Turkish shipyard Dunya has relaunched 36-metre Secret Love following an extensive winter refit. The classic cruiser built by Amels in 1990 had arrived at the yard in Istanbul last October and despite the challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Dunya was able to complete the refit virtually on schedule.
Photo: Dunya Yachts“Under very difficult conditions, the yard has managed to complete the works and launch the yacht with only a minimum of delay,” says Stephen Warren, Director at Sovren Yacht management representing the owner’s team. “In addition, all works have been completed to incredibly high standard, particularly the paint work. The chief officer has described it as the best he has ever seen.”
Photo: Dunya Yachts
Photo: Dunya YachtsIn fact, refreshing the paintwork was at the top of the to-do list. The owner has other vessels but Secret Love is a family favourite and as he was planning to spend more time aboard in the coming year, it was decided to take advantage of the time spent laid up for the new paint job to carry out a more thorough refit. Overhauls and upgrades have been made to the engineering systems, including replacing the generators, the A/C system, waste treatment plant, new hot water boilers and modifications to the stabilisers to allow better access.
Photo: Dunya Yachts
Photo: Dunya YachtsThe engine room has also been repainted and all pumps, main engines as well as electric systems (including a new shore power converter) have been serviced and updated. The main bridge electronics have been swapped out for new and the entire lighting system replaced with LEDs. The teak decks have been replaced and exterior guest areas also upgraded. The yard will now complete a series of tests prior to redelivery scheduled for mid-June.
Photo: Dunya YachtsTurkey’s lockdown was less stringent than in most European countries, but interruptions to the supply chain have created delays and shipyards have introduced new protocols to safeguard the health of their workers.
Photo: Dunya Yachts“The shipyard has adopted changes to work patterns to comply with guidance relating to the current crisis,” says Jeremy Roche, Dunya’s Sales & Marketing Director. “There have been challenges, but we have remained open throughout and are delighted with the results.“