Superyachts

New 262-foot superyacht concept is converted from an expedition vessel to an incredible 5-star experience

  • Kestrel is a great example of a nautical conversion, in the car world this would basically be a ‘restomod’
  • At 262 feet, this superyacht is massive, with enough space for a helipad and even a cinema
  • The engine, equipment and structure remain the same, everything else is revamped

Published on Dec 24, 2023 at 5:10 PM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis

Last updated on Jan 04, 2024 at 5:38 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Alessandro Renesis

Believe it or not, this amazing superyacht started out in life as a rugged, no-nonsense explorer.

Today, she’s a beautiful 5-star vessel.

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Kestrel, this is the name of the yacht, is a concept designed by McFarlane Ship Design and an Italian design firm called Bassan & Benedetti.

It was unveiled at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show and the idea they’re trying to showcase is really simple, in principle at least.

The goal is to convert utilitarian ships that already exist into gorgeous superyachts.

Kestrel pool
Bassan & Benedetti

This is a win-win because not only does it benefit the environment, it also allows would-be owners to save some cash.

With this glorified ‘restomod’ style conversion, the original exterior, equipment and engineering would remain.

However, everything else would be revamped.

Including the interior, of course.

Kestrel interior
Bassan & Benedetti

The 262-foot vessel this concept is based on now features a helipad, a swimming pool on the aft deck, a lounge on the upper deck.

And there’s more.

It also has a cinema, a wellness area and accommodation for up to 14 guests and 25 crew.

In addition to all of that, Kestrel also has a massive garage for diving gear, Jet-Skis and other toys.

Kestrel deck
Bassan & Benedetti
Kestrel cinema
Bassan & Benedetti

According to the designers, Kestrel could reach a cruising speed of 16 knots, which means she’s not only majestic but also fast.

And the cost?

Yachts of this caliber generally cost eight or nine figures, sometimes ten.

However, this would be less expensive than that.

The firms behind the project haven’t given exact quotes or figures, but the conversion would cost a lot less than building a new ship from scratch.

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Experienced content creator with a strong focus on cars and watches. Alessandro penned the first-ever post on the Supercar Blondie website and covers cars, watches, yachts, real estate and crypto. Former DriveTribe writer, fixed gear bike owner, obsessed with ducks for some reason.