Charter broker and yacht manager Fiona Maureso at Peter Insull’s says: “You can't possibly do a feature on "10 Best Refits" without including Islander, which has just been converted from a motorsailer to a motoryacht. It's not just a refit. It, it's a complete makeover! The owner has taken advantage of this work to upgrade and modernize the yacht in other areas, too. The communications and entertainment systems have been replaced. There is now WiFi throughout and a more reliable satellite TV system. All the navigation equipment has been upgraded. The fridges, freezers and air-conditioning have been cleaned and serviced, and the sanitation systems have been overhauled. Finally, the yacht will be repainted once all the other work is completed.”

Charter broker Ann Landry of Northrop & Johnson has two suggestions this week. First is the 156-foot motoryacht Va Bene, which musician Eric Clapton bought and renovated in 2008. The work was “one of the most amazing refits I have seen recently,” Landry says. The other was…

The 159-foot Codecasa motoryacht Cyan, which also got an entirely new interior in 2008. As Landry says: “I have always had a soft touch in my heart for this yacht, so it is great to see it looking all fresh and new.”

The team at Camper & Nicholsons International has two recommendations this week. First is the 143-foot Heesen motoryacht Sedation, which completed a major refit in June 2008 that earned it a nomination from Showboats magazine for best refit of the year.

Second this week from Camper & Nicholsons is the 173-foot Feadship motoryacht Elisabeth F, which originally launched in 1979 but today looks as contemporary as many new builds.

Churchill Yacht Partners suggests the newly refit, 67-foot Alloy sailing yacht Jewel, which the company is marketing as now being in “better than new” condition following a 2009 refit.

Broker James Graham-Cloete of Ocean Independence recommends the 114-foot motoryacht Spirit, which completed a refit in 2008-09: “This is on top of the 2007-08 complete refit where they removed the Jacuzzi from the foredeck and replaced it with a sunbathing area and dining area for up to 20 guests.”

The team at The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals has two suggestions this week. First is the 88-foot Broward motoryacht Essence, which “recently underwent an extensive refit that updated and enhanced her entire interior from the walls out. While she retains the essence of what makes her such an excellent charter yacht—she’s incredibly spacious for her size thanks to her 20-foot beam and high headroom—Essence is now equipped with everything today’s charter guests need for a luxury vacation on the water, from satellite TV and iPod docks in every stateroom to full fishing and water-sports gear.”

Also this week from The Sacks Group is a recommendation for the 112-foot Westport motoryacht Milk Money, whose new owner just “had her interior refreshed, fluffed and buffed this fall.”

Last but not least this week is a suggestion from CharterWave editor Kim Kavin, who just toured the 73-foot sailing catamaran Wonderful in the Caribbean. The yacht—now with a striking black hull and contemporary interior furnishings—boasts a post-refit style unlike any other sailing catamaran available for charter today. Look for our updated First Impression review here on CharterWave soon.