The rivalry between Australians and New Zealanders is legendary and extends well beyond the sports field to the yachting industry as well. So when Gold Coast City Marina and Shipyard (GCCM) anchor tenant, Superyacht Solutions, was approached by the Kiwi Owner of M/Y Maverick to repaint her hull, there was a lot riding on the job.
Maverick, launched in 2000, is 29 metres of Dutch yacht building excellence. This diminutive explorer yacht is mighty with a steel hull which has taken her around the world. Her first Owner was an American family and in 2005 she made it to Australia’s shores where Superyacht Solutions first met the yacht and refinished her. She then immediately changed hands to the current New Zealand Owner who took her trans-Tasman to cruise his homeland.
Selecting Superyacht Solutions and GCCM
Although the yacht was refinished again in 2012, the paint work had experienced some issues and the Owner, despite his great loyalty to New Zealand, made the decision to bring the yacht back across the Tasman Sea to GCCM and the team who had painted her in 2005, Superyacht Solutions. Over a six-week period in an enclosed refit shed, the yacht had a full hull repaint as well as significant work to the teak on the swim platform and rear deck.
“Originally, Maverick was finished in a green grey colour yet the current Owner had chosen the International Paint product, Stars and Stripes blue. It suits the yacht well as it references her steel construction yet is distinguished. The project required stripping back the previous paint work, priming and then reshooting the hull. It was a short time frame yet we are very happy with the results,” stated Superyacht Solutions’ Director, Peter Luke.
Australia as a repaint destination
Queensland and GCCM’s reputation as a leading refinishing destination has been growing after a number of high-profile projects at the facility. Superyacht Solutions is significant in this trend as the team is widely considered to be one of the world’s leading yacht painters. Headquartered at GCCM, Peter and the team manage work worldwide from the facility.
“The climate found on the Gold Coast is perfect for high quality paint finishes. The weather is warm and relatively dry ensuring the paint cures to its optimum. As a result, we are seeing a number of yachts securing our refit sheds to refinish at the facility,” stated GCCM’s General Manager of Business Development and Operations, Kevin Altera.
Yet the proof is in the pudding so to speak and when asked whether the Owner would return to Australia, Superyacht Solutions and GCCM to complete future work, he replied with a smile, “Certainly!”
For more information on the superyachts who have selected GCCM for their refit project, check out our Case Studies. To discuss your next project, contact Kevin Altera.
