M/Y HELIOS: A 21st Century Refit

Delivering a superyacht refit to budget, on time and that exceeds the clients’ expectations is something often spoken about in the yachting world, but rarely delivered. For Fusion Marine Systems (FMS), a leading superyacht technology integrator based in the yachting hub of Monaco, providing the perfect customer experience with regular updates, flexibility and diligence is par for the course, exemplified by its 2018 refit of Oceanco’s 59.1m M/Y HELIOS.

HELIOS’ autumn upgrade was carried out from 10 September to 22 November in La Ciotat, France, at the Monaco Marine facility. Due to the yacht’s programme and limited refit period, with a hard date to sail end of November to meet a Caribbean charter, the meticulously planned schedule of works was split into two phases.

Completed last autumn, the first two-month phase comprised a 4K TV with Crestron central network, Kaleidescape video-on-demand upgrade, Fusion Air App control system with ETO maintenance facility, IT and network, and security. The second phase starts in the spring and will include an audio and outdoor entertainment upgrade.

Built in 2001 and boasting expansive decks, an exceptional collection of art and sculpture as well as an armada of water toys, HELIOS is already one of the most well-appointed and proven charter yachts on the market.

Now, with the newly fitted Fusion Air App user-interface control system, which fills a clear gap in the AVIT sector, guests and crew can operate their audio, video, communications, lighting, ancillary devices and security at the touch of a button.

Given the tight timeframe for such an expansive upgrade, a core of the FMS team will take passage with the yacht to ensure the systems are thoroughly soak tested and in perfect working condition before the first charter guests embark.

A core team of 18 people worked on HELIOS during the extensive refit, undertaking different disciplines from installation and integration works to IT and security, with a specialist programmer for the outdoor beach club lighting effects. They in turn were supported by a large rear link team based in Monaco, UK and Germany.

“My experience of the FMS team has been one of reliability, diligence and knowledge,” says Captain Phil Carter. “Paul Cook and his team made regular visits on board to ensure everything was going to the client’s satisfaction and to immediately catch any ball that could potentially be dropped. In doing so, they formed close relationships with myself, Edmiston Management and the rest of the crew. From start to finish, FMS has ensured our refit ran smoothly and efficiently.”

Alongside FMS’s ability to ensure seamless convenience is the company’s ethos of sustainability and support for the oceans. Finding ways to reduce the company’s environmental impact, as well as the footprint of individual yachts, is a core focus. Whenever possible FMS maximises the reuse of serviceable equipment in a yacht refit or system upgrade, as seen on board HELIOS.

“We are always keen to reuse equipment or to not replace systems when it’s deemed not necessary,” says Paul Cook, CEO of Fusion Marine Systems. “A prime example with HELIOS was the old Kaleidescape video-on-demand system, which was no longer capable of supporting the new 4K visual upgrade, but we have retro fitted it in the crew cabins to provide stand-alone DVD players at minimal cost.”

Other contractors closely involved with FMS are Titan Marine Networks, responsible for the satellite communications, and electrical contractor and Lutron lighting installation experts E-Touch.

A perfect combination of performance and luxury, HELIOS is a shining example of what can be achieved within the realms of a superyacht refit when client satisfaction and customer service are placed at the forefront of every key decision.