Mischief Refit Series: From the Helm with Ian Malouf

A Personal Vision Brought to Life

When it came time to refit Mischief, it wasn’t just about a renovation—it was about reinvention. Led by Ahoy Club’s Managing Director, Ian Malouf, and driven by the design vision of his wife Larissa, the refit transformed Mischief into a contemporary masterpiece. “Larissa has a great eye,” Ian says. “I criticise the cost, but then take the credit for it after!” The result? A vessel that feels brighter, more open, and unmistakably modern.

Functionality with Flair

One of the most noticeable changes is the flooring. “We went from a white carpet, which we loved, to a white timber floor,” Ian explains. “It hasn’t taken anything away—in fact, it’s made the space feel bigger and is far easier to maintain. With 130 guests coming through, you need to flip the boat and have it ready for the next charter an hour later.”

The focus was on practical beauty—rugs provide that underfoot luxury, but with flooring built for real-life functionality. The entire space is more usable, without compromising on style.

Volume: The Unsung Hero

“Mischief’s 10.3m beam gives us a huge advantage,” Ian notes. “Most boats in the 52–54 meter category are 9m wide. That extra meter translates into a massive jump in volume—700GT compared to the typical 499GT. That’s 50% more room.”

This spaciousness forms the foundation of Mischief’s luxury, offering guests and crew more space to move, relax, and work efficiently. “It’s very hard to replicate a structure like Mischief. That’s why we love her so much.”

The Power of Lighting

“I used to be a skeptic,” Ian admits. “But you can’t put enough focus on lighting. It changes everything.”

Mischief now features ambient lighting that rises from below instead of descending from the ceiling. “It sets the tone. We use translucent marble and Alex Turco panels—backlit, soft, and elegant. It’s next-level.”

Ceiling lighting was reduced by half, replaced by efficient LEDs. “It looks better, uses less power, and is easier to maintain. When you're running on shore power, it makes a big difference.”

Simplicity Equals Success

“Mischief had an immeasurable number of switches and lights. We simplified that—just one switch per room. It’s easier for crew, easier to train, and far more elegant.”

This minimalism extends throughout the yacht, even into the day heads, where motion sensors control the lights. “Simple is better. It’s cost-effective, saves on maintenance, and just works better.”

Designing for Real Life

“We’re not just thinking about guests; we’re thinking about the crew, too,” Ian explains. “The easier we make it for crew to deliver service, the better the guest experience.”

Everything needed for guest service is now close at hand, and layout changes have created new opportunities for multi-use spaces. “We turned the old master cabin office into a TV room and treatment area. It’s a proper massage room now, with its own storage and setup. You wouldn’t believe the transformation.”

Designing for Real Life

“We’re not just thinking about guests; we’re thinking about the crew, too,” Ian explains. “The easier we make it for crew to deliver service, the better the guest experience.”

Everything needed for guest service is now close at hand, and layout changes have created new opportunities for multi-use spaces. “We turned the old master cabin office into a TV room and treatment area. It’s a proper massage room now, with its own storage and setup. You wouldn’t believe the transformation.”

Creating Experiences, Not Just Spaces

With Mischief, it’s not just about volume—it’s about variety. “When guests are onboard for a week, they want different experiences. Now we’ve got a bow seating area for 12, multiple dining and lounging options, and more places to watch TV or relax.”

“It’s about giving people choice. You can dine on the bow, in the main salon, or on the sky deck. You can be sociable or find privacy. That’s the kind of experience we want to offer.”

Inspired by Coral Ocean, Made for Mischief

“Some of the successes we had with Coral Ocean have been repeated here—why not, if they work?” Ian says. “But Mischief is her own yacht. This project is a testament to what we do best—see something great and improve it.”

What’s Next?

“We’re not stopping,” Ian says. “We’ve been fortunate to start with great foundations—strong platforms like Mischief and Coral Ocean. That makes all the difference.”

He adds, “When we’re on these boats, it feels like coming home. That’s what we aim to create for our guests too—a place that feels personal, warm, and welcoming. It’s all about the experience.”

And it shows. From crew comfort to guest luxury, Mischief is proof that when vision meets execution, the result is extraordinary.