A quarter-century after her original debut as Northern Light, the 46.90-metre Feadship has made a triumphant return under her new name, Halcyon, marking the completion of one of the most ambitious and exhaustive reconstruction projects in the shipyard’s recent history.
WORDS BY Amanda Cleark
When the 2001 classic arrived at the Kaag facility in May 2025, the initial brief was straightforward: a refreshed stern layout, a complete repaint, and essential technical updates. However, as the shipyard’s artisans dove deeper, the project transformed into a full-scale architectural evolution. To align a turn-of-the-century icon with today’s elite standards, Feadship expanded the scope into a definitive fourteen-month masterclass in reconstruction, rebuilding Halcyon from the inside out.
The most striking aesthetic triumph is the completely reimagined stern, which now boasts a fluid, contemporary staircase seamlessly linking the main deck to the swim platform. Paired with a pristine exterior finish across both the hull and superstructure, and a newly adapted mast profile, Halcyon beautifully bridges twenty-five years of technological progress in connectivity and efficiency with her timeless original heritage.
Behind her striking aesthetic updates lies a profound technical rebirth. True naval architecture balances visual grace with invisible perfection, as demonstrated by the total modernization of the wheelhouse. Here, cutting-edge navigation technology integrates into a redesigned ergonomic bridge.
Deep within the vessel, the structural evolution continues with a completely replaced climate control network and fully upgraded electrical grids. This silent infrastructure guarantees absolute quietness across the refreshed crew areas and guest accommodations, where original marbles were masterfully restored.
Below the waterline, the engine room underwent a near-total transformation: overhauled main propulsion units, twin new generators, and rebuilt, advanced life-support and fluid management systems now establish a future-proof foundation for global exploration.
The final stages of this monumental transformation focused on maximizing the yacht’s longevity and enhancing the lifestyle experience for those on board. To achieve this, the artisans executed an expansive array of critical upgrades that touched almost every square inch of the vessel.
Additional work included new premium-grade teak decking across exterior decks, overhaul of the steering system, servicing of propeller shafts, bow thruster and rudders, renewal of cold storage systems, upgrades to diving equipment, repainting of tanks and technical spaces, and a complete refurbishment of the underwater hull coating system following sandblasting.
“When Halcyon arrived, we expected a major refit”, says Captain Joe Gallegos. “As the project developed, it became clear that we had the opportunity to do much more. With a knowledgeable and enthusiastic owner involved, it all came together. What started as a refit became something much closer to a modified new build. The result is a classic Feadship, renewed and ready for years of successful cruising”.
Additional work included new premium-grade teak decking across exterior decks, overhaul of the steering system, servicing of propeller shafts, bow thruster and rudders, renewal of cold storage systems, upgrades to diving equipment, repainting of tanks and technical spaces, and a complete refurbishment of the underwater hull coating system following sandblasting. This exhaustive process ensured that the hull, technical infrastructure, and guest amenities were restored to a pristine state, matching the uncompromising quality of a contemporary launch.
Reflecting on the extraordinary evolution of the vessel, the leadership on board notes that the highly successful partnership between the shipyard and the visionary ownership was the catalyst for this grander scope. With the heavy structural and mechanical phases now complete, the yacht enters her exciting final chapter before returning to open waters.
Following her departure from the construction hall, Halcyon will complete final commissioning activities for her scheduled redelivery in July. Rigorous sea trials and fine-tuning will ensure that every innovative system operates in flawless harmony as she embarks on her new global journeys. ∎
Photos @ Feadship