North Star Spain provides specialist yacht refit services with a strong focus on high-end carpentry and interior work. From custom cabinetry and handcrafted furnishings to complete interior refurbishments, our team delivers tailored solutions that enhance both functionality and onboard aesthetics. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to premium craftsmanship, we ensure every refit meets the highest standards expected in the marine industry.
Libertas
The 23.5-metre (77ft) Vitters sailing yacht Felicita was intended to be perfect in every way. She represented the owner’s dream of a yacht that was lovely to look at, sailed well, was superbly built with the best equipment available, had a beautiful hand-built interior with every possible comfort, and with the help of extensive labour-saving devices could be handled by a family crew with himself as skipper.
The very pretty hull design was by Dubois Naval Architects and the all-aluminium construction by Vitters of Holland. The fit-out was quite incredible in detail and every bit of equipment was the best available. The main engine by Mercedes/MTU drove a Korsør variable-pitch propeller, while the very extensive Lewmar hydraulic system had 36 separate functions including captive-reel winches concealed below deck. A huge battery capacity was incorporated so that she could sail for many hours without a generator running. For ease of handling, both bow and stern side-thrusters were provided.
Nirvana built her graceful four-spreader mast and the boom with in-boom furling. The tender and an extensive range of sports equipment was stowed in a stern garage, accessible via a large transom door controlled by twin hydraulic rams. The comprehensive electronic fit-out included radar, Satcom C, SSB, GMDSS, VHF, colour chartplotter, autopilot, and a full set of navigation and audio-visual entertainment systems. She was fully air-conditioned and fitted with watermakers, freezers and refrigerators.
The interior was superbly finished in high-gloss cherry panelling with two twin-berth guest cabins aft and a spacious owner’s cabin forward of the main saloon. An additional guest cabin could be provided if required, by fitting removable bulkheads. The specification just went on and on – she really was a dream yacht. To ensure everything was exactly right, the owner personally supervised construction for more than a year.
The dream was tragically short-lived when Felicita was struck by a large freighter amidships in the Straits of Gibraltar in 1999. The impact pushed her sideways, flooded the interior, damaged the rudder and propulsion system, and left the yacht crippled.
Although none of the crew were badly injured, the yacht was badly damaged. With all electrical and mechanical systems disabled, distress flares were fired and she was towed into Gibraltar. It was estimated that without quick assistance she would have sunk within half an hour.
Temporarily patched, Felicita remained ashore in Sotogrande for eight months while legal proceedings continued. Although the owner was compensated, he lost faith in the project and put the yacht up for sale. This opened the door for Teo Simeon and North Star.
Recognizing the yacht’s potential, Teo Simeon purchased Felicita and arranged transport by the Sevenstar yacht carrier to Palma de Mallorca, where the refit would begin.
The North Star team dismantled the interior, removed damaged joinery, engine room contents, batteries, and wiring. A warehouse was filled with components that were carefully inspected to determine what could be reused and what needed replacement.
Despite the severity of the damage, the aluminium hull proved resilient. Camper and Nicholsons Gibraltar fabricated new frames and hull plates, which were installed in Palma after the damaged sections were cut away. The rudder and structural components were also repaired and reinstalled.
With the hull restored, the focus shifted to rebuilding systems. Around 90% of the electrical wiring was replaced. Alewijnse provided complete wiring diagrams, and three electricians worked full-time for over a year on the complex electrical systems.
Key upgrades were made to improve reliability and charter suitability. A new main engine was installed, along with a new gearbox and power take-off system. Refrigeration, generators, and domestic equipment were upgraded, while robust marine systems such as hydraulics and air-conditioning were overhauled and reused.
After hull repairs, the yacht was tented for fairing and repainting. Exterior fittings were removed to ensure a flawless finish. At the same time, expert carpenters rebuilt the interior joinery, carefully matching the original cherry wood colour and gloss.
All soft furnishings damaged by saltwater were replaced, including carpets, mattresses, cushions, linen, and towels. All remaining equipment was cleaned, checked, and reinstalled.
With teak decks scrubbed and topsides gleaming, Felicita, now renamed Libertas, sailed again after two years. Fully restored and even exceeding her original specification, she stands as a testament to craftsmanship, resilience, and North Star’s dedication to excellence
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