New Zealand

Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)

After being sold to the highest bidder in April 2022, the 36.58-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kahu</a> is due to return to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7438" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Wilsons Auctions (Company)">Wilsons Auctions</a> once again, with the auction to begin on Wednesday 29th November at 11am GMT. The motor yacht originally arrived to auction after being seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act last April. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223170/image/large-7452a00f6f350736bd64b33d6174be7d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223170">Since acquisition, her owner has undergone a series of engineering works to make the vessel seaworthy, and she rejoins the market after a change of circumstance, ready to become a new home for her next owner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223184/image/large-68a9daa3fbcfd84095e4ab630ba17399.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223184"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223186/image/large-a779ab78a3ebec58352a77d5f4cd6ffa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223186"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223185/image/large-8e4773b4cedec7605f0dc5d104be323e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223185">The expedition yacht was built in 1979 for the Royal New Zealand Navy by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3023" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO) (Company)">Whangarei Engineering and Construction Company</a>, to be used as a dive tender. Formerly known as&nbsp;HMNZA Manawanui, she participated in the exploration and salvage work of the MS Mikhail Lermontov in 1986. In 1988, she was recommissioned as a training vessel for the Royal New Zealand Naval College, being renamed to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kahu</a> in the process. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294495/image/large-a8b1c8d58c5425776f4c19c5a15976d7.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294495"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kahu</a> subsequently underwent a major revamp with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/476" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fitzroy Yachts (Company)">Fitzroy Yachts</a> of New Zealand, extending her length from 28 to 37-metres. The bulwarks were raised up forward and the whole superstructure was replaced. In addition, a sewage treatment plant, water makers, stabilisers, bow and stern thrusters, an anchoring system and upgraded electronics. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223198/image/large-48483664ab5d415951df7105fe6f2d89.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223198"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/294494/image/large-620cfb67790eead3a8bc0321ce29b3ec.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/294494">She was converted in 2010 into a pleasure craft and has since travelled the globe including making multiple transpacific and transatlantic voyages. The motor yacht features a comfortable main saloon, galley and accommodations for 10 guests across five staterooms, alongside a crew of four.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223196/image/large-8553d9ac0ce642f0232de1bad1763409.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223196"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223195/image/large-5c122bd0d2c0f1199cd3864a3df8e142.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223195"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223189/image/large-cca620d772ac967f79123995fee34cce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223189">Since being bought in 2022, a full list of works has been completed on the vessel based on the survey provided when purchased. The yacht is ready for basin trials and a methodical systems commissioning following on from the works including:- The Bilges in the engine room generator flat workshop and steering flat have been emptied and cleaned.- Removed main engine and generator globe valve bodies to find they had the actual had the Valve internals removed. TN has machined replacement units.&nbsp;- Repaired an electrical connection and lowered the anchors and chain to the dock bottom for inspection.&nbsp;- Steering flat cleared out, rudders removed, service, new packing hydraulics reconnected and tested.&nbsp;- Both stabilisers fins damaged and water ingress through shaft. Both fins have been repaired and new seals and bearing fitted throughout.&nbsp;- There is a new set of batteries and a charger fitted.&nbsp;- Both engines had been repaired and she arrived in Gloucester under her own power. TN has removed the Freshwater cooler the gearbox cooler and the oil coolers and sent them of for reconditioning and pressure testing.&nbsp;- <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1741" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Company)">Yanmar</a> Hydraulic Power pack- this engine required replacement.&nbsp;- The batteries appear in good condition with a new charger.&nbsp;- The port and starboard engine start battery banks - these have been replaced and maintained with a separate charger.- The engine room, generator room &amp; steering flat spaces have been cleaned.- There was considerable corrosion on the tank tops of the freshwater tanks under the forward guest Cabins. This was traced to the FURUNO sonar unit which could be retracted into the hull. The unit has been removed and fitted a blanking flange. The rust was scaled back and treated.- Both shaft lines have been removed from the gearbox aft with new bulkhead bearing, shaft bearings and Tides marine seals fitted.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223187/image/large-bc8f7df7d19975871592309a5d51fef5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223187"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kahu</a> is available for viewing at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="T. Nielsen & Company (Company)">T Nielsen &amp; Co Ltd</a>, specialist yard in Gloucester, an open day for viewings will be held on Tuesday 28th November. Strictly by appointment only, viewing is highly recommended to all potential bidders. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6286" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="T. Nielsen & Company (Company)">T. Nielsen</a> has interest to execute, and has prepared a budget, for a full renovation of the interior of the yacht to the highest standard, or any other specification desired by its new owner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223169/image/large-54518ae9c4861a1bfc4a52d508ff25d0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223169">“We are delighted to manage the sale of this high-profile asset again. The vessel has benefited from a great amount of works completed since we last saw her. This gives the potential new purchaser a blank canvas to customise the yacht as they like,” explained Warren Boyd from Wilsons Auctions. “The online element of the auction is extremely convenient for bidders around the world to register and get involved. I hope it will be as exciting as the last time!” he concluded.

Motor yacht Kahu auction sale

The 37m explorer yacht Kahu is set to be auctioned at Wilsons Auctions for the second time.

Auction of 37m explorer yacht Kahu to begin this week with Wilsons Auctions

The 36.58-metre explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kahu</a> will go under the hammer this month. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kahu</a> was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act and will be sold at auction unreserved, meaning she'll leave with the highest bidder.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223170/image/large-7452a00f6f350736bd64b33d6174be7d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223170">The 2010-converted explorer yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kahu</a> landed in the auction house after reportedly being found with approximately £160,000,000 worth of cocaine onboard. Wilsons Auctions will act on behalf of the National Crime Agency (NCA), managing the sale of the seized vessel.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223184/image/large-68a9daa3fbcfd84095e4ab630ba17399.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223184"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223185/image/large-8e4773b4cedec7605f0dc5d104be323e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223185">Kahu was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Whangarei Engineering &amp; Construction Ltd (WECO)</a> for the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1979. Notably, under her former name HMNZE Manawanui, she participated in the exploration and salvage of MS Mikhail Lermontov&nbsp;in 1986. She retired from service and was recommissioned as a training vessel for the Royal New Zealand Naval College, which is when she picked up her name, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kahu</a>. She took on a new journey some years later and was given a new lease of life by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/476" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fitzroy Yachts (Company)">Fitzroy Yachts</a> who converted her into a luxury yacht in 2012. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kuhu</a> was extended by 30-foot, had her bulwarks raised and superstructure replaced. Following her major redress, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kahu</a> undertook a number of refit appointments, her most recent was in 2020 and carried out by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2067" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lauderdale Marine Center (Company)">Lauderdale Marine Center</a> in the United States. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223186/image/large-a779ab78a3ebec58352a77d5f4cd6ffa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223186"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223188/image/large-307c9ebc76baab56cfd678587b7b3ab9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223188">Under her new guise, she’s proved herself to be a steady companion after a number of transpacific and transatlantic voyages. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kahu</a> has five well-appointed staterooms, a fully equipped galley and a large main saloon. She also has additional accommodation for four crew. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223190/image/large-906a9e40ea8891977ab28f62943c450d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223190"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4966" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kahu36.58m (120'0&quot;)Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd (WECO)1979">Kahu</a> will be presented in a timed online auction. Bidding will commence on Wednesday 27 April at 15:00 GMT and the window will be open for 24 hours. The auction is public and will be held exclusively online. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223191/image/large-93f79c8a4c7831bd735aa717d060ae0b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223191"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223192/image/large-690a322071c6fb7c4180e006520aa4aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223192">“We are proud to facilitate auctions on behalf of our government and law enforcement agency clients,” Wilsons Auctions’ Government Contracts Manager, Mark Woods. “We play an important role in realising a large number of assets on behalf of these clients and in recent years, these auctions have seen us responsible for returning £130,000,000 million back into the public purse.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/223169/image/large-54518ae9c4861a1bfc4a52d508ff25d0.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/223169">The explorer is currently berthed at Torquay Marina, England, and an open day will be held a week before the auction on Wednesday 20 April. Potential buyers are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment and view the yacht before placing any bids.

37m explorer yacht Kahu to be sold at auction

The 36m yacht Kahu will go under the hammer this month. Kahu was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act and will be sold at auction unreserved. 