NEW PARTNER | LATEST REFIT
Internationally renowned Gold Coast-based boat painter, Superyacht Solutions has recently taken new shopfront premises within The Boat Works’ superyacht marina.
Led by 40-year boat painting veteran, Steve Wicks, Superyacht Solutions has refinished thousands of pleasure craft as well as providing ‘factory finishes’ for new builds, large and small, for some of the most prominent manufacturers and builders in Australia and abroad.
The new location is already yielding results. Superyacht Solutions’ most recent project involved significant works to an imported Princess 98, “Mira”, purchased in Greece by its Sydney-based owner and shipped to Australia in 2018.
As the vessel’s Captain Andy Forbes recounts, Mira required work on some imperfections in her navy-blue hull and the owner contacted Steve Wicks for hull tests and a quote in early 2019.
“Steve flew to Sydney to inspect Mira and come up with a plan,” he explains. “Covid delayed any action in 2020, but as soon as we could, in April 2021, the vessel was brought to The Boat Works and lifted ahead of a full 12-week program.”
Superyacht Solutions removed the gel coat from the hull, shipwrights repaired the fibreglass laminate and the painters then faired and refinished the hull in a head-turning dark blue from Awlgrip.
“Steve’s experience made the decision easy,” says Captain Andy. “They worked tirelessly on the hull and didn’t stop until they achieved perfection.”
Captain Andy has been in the industry for a lifetime, sailing, racing, including six Sydney-Hobarts, then working in Europe on private superyachts, and from 2011, with Princess Motor Yachts in the UK, managing handovers, deliveries and as Captain aboard the Chairman’s boat.
“In 2018, the current owner approached me about being Captain on Mira and I felt it was the ideal opportunity to come back to Australia.’
During its stay at The Boat Works, Mira has taken full advantage of the facilities. “We carried out other works, using the contractors on site and within the Coomera precinct. The Superyacht Sheds allowed us to work 24/7, which was wonderful.”
Mira has a bespoke Fendi interior fitout, which is timeless. Additional works included interior panels replaced, teak detailed, and an assortment of other “odd jobs”.
“The trades worked seamlessly together,” says Andy. “Nautilus Marine coordinated the trades and they all collaborated in synch. Superyacht Solutions undertook hull remediation and the complete respray, Ocean Degree Yacht Services handled the teak decking throughout, Seaspray carried out the Dulon detailing. Choice Stainless was responsible for stainless-steel fabrication and fitment.
“Mira looks better than she ever has and it’s testament to all who worked on her.”
After his five-months on-site overseeing Mira’s refit Captain Andy asserts “The Boat Works doesn’t feel like a boat yard, it’s like a posh Mediterranean marina”.
“They’re a brilliant team and make you feel at home from the very start. The Captains’ Lounge is phenomenal. No request is too difficult.
“I’ve been to more yards than I can remember, and there’s nothing laid out like The Boat Works. It has been designed and built with real vision.”
“The kind hospitality and co-operation of Boat Works’ staff were a boon to Captain, crew and painters alike. We congratulate and commend The Boat Works on the thought and effort that has obviously been involved in the development of their brilliant facilities.”
The Boat Works is home to 80 trades and marine specialists providing the full range of yacht services. The next development will be Stage 4 which will add four new 50-metre refinishing Super Sheds offering a controlled work environment. These are scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2022.
Mira is now back on water ahead of meeting her owners who have been awaiting her arrival in Port Douglas. Depending on travel restrictions, their plans are to enjoy some time in North Queensland and The Whitsundays, then travel south to Sydney for summer on the Harbour.
“After that, we’ll return to The Boat Works for a yard period and then head back to The Whitsundays,” says Captain Andy.
Superyacht Solutions Tenancy N1A North Yard # 0411 147 185
The Boat Works 199 Beattie Rd, Coomera
