Orams Marine Services: For refit planning, the personal touch matters

In an industry of custom yachts, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for refit planning. Refitting superyachts in Auckland since 1987, the team at Orams Marine has plenty of experience when it comes to scheduling a refit work list, and knows the best way to do it, is in person.

“Our project managers work globally for ease of refit planning,” says Orams Marine’s Craig Park.

“We know that planning cruising and refit in the Pacific is a complex task, so our team is happy to sit down with captains and crew wherever they are in the world to ensure they’re happy with their refit planning and schedule.”

With a multi-year upgrade project at the central Auckland yard meaning yachts now have access to world-class refit facilities designed for superyachts in the South Pacific - like fully-enclosed superyacht buildings and haul out to 800 tonnes - the team has enjoyed meeting yachts around the world to advise on what’s now possible.

This season has seen operations manager, Richard Low travel throughout the region to meet with yachts already in the South Pacific and advise them on planning, maintenance and refit in the region.

Richard Low - Orams Marine Operations Manager

Hotspots like Fiji and French Polynesia come into their own over the winter months of May to October, making them the perfect time to cruise through the islands. The South Pacific’s tropical cyclone season runs from approximately November to April when most yachts leave the area, while New Zealand’s summer cruising months fall in the same period, providing a safe cruising ground to relocate to and presenting the opportunity for dual season cruising.

"There’s a number of factors which can take the owner and guest experience in the South Pacific from good to great,” says Low.

“Virgin dive sites, untouched scenery and making the most of the varied cruising seasons are just a few examples and with a team of experienced superyacht operations professionals, we aim to plan your refit window to fit around your cruising schedule.

“What we see from a number of yachts we work with is a well-planned schedule which takes advantage of the South Pacific’s calm, warm weather through winter, before heading to New Zealand during the shoulder season for a yard period, and then cruising New Zealand during its beautiful summer months.”

Craig Park - Orams Marine Managing Director

Managing director, Craig Park will be available in the Northern Hemisphere throughout September and October, visiting Monaco and Barcelona to help yachts with their planning.

“From discussing the finer points of the work list, to arranging crew housing, and working with you to find the best window for a yard period, we’re happy to help,” says Park.

Visit the Orams Marine Services listing for more information and contact details. 

In Pictures