Revamping the Sailing Titans: Mandatory Early Planning for Effective Yacht Refits

Navigating the seas of yacht maintenance and refits can be made smoother by early preparation and planning. The growing complexity and size of modern yachts require an intense reliance on original equipment manufacturers for service maintenance tasks. Thus, timely planning of refits in sought-after shipyards with choice contractors is key. Leaving it late, like at the end of the summer season, can lead to disappointment and a disordered refit process.

Successful yacht refits, completed within short timeframes at preferred shipyards, are testimonies to the wisdom of investing time and money in early preparation. This strategic planning leads to cost-effectiveness - less time in the yard, no surprise works – along with positive experiences for the owner, crew, and shipyard.

Educating clients about the need for professional project management particularly for more complex and larger vessels was a major topic during the recent Refit Advisory Group discussions at the Monaco Yacht Show. Project management, often viewed as a pricey addition to operational crew and technical management costs, is in fact a necessary investment. Yacht crews, although knowledgeable about the vessel, have primary duties to fulfill towards best guest experiences. Their existing responsibilities, along with the time and expertise needed for a defined refit project specification and management often exceeds traditional technical management fees. Many management companies struggle to cater to their entire fleet’s refit needs.

Yacht refits, unlike new builds, are characterized by more dynamic environments, enhanced risk of surprises, and less time planning, necessitating higher flexibility and creativity. Apart from preparing accurate specifications and balanced decisions, experienced project managers bring crucial leadership to such unpredictable circumstances. Adherence to the plan often faces resistance when owners shy away from committing to an early refit period. However, the fixed periodicity of Class intermediate and renewal surveys can aid long-term planning. Late changes during project preparation or an ongoing refit can wreak havoc on costs and timelines.