A First Look at the Redesign of the Iconic 36m Heesen Yacht Opus II
True luxury comes alive when the old meets the new—a notion vividly illustrated in how Opus II is morphing into what’s now called Red Phoenix. Once, in 1997, this 36‑meter Heesen marvel captured imaginations with its bold design; today, it’s in the midst of a transformation that’s not just a makeover but more like a living, breathing statement of timeless art.
Over an 18‑month period, with KRM Yacht managing the refit in Turkey and creative ideas bubbling up from Red Yacht Design, Red Phoenix, in most cases, appears ready to shift our very view of yachting luxury, inviting those with an eye for the extraordinary to pause and reflect.
Breathing New Life into a Classic
Opus II’s makeover goes far beyond a simple facelift. It rethinks its very core—respecting the original spirit while quietly opening the door to new possibilities ahead. The updated design now marries a cool, gray base with sprawling glass accents that let light wander over its curves in unexpected ways.
Down at the rear, the aft has been reworked into a transom that now cradles a three‐meter swimming pool—a bold mix of eye-catching drama and everyday practicality. Up on the sundeck, a relaxed yet lavish area pops up featuring a Jacuzzi, an intimate bar, a dining nook, and even little sunbathing enclaves, which together offer both laid-back calm and lively social spots for everyone on board.
The bow, too, has found new purpose, turned into a cozy hideaway ideal for low-key gatherings, evening cocktails, or quiet moments of reflection under a limitless sky. Red Phoenix, in most cases, isn’t just a routine update—it really marks a genuine evolution.
Interior Innovation Meets Timeless Craft
Step aboard and notice how Red Phoenix still charms with its contemporary flair. Once built with three suites, the yacht now sports five cleverly redesigned quarters—a nod to the trend of luxury that isn’t just exclusive anymore. It fits family get-togethers, casual networking meetups, or even those lively social evenings, all rolled into one.
Red Yacht Design decided to boost the size of the portholes, letting extra daylight mingle with the indoor coziness and the distant blue of the sea. We don’t know every little detail just yet—some things are being kept quiet—but soft hints about final materials, textures, and an evolving color palette stir up expectations of a balance between comfort and a refined look. Considering their past work, like the notable 50.2‑meter Queen Yaz, Red Yacht Design has a reputation for painting bold visions onto unique canvases, making Red Phoenix a space full of promise, potential and, admittedly, a little mystery.
Refitting as the Quintessence of Modern Luxury
New builds used to be the peak of yacht ownership, but now refitting seems to be the go-to among the exceptionally wealthy – roughly 392,000 people worldwide, in most cases. It’s not just a way to update a vessel; it’s a small promise to hold on to luxury while keeping an eye on legacy and a kind of sustainable tradition.
Kerem Başer at KRM Yacht summed it up when he said that blending today’s tech with old-school craftsmanship can boost performance and still preserve memory. The Red Phoenix, for instance, isn’t about wiping away the past—it enriches its history even with modern tweaks, showing that new ideas can lift up what came before, even if things get a bit tangled sometimes.
Watch the market and you’ll see this same vibe. With industry forecasts nudging the yachting sector almost to $13.94 billion by 2030, refitting comes off as a clever alternative for owners who lean toward genuine personalization rather than mere mass replication, and who risk a little imperfection in the name of lasting style.
A Collector’s Masterpiece in the Making
The impeccable origins of Opus II, now renamed Red Phoenix, are themselves a study in artistry. Crafted initially by Francesco Paszkowski (exterior) and Evan K. Marshall (interior), her classic build has stood as a testament to timeless elegance. Recently undergoing a significant superyacht refit at the renowned KRM Yacht Refit facility, this vessel has been transformed by the Turkish studio, Red Yacht Design, into a modern masterpiece while preserving her traditional craftsmanship.
The exterior and interior redesign seamlessly blend modern technology with the vessel’s classic yachts heritage, maintaining her elegance while expanding her features. From upgraded electrical systems to state-of-the-art tools and materials, every aspect of Red Phoenix has been carefully carried out to enhance performance and charter appeal. The interiors now offer first renderings of luxurious spaces, including a cinema room, new deck configurations, enhanced crew accommodations, and improved hull integrity.
For her next owner, Red Phoenix will not simply be a possession but a traveling legacy. This yacht embodies the finest aspects of craftsmanship and innovation, preserving history while embracing the future. As a project that redefines what a yacht can be, she serves as both a statement of luxury and a testament to the skills and services provided by leading yacht professionals in recent years. With her exterior and interior revealed, Red Phoenix is ready to sail into a new chapter, offering her clients a vessel equipped for the sea and beyond.
Crafting the Future with Every Wave
Innovation and tradition harmonize beautifully in the story of Red Phoenix, formerly known as yacht Opus II. Her transformation through an extensive superyacht refit by the Turkish studio KRM Yacht invites us to reconsider not just what is possible in yacht design but what is meaningful. Combining modern technology with traditional craftsmanship, the exterior and interior redesign has redefined the classic build while preserving key aspects of its original design.
Carried out at KRM Yacht’s advanced facility, the refit project expanded beyond just aesthetics, with upgrades to electrical systems, performance features, and interiors that include a cinema room and enhanced crew spaces. The vessel now boasts a seamless blend of preserving its legacy while equipping it with tools and materials for modern luxury. First renderings of the renamed Red Phoenix revealed a stunning balance between performance and elegance, making it more than just a yacht—it’s a statement.
For yacht owners seeking to redefine their vessels, Red Phoenix sets a new standard for projects like this. The Turkish studio Red Yacht Design has led the way in maintaining the integrity of classic yachts while elevating their capabilities for recent years. From the hull to the deck, every detail reflects a dedication to both functionality and beauty. Whether for private use or charter, yachts like Red Phoenix provide not just a vessel but a vision of what true luxury entails.
If you wish to explore similar visions of reinterpreted grandeur, consider following the ongoing stories of yachts undergoing such transformations. Each refit invites clients to redefine the boundaries of what it means to own a yacht, showing that a rebuild can go beyond the ordinary.
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