CRN Eleni: Videoworks’ Refit Brings the Digital Revolution to Charter Yachts

When people talk about a yacht refit, they usually think of new interiors, upgraded engineering systems or propulsion. On board CRN Eleni - 59.5 metres in length, 10.20 metres in beam and 984 GT, launched in 2011 as Light Holic - the transformation is primarily digital. At Amico & Co’s shipyard in Genoa, Videoworks has completed a comprehensive upgrade of the yacht’s audiovisual, IT and connectivity systems, with the aim of making Eleni even more competitive in the charter market while offering guests a digital experience that meets today’s highest standards.

The project marks the second phase of a programme launched around two years ago and involved the yacht’s entire audio, video and data infrastructure. More than a simple technology upgrade, it represents a complete rethink of how guests interact with the onboard systems, making them easier to use while improving both performance and reliability.

The guest outdoor areas - from the beach club and main deck to the jacuzzi area and bar - have been completely redesigned from an audio perspective. New speakers and amplification systems provide consistent sound coverage throughout the exterior spaces, while the multi-zone distribution allows guests to enjoy different music in separate areas or synchronise playback across the entire yacht through Party Mode. Integration with Sonos and AirPlay also enables guests to stream their own playlists directly from their personal devices.

The video entertainment system has also taken a significant leap forward. A 115-inch Samsung Micro RGB display has been installed in the upper deck saloon, transforming movie nights and major sporting events into a genuine home cinema experience. All televisions throughout the guest cabins and principal saloons have been replaced with the latest-generation models, while the new Sports Bar function allows live images to remain on screen while independent background music plays, creating the ideal atmosphere for social gatherings.

Connectivity has received equal attention. Before beginning the upgrade, Videoworks carried out a complete Wi-Fi coverage survey to identify weaker areas onboard. The result is a new network infrastructure, integrated with the existing Starlink system, eliminating dead zones and ensuring stable internet access throughout the yacht. Dedicated networks have also been created for individual guest cabins, allowing personalised streaming services to be used with greater privacy and independence.

The refit is completed by a redesigned graphical user interface installed on the yacht’s iPads and the introduction of new Apple devices. Through the GUI, guests can intuitively control televisions, audio systems, lighting, blinds, air conditioning and all other integrated onboard functions. The solution simplifies interaction with the yacht’s technology while reducing the need for crew intervention, ultimately enhancing the overall guest experience. According to Videoworks, the project demonstrates how a strategic upgrade of AV and IT systems can significantly improve comfort and entertainment without requiring structural modifications to the yacht.

“The collaboration between Amico & Co and Videoworks is the result of many years of working together on particularly complex refit projects. On board M/Y Eleni we successfully met a very demanding schedule, seamlessly integrating the new technologies while paying close attention to every detail of the project,” commented Jacopo Parisi, Project Manager at Amico & Co.

With the refit now complete, M/Y Eleni features a digital infrastructure specifically designed to meet the expectations of today’s charter market, combining premium audio and video performance, seamless connectivity and intuitive onboard system management. According to Captain Michael Hole, the result reflects Videoworks’ long-standing relationship with the yacht and the company’s ability to integrate new technologies while respecting the owner’s operational requirements, budget and delivery schedule.

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