When M/Y Shirley Anne was launched in 1987 from the NQEA shipyard, her classic Jack Hargrave lines were impressive.
With time, her looks have certainly not faded yet modern yachting dictated it was time for rejuvenation. In 2019, she spent more than 50 weeks at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard (GCCM) undertaking an eye-wateringly long list of work.
Shirley Anne’s homeport is Sydney yet when selecting a yard to complete the major refit, the Captain selected GCCM as it offered an extensive array of contractors onsite but equally, allowed in regular contractors from Sydney to support the project.
“It has been the most accessible and friendly shipyard which has allowed us to get all we needed to be done even when some of it wasn’t even planned. We were enclosed in a superyacht refit shed for a whopping 43 weeks to undertake a hull extension and the resulting engineering and deck work plus a full external refinish. The shed was clean, tidy and everyone was so helpful which was invaluable to the project. We won’t be going anywhere else in the future,” explained Captain David Rutherford.
The aluminium yacht is built to DNV GL Survey and although she started her life in Australia, she spent a significant number of years based out of Florida before returning to Sydney to a prolific yachting family. Looking to modernise, the refit enabled Shirley Anne to accommodate more toys and tenders as well as upgraded the generators to zero emissions Zenoro gensets.
“We did bring a few contractors from Sydney who support the yacht throughout the year however, Superyacht Solutions repainted the boat. Lumark supported us with fabrication work. Pacific Trim replaced the covers onboard and the team at Sweep Marine Services did an extraordinary job – that nobody wants to do – in cleaning the tanks,” continued David.
“Shirley Anne’s refit is an important one not only for the Owner, the Captain, and the yard yet also for the Australian industry. She was built in this country, maintained and predominantly operated in this country and now refitted for her next grand adventure here. This complex project exemplifies the prowess of our trades here at GCCM beautifully,” offered GCCM’s CEO, Mr. Trenton Gay.
On behalf of everyone at GCCM, we wish the Owners and Captain of M/Y Shirley Anne many more years of classic yachting.
