Solent Refit informs us they have had a busy few months, assisted by the good weather. Much of the yard's new pontoon development is well underway now, with the installation of low level walkways on the inside berths and a cut down of the main pontoon pillars. This is improving work efficiency for vessels on the outer pontoons.

There has been a lot of tidying inside the main sheds with the removal of old equipment. This has enabled Solent Refit to reorganise the positioning of yachts. The rail transfer system is working well and vessel movement is fast and easy.

Solent Refit will shortly be establishing a Heli Pad at the base. Already helicopters have been landing on the main pontoon , which is very capable and safe, providing there are no nearby vessels moored. The main Heli Pad will be established at the top of the slipway, just outside the Solent Refit Gates.

A number of new projects have arrived at the yard including four vessels over 38 metres. Two more 100 meter projects are expected shortly.

The J Class Association has selected Solent Refit as their base for the planned Solent Regatta. Their fleet of Js and their motherships will be here for the duration of the event, July 18th – 20th, which culminates in the Hundred Guinea Cup, racing around the Isle of Wight on the 21st June. A new regatta dock is being prepared to berth up to six J Class yachts, with a marquee and support services on the main pontoon. More visiting yachts from the Westward Cup entries and the Superyacht Regatta are also expected.

Finally, Solent Refit tells us any shipyard can bring their project to Solent Refit and take advantage of its 1500 ton horrizontal lift. The boat lift can accommodate vessels up to 70 m and a purpose built rail transfer system can move superyachts from the slipway to shed locations for longer term periods of work. There is 10,000 square metres of undercover working area available.

Yacht Project Associates
Allan Foot
+44 (0) 1425 672862
allan@yachtproject.com
www.yachtproject.com