ONBOARD Magazine autumn 2023

THAT REFIT
TIME OF
YEAR
When planning a refit, there remains a powerful element
of choice that rests with senior crew or management
companies. With so many factors to consider in a competitive
space, how do you decide on which shipyard you should be
engaging for your yacht’s refit or repair period?
Words: Chris Clifford
If f ever there were proof of the old adage ‘Proper Preparation
Prevents a Pretty Poor Performance’ then the tasks undertaken
before arrival at a refit yard is it. In short get it right
before you arrive, and the refit will have a much better
chance of producing a successful outcome. There are of course
some important priorities to get sorted first and these may be
dictated by the owner, however, to propose a shipyard correctly,
you must offer two or three on a short list and underline the
pros and cons for each. But remember, price is not always the
main reason to book your refit slot.
REFERENCES
It might seem obvious, but the first action before booking a
maintenance slot in a shipyard is references. You do complete
due diligence before hiring crew, so you need to complete the
same here if not more so. Do not believe a yard representative or
website. Captains should check and check again with colleagues
who have recent (not from two years ago) first hand experience
of a yard. Ask about the good, the bad and the ugly, this forms
the initial stages of your short list.
BUDGETING
There is little point in preparing a refit wish list as long as your
arm, if the pocket to pay for it is limited. Remember to keep funds
in reserve, you know from experience, things will be uncovered
that were not foreseen. Work with a yard that has a good
reputation for cost control and understands that time is money.
COMMUNICATION
It is often said that effective communication ensures that the
information is provided in the right format, at the right time,
to the right audience, and with the right impact. Effective
communication is often the foundation of successful projects.
Good communication can unite crew and shipyard staff in striving
for strategy objectives and budget.
ATTITUDE
Yard time is probably not the most exciting nor it is very glamorous.
But remember, the refit period is what makes the yacht’s reputation
possible. Begin with a positive attitude, remember that it is a
means to an end and it will end at some point!
96 | AUTUMN 2023 | ONBOARD