Refit masters' momentum

The team at Chapman Yachting at their Rozelle HQ © Chapman Yachting

The recent refit of 100-foot (30-metre) luxury charter yacht, Shadow, is just one of several refit projects Chapman has lined up at The Boat Works on Queensland's Gold Coast in 2024.

Chapman will soon make The Boat Works its refit and yacht refit headquarters also including antifouling and detailing services, taking up occupancy in boutique premises at "The Wharf", from 1 June.

The incredible success of the complete overhaul of Shadow, the 100-foot Tecnomar superyacht imported to Australia in 2017, has been the impetus for four more projects of similar size and complexity, including a commercial contract for a fascinating vessel that will be used for campaigning in the south pacific and eventually travel the Southern Ocean.

Chapman has also been contracted to undertake a comprehensive refinish and machinery upgrade of SEA RAES owned by Raes Byron Bay, one of Australia's most exclusive boutique hotels.

Prior to these projects, Chapman was instrumental in the refit and service works for vessels on the Gold Coast since 2021, including the 30-metre Majesty "LEGACY", 42-metre Mondo Marine "Impulsive", 27-metre Moonen "Industrie", 26-metre Warren "Suzy Q" 25-metre Sunseeker "BEYOND" and several production vessels.

Thanks to Chapman's expert project management team, crew, in-house engineers and maintenance staff, and the talented trades at The Boat Works, Shadow underwent a remarkable refit that took this unique and compelling commercial package from gaudy gold-hulled harbour cruise vessel to one of Australia's most prestigious charter yachts.

The owner was referred to Chapman by friends who were clients of Chapman and could recommend their full-service firm to manage every facet of the refit, as well as operating and managing the entire yacht on their behalf post-completion of refit works.

Cooper Chapman, Founder & Group CEO, described Shadow as "totally without peer in the Australian charter market".

"There are very few charter vessels that can accommodate 90 guests for day and corporate charter or overnight and term charter for eight guests. There was a lot to work with, and relying on the exceptional marine trade professionals at The Boat Works, with project management by Chapman, Shadow has emerged a 5-star charter yacht, in high demand on the east coast."

In March 2023, Chapman was engaged to budget, plan and oversee the entire refit, then manage and operate the vessel in charter. Chapman handles all aspects of the vessel, from repairs and maintenance to scheduling the part-time-permanent crew on a rotating roster and support of the yacht in all aspects of maintenance and general operations.

"This way, we can keep costs low and the yacht running efficiently," he said. "As a full-service agency, we have access to in-house crew, engineers, maintenance teams, specialist trades, a reliable network, charter experts on our team and sales and marketing team within the existing infrastructure of the company."

After her hull to flybridge makeover, Shadow hit the water in a shimmering "Mercedes high-tech Silver", with a new flybridge hard-top for full protection, and a new layout comprising bar, lounges and soft furnishing.

The bow too was completely re-designed to create a social lounge area for up to 15 guests.

The interiors were revamped to reflect the sophisticated and understated new palette, in line with the vessel's name, keeping it monochrome and neutral for events and special occasions.

The entertainment system on board was upgraded, replaced with the latest Fusion audio set-up, SmartTV in the saloon and Starlink Maritime system for high-speed internet in even in remote locations.

Works were carried out in The Boat Works Superyacht Sheds, which provide access to high-tech extraction units, cooling towers, scaffold hire and storage containers, plus the latest generation Aqualuma LED lighting that allowed them to work around the clock.

"I started my career at The Boat Works 16 years ago detailing a Fairline on behalf of my father, Mark, and have a great deal of respect and admiration for the ethos and attention to detail of the trades on-site and The Boat Works' management team," said Cooper.

"The Boat Works is home to 90 on-site marine businesses who love what they do and do it well. They are committed to exceptional service and world-class quality. The Boat Works is the ideal pitstop for all vessels travelling south to north each year. We intend to raise the bar in refits and maintenance for all our clients."

Cooper said the smooth process and end result is a template for future refits, exceeding expectations and coming in on time and on budget.

"In just five months, Shadow was given a thorough renewal, not only in aesthetics, but mechanically in terms of machinery, auxiliaries, refrigeration, air-conditioning systems, essential navigation equipment as well. Shadow is an income-generating asset.

"Over summer 2023-24, Shadow worked non-stop and by word of mouth alone, we booked several charters for brands such as Maserati, Hello Molly, The Luxury Network, Fendi, Max Media, Ocean Media and more.

"This successful refit is testament to our services and our expertise. We offer owners the full range of Yacht services in-house. From management and operations of vessels, refit and project management, charter and booking management, recruitment, antifoul and detailing.

"We want to make it an easy decision for Sydney customers and operators to transit to The Boat Works to carry out the works required on board their vessels. We can offer budgeting, pre-negotiated works and give the client an accurate timeline of works before the yacht arrives. All finance, warranty and everything in-between the actual scope of works is managed in-house by Chapman."

www.chapmanyachting.com