World-cruising Batavia refits at The Boat Works

After more than five years exploring South-East Asia, the 41m MY Batavia, based in Asia for the past five years, has undertaken the first tranche of a series of complex refit works at The Boat Works.

Batavia is one of 47 superyachts of 24m+ from the Asia-Pacific and Australian market to head to The Boat Works for service and refit projects since the company expanded its facility with the new superyacht yard in February 2020.

Batavia’s owners had intended to travel to Auckland for the America’s Cup in March 2021, but their plans changed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. Batavia will head to Sydney for new year and then return to the boatyard for its second tranche of works.

Batavia’s upgrades included an array of engineering works, plumbing and air-conditioning, antifouling and underwater lighting installs, refinishing works of the superstructure along with various interior and exterior refurbishments.

Refinishing works were undertaken by Superyacht Solutions.

“The biggest challenge was working to the tight deadline of seven weeks, which is often the case with commercial and privately-owned vessels. But we all collaborated and got it done,” says project manager, Rod Twitchin.

“The Gold Coast has become the recognised [Australian] marine industry epicentre, directly employing around 10,000 people,” says Shane Subichin, general manager at The Boat Works. “The Boat Works has evolved to become the largest and comprehensive boating facility in the southern hemisphere.

“Superyachts are advantageous to boost our local economy and the revenue flows on to hundreds of suppliers and contractors across Queensland and northern NSW.

“They typically stay a month or two and can involve 20 to 50 contractors over the course of their works. Their Captains and crew enjoy weeks of R&R on the Gold Coast, seeing the sights and spending. Before they head off, they restock provisions and essential items.”

Rod Twitchin RTM marine & captain Mark Clacher

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