ascends. Delicate marquetry throughout the yacht was carefully repainted while in situ and Venetian fabrics have been brought in to reupholster any soft furnishings which required an upgrade.