M/Y Vegas is a 39-metre Sunseeker yacht, launched in 2009, which was imported from Fort Lauderdale into Australia in 2013.
This majestic yacht cruises from its homeport in Melbourne up to the Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef and out into the South Pacific. Undertaking this itinerary each year, Vegas makes a point to stop at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) to complete all of her maintenance work.
Until now Vegas has been used exclusively for private use but she will soon be placed into AMSA survey and launched onto the Australian charter market. Blackpond Marine Consultants, GCCM tenant, is overseeing this project with the support of the greater GCCM team.
Vegas first came to GCCM some years ago. At first, it was not the experience Greg Numa, Master of the yacht for five years, had hoped for yet when Kevin Altera (new to the management team at the time) approached him with a proposal and a renewed vision for the yard, he saw the conviction, commitment and team work, and returned to GCCM. He has not looked back since.
“I can’t speak highly enough of GCCM. Fundamentally, three things make this yard the number one destination for superyachts needing work completed – the cleanliness, the management and most importantly, the people. Each person who plays a role in this yard is first class. They are passionate about what they do, and it reflects in the yard,” explained Greg.
Greg is undeniably a man of exacting standards shaped by a particularly fascinating career which started in engineering and has included everything from butchery to financial planning. Speaking with Greg over a coffee at Quarterdeck, it is obvious the importance he places on personal contribution and attitude to achieve a successful outcome. It has forged his ongoing patronage of this award-winning refit and repair facility.
“GCCM’s management set a tone attracting some great staff and contractors who clearly appreciate and echo their ethos. Vegas, our crew and even our guests could not have been looked after better. We are in the people business and the test for all of us is how our crews perform and behave. I see the same happy faces at GCCM every time I come back. Each individual staff member and contractors go to great lengths to make our time in the yard smooth and stress free; a very impressive group dynamic,” explained Greg.
In July 2018, Vegas departed GCCM after spending one month on the hardstand undertaking a variety of work. Greg and the crew took the opportunity to change all of the raw water fittings on the hull; refurbished the exhaust system; complete an antifoul application; and undergo some aesthetic paint work. On deck, expanses of teak decking – including 40 sqm on the sundeck – and interior wooden flooring were also replaced as part of the work schedule.
With guests onboard and looking very well cared for, Vegas has now headed north to what Greg describes as some of the most ‘magnificent, adventurous and diverse cruising’ the Australian coastline has to offer.
“It is great having Greg and Vegas at the yard. He has a wealth of experience and a level of professionalism which our team and the contractors love. We will continue to work hard to welcome the yacht each year so Greg, the Owner and future charter guests can maximise their time on the water and continue to discover the incredible coastline of Australia,” said Kevin Altera, GCCM’s General Manager of Operations and Business Development.
