The JeMaSa refit project, which involves a full rebuild of interiors, is being overseen and run by Juan Koegelenberg, Director of Liquid Yacht Support and relies on the combined skills of the on-site marine trades.
Ensconced on Superyacht berth #1 covered in scaffold and protective sheeting, 50-metre JeMaSa arrived in March 2024 and work has already begun on the complex overhaul.
“It will involve a repaint from top to bottom and complete interior rebuild, as well as modifications over three decks,” Juan states. “The interior has already been stripped back to bare metal.”
The 700-tonne vessel was built for the Australian Navy and launched in 1973 as HMAS Matthew Flinders as a Survey boat. At 50-metres, it was sturdily built in steel with a 10-metre beam, capacious decks and helipad, and many features common to contemporary explorer yachts.
“It’s well-built and well-maintained,” says Juan, who has worked with the owner on previous projects. “The steel hull was tested and it’s in very good condition – 10-millimetres throughout and no corrosion.”
