The Latest Addition to the D-Class Fleet: Mermaid Shines in Hot Pink

With a hue that’s as stunning as the high seas she’ll soon be sailing, Mermaid is far from your average D-Class yacht. Undergoing restoration by the proficient hands at Tasmanian Shipwrights & Co, she is the second D-Class family member for the owners of the Merlin D18. Making her debut in the regular twilight sessions in Kettering, her distinct hot pink hull is impossible to miss among the local fleet. Mermaid’s restoration process was not just a lick of lively paint; the boat required comprehensive repair with a bevy of WEST SYSTEM epoxy products, E-fibreglass, Technifill R1160 and Epifanes gloss varnish from none other than ATL Composites. The result? A sight to behold. Mermaid’s extravagant aesthetics aside, a considerable amount of work went into her six-month-long restoration endeavour, often involving long working days to ensure that she was ready for the relaunch at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in February. Her imposing 36-foot mast enhances her grandness on the sea, which is unusual but fitting for her 24-foot size. Despite being intriguingly complex, the project turned out to be a fruitful one, with the end product being a unique blend of traditions and modern design choices. Matt Stevens, the director at Tasmanian Shipwrights & Co, praised the products used in the restoration process, particularly Epifanes’ traditional varnish, for its ease of use and splendid results. With a successful restoration project under their belts, the team’s gaze now turns towards several other projects, including the restoration of the 40-foot timber yacht, Tradition, and the 30-foot Cayzer motor yacht, Floki. To the owners’ delight, Mermaid’s striking pink outer shell stole the show, causing a stir around the yard and receiving mixed responses from the public. However, once they see the entire fleet line-up, with Nymph’s yellow, Minerva’s purple and Gremlin’s dark forest green, Mermaid’s hot pink will feel right at home. Anticipation builds for the official launch on February 5, where spectators can catch the stunning Mermaid gracing the waters along with her D-Class counterparts.