Good bones never go out of style. The 15-year-old yacht Holdin’ My Own had them when the current owner bought the 181-foot yacht in late 2023, just after the previous owner worked with H2 Yacht Design to modernize the interior. The new owner, whose background is in the hospitality industry, took a look at everything else on board and envisioned what would ultimately become about $11 million worth of additional improvements.
“From the outset, he wanted to make one of the best charter platforms in the 55-meter segment,” says Matthew Stone, IYC managing partner in California. “These are modern systems for guests, from start to finish.”
Upgrades were conceived to maximize the yacht’s original design, which, in spaces like the lazarette, is different from the way today’s yachts are built. Originally, this lazarette was a technical space. Now, it’s more like a poolside guesthouse. “We’ve put in new synthetic teak. We’ve hidden all the technical equipment,” Stone says. “The toys are mounted professionally so it looks like a guest can go down there and not be in an engine-room type of space.”
Sunshades that can withstand up to 30 knots of wind now protect spaces where guests previously had full sun exposure. Outlets were added for guests to charge devices. A suite of professional fishing gear was purchased for the 42-foot Freeman powercat tender, so guests can try everything from deep-drop fishing to chasing big game.
The final touch, expected to be completed as you read this, is a full exterior paint job ahead of the summer charter season in the Mediterranean. Inquiries are also being accepted for the Caribbean this coming winter.
“We’re booked in the BVI first, but we’ll be advertising all over,” Stone says. “We’ll follow the charters. That’s the priority.”
Every Thoughtful Inch
Some of the yacht’s outdoor tables were refinished and upgraded with pneumatic struts, ensuring they could be positioned at a more ergonomically comfortable position for guests.
Hidden Upgrades
Technical refits added redundancy and enhanced the guest experience. Air conditioning, audiovisual and other systems were updated throughout the yacht, and amenities such as the hot tub got new pumps, wiring and more. “The owner took this seriously,” says Matthew Stone at IYC. “He wants a boat where everything is always operational.”
