The J Class Association has recently selected Solent Refit as the base for the Solent Event of their 2012 J Class Regatta. This new superyacht facility on Southampton Water will be the base for the fleet of Js and their motherships 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 July.
Deep water access for a large number of superyachts was a key factor, along with ample container storage and parking areas. The yachts can also use the substantial dockside working area for race preparation and refit work or bunkering. It is planned that an event village with refreshments will be assembled on the outer pontoon area where race crew and guests will be able to watch the Js entering and leaving the base.
Solent Refit is well placed to provide any superyacht Owner, Captain or Project Manager with the appropriate on-site facilities and technical expertise to ensure a smooth and efficient refit or maintenance programme. Having worked alongside and overseen many refit and rebuild projects, the company managing the site, Yacht Project Associates is able to offer or make available any technical or specialist skill required for specific large yacht and superyacht work.
Lifting facilities can accommodate vessels up to 70m with a large capacity 1500 ton horizontal boat lift. It features a purpose built rail transfer system, which can move superyachts from the slipway to other locations for longer term periods of work. There is a 10,000 square metre undercover working area. Systems engineers and managers are also on hand for air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration and water systems, IT and communications and electric and electronics.
Yacht Project Associates are experienced with MCA Classification and survey work and can provide the management processes to achieve successful approval to regulatory standards. Teams of time served shipwrights are on hand for joinery for interior and exterior fitting, as well as for refurbishing and replacement of teak decks. YPA work closely with skilled carbon specialists and designers, as well as metal fabricators, who can be provided with a project office at Solent Refit for the duration of any refit.
The Solent Refitsite was originally developed during the 1930s to build the famous “Vickers Supermarine Flying Boats” and was known as “RAF Hythe”. The name continued with the American’s “European Field Support Brigade”, when the site was home to landing craft, floatingcranes, tugs and mine sweepers. As the vessels grew in size, the facility was constantly upgraded to manage them either on the dock or for slipping for work ashore. The facilities at Solent Refit have therefore always been maintained to the highest standards for the US Navy.
Following their departure, the site has now been developed specifically for visiting superyachts.
Solent Refit will be exhibiting at METSAmsterdam, Holland. 16th – 18th November 2010 Stand 10.710 in the Superyacht Pavilion
Yacht Project Associates
Allan Foot
+44 (0) 1425 672862
[email protected]
www.yachtproject.com