Refitting Arrow
Arrow was purchased in 2024 and spent 10 months undergoing an extensive refit at Astilleros de Mallorca to prepare her for a new chapter of remote cruising.
After three years cruising the world on their previous yacht, the 43m Sanlorenzo Globas, Penny and Roland had a good idea of what they wanted from their next boat. Remote cruising in places like French Polynesia and Fiji had shown what worked and which features made the biggest difference when spending extended periods away from marinas and shore support.
When the 47m Sanlorenzo Arrow came up for sale – essentially a newer and slightly larger version of Globas – it seemed a logical step. Roland and Captain James flew from Australia to Antigua in March 2024 to see her in person.
As well as a larger beach club for toy storage and the possibility of incorporating a helideck on the aft deck, Arrow offered several newer features and the opportunity for further customisation. They immediately saw her potential and decided to act quickly.
The sale went through in April 2024 while Globas was still operational and preparing for upcoming trips in the Kimberley and Indonesia. Although earlier than planned, the timing allowed Arrow’s warranty process to be completed and the refit to be thoroughly planned.
Key Works
While Arrow was completing her warranty period at Sanlorenzo during the summer of 2024, Penny, Roland, Captain James and Captain Benjamin were busy behind the scenes planning the refit. They had made many modifications to Globas over the years, and the aim was to make Arrow even more capable and personalised.
Working with refit shipyard Astilleros de Mallorca and Tià Simó from BYD Group, the team reviewed drawings and renders to plan the various changes and upgrades. The focus was on improving the yacht for remote cruising while tailoring spaces to how everyone spends their time on board.
All of the preparation meant the project could begin immediately when Arrow arrived at the shipyard in October 2024.
Refit at a Glance
Improving self-sufficiency:
Installing third generator
Upgrading power management system
Installing refrigeration back-up system
Adding onboard workshop
Increasing waste storage
Enhancing guest areas and experience:
Converting owner’s office into guest cabin
Improving usability of sun deck
Extending upper deck aft
Integrating second spa pool
New main saloon lighting feature
Increasing functionality for crew:
Redesigning pantries
Installing steam oven
Improving crew dining area
Integrating two amphibious tenders
Adding engineer’s cabin
Increasing toy storage
Upgrading bridge systems
Aesthetics:
Full exterior repaint
Beach club interior repaint
Improving self-sufficiency
With plans to take Arrow to some of the world’s more remote cruising grounds, reliability and self-sufficiency were key priorities during the refit.
A third generator was installed in the engine room and the power management system was upgraded. A full refrigeration back-up system was added, along with improved waste management systems including a custom rubbish fridge, garbage vacuum machine and glass crusher.
These upgrades allow the yacht to operate more independently when cruising in areas with limited infrastructure or shore support.
Enhancing guest areas and experience
Drawing on their time aboard Globas, Penny and Roland wanted Arrow to better reflect how they spend time on board.
The sun deck, often the most used space during a trip, was completely remodelled to make it more usable. The bar was moved aft to improve access and redesigned with a ceramic façade. A coffee lift machine was integrated into the bar to help keep everyone fuelled throughout the day while maintaining a flush look when not in use.
Wraparound glass was added forward to provide protection from the elements, while removable strata glass panels aft allow the space to be fully enclosed when needed. A new custom dining table was added with heaters installed above it.
On the upper deck aft, the existing recess for the submersible was filled in to create a larger terrace area. This made room for two L-shaped sofas and another lounging space. Curved windbreak doors were added on the port and starboard walkways to protect the dining area from the wind.
The existing owner’s office was converted into an additional guest cabin, providing greater flexibility for guest accommodation and for guides or pilots when cruising in more remote locations.
As the spa pool on Globas was always popular, an additional spa pool was installed on the main deck aft. The idea was for it to double as an illuminated water feature visible from the main saloon dining area. Above the dining table, adjustable suspended lights by Occhio complete the setting.
Increasing functionality for crew
The practicality of crew spaces has a direct impact on how smoothly a yacht operates, so several changes were made to improve efficiency.
Both upper and lower pantries were redesigned to include a larger sink with Zip water tap, dishwasher and wine fridge. The dumb waiter was removed to create space in the galley for a steam oven and additional work surface.
The crew mess table previously could not seat all ten crew members at once. To solve this, an under-counter cabinet was removed, the sofa bench was extended and a removable table leaf was added so the whole team can now sit together at meal times.
Bridge systems were also upgraded to better support long-distance cruising. A new touch planning screen was installed, allowing the crew to review routes and interactively share the planned itinerary with guests.
With onshore activities always forming a big part of each trip, storage racks for eight e-bikes and other toys were incorporated into the beach club. An engineer’s cabin was also created in this area, allowing the engineer to be closer to the engine room.
Finally, to accommodate two amphibious tenders, removable crossing supports were fitted on the aft deck.
Aesthetics
A full exterior repaint was carried out in a darker grey, giving Arrow a fresh new look. The beach club interior was also repainted to replace the existing wood veneer, which from experience on Globas had proven less durable over time.
Back in the Water
After eight busy months in the shipyard, Arrow left Mallorca in June 2025 ready for a summer shakedown season in the Mediterranean.
The season included two four-week trips, cruising Mallorca, Sardinia, Sicily, Greece and Turkey. After buying Arrow in 2024 and spending months planning the refit, it was a memorable moment when Penny, Roland and all the guests stepped onboard for the first time over a year later and saw the finished result.
As expected, the sun deck quickly became one of the most used spaces on board, particularly with the wraparound glass making it comfortable in all weather. The eight e-bikes were in regular use, enabling all guests to explore ashore together, while Leon was particularly fond of the new main deck spa pool. Even the additional generator quickly proved its worth when one of the other generators experienced an issue, allowing operations to continue without interruption.
After a successful summer and a final two months back at Astilleros de Mallorca to complete remaining works and warranty items, Arrow was ready to begin her world tour.
