Following the successful sale of SOHO, I was entrusted by the owner to assist with the acquisition of her successor, M/Y SOHO II, a 37-metre Benetti Classic 120 built in 2009.

We took command of the yacht in November 2022 and began an extensive technical refit and upgrade programme at MB92 in Barcelona, alongside private owner use and preparations for a future charter programme. The project involved a comprehensive review and overhaul of the yacht’s major systems, with particular focus on reliability, compliance and long-term operational performance.

Major works included an MTU QL4 top-end rebuild of the main engines, Kohler generator rebuild, replacement of the alarm monitoring system, upgrades to the power management system, extensive servicing and overhaul of key ship systems, and completion of the yacht’s 15-year class survey.

The programme required close coordination between shipyard teams, contractors, technical specialists, management and ownership, while maintaining control of budget, schedule and operational priorities. It was a significant technical project and further developed my experience in refit management, owner representation, technical oversight and the preparation of a yacht for both private and charter use.