As the Sailing Industry Evolves So Must Its Approach to Yacht Refitting

In the ever-evolving world of sailing, a focal turning point has emerged: the refitting of large, high-profile yachts. More specifically, paint jobs and finishes lie at an interesting confluence of heightened expectations, regulatory necessities, and ground-level realities. While darker hull colours and near-new-build standards are trending, balancing these aspirations with the realities of pre-existing materials, working conditions, and time constraints makes for shark-infested waters.

Adding another dimension to this complex mix are environmental regulations that have introduced a plethora of requirements, impacting how paintwork projects are planned and executed. While these regulations are generally manageable, their repercussions become painfully palpable when end-results are not up to mark, leading to extensive rework, increased timelines and inflated costs.

A closer look at the situation suggests that with more paint moving through established cycles, more labour is tied up for longer periods. Consequently, more projects are less tolerant of delay — a ripple effect that will inevitably reverberate across the market.

The takeaway here isn’t that the market is doomed but rather that it must adapt, and fast. Key industry players suggest solutions ranging from the use of more sustainable, quality-maintaining coating products for durability and flexibility to forecasting higher demand by roping in advance contracts for better project planning and cost control. Some even advocate searching for alternative coating solutions that offer scope for innovation and easy repairing options.

As we sail into the future, it’s clear that yacht refitting will have to navigate through an ocean of challenges and transformations to stay afloat.