Sheergold: the gold standard

It’s one thing finishing a summer season then heading to a shipyard with a list of works to do over the winter and plenty of time to complete that list – but quite another when you arrive in the Spring and need to get those works completed in time for the summer charter season. The latter case can only be achieved if the shipyard you select has the flexibility and capability to undertake a varied worklist under severe time pressure, and still complete the project to the highest standards.

So when the new owner of the 42-metre Amels yacht Sheergold was looking for somewhere to undertake a moderate refit in time for the European season after completing the purchase of the vessel, there was one obvious candidate – Amsterdam Yacht Service. AYS not only offers modern facilities with large in-water berthing, haul-out, expansive hardstanding and dedicated refit sheds, but also boasts an expert inhouse team of specialists covering everything from systems engineering to steelwork and carpentry.

“The Sheergold project was a moderate refit to a very tight timetable,” says Robert Binnekade, managing director of AYS. “The owner sailed her up from France having just bought the yacht, and presented us with a work list that included hauling out for underwater paint and some exhaust modifications, some spot metalwork and steel repairs, a full rebuild of the galley, and other elements that needed attention.”

The yacht arrived at AYS in March, with works planned over one month out of the water and one month in the water. “Normally this is what you’d tackle in the off-season period, but the new owner wanted her up and ready for charter this summer,” Binnekade says. “The owner is a very practical person and basically just said, ‘Let’s do it!’. It’s one of those projects where you have to be flexible and think on your feet, and although it can be potentially stressful to work to such tight deadlines it’s something that we’re more than capable of here at AYS. It’s all about being focused on getting a lot of work done, knowing how to prioritise the highest necessities and then being able to schedule everything effectively and efficiently.” With the works completed on schedule, Sheergold left AYS in May refreshed and ready to tackle the summer season – and for a charter yacht, such timely service in the face of a demanding work list is more valuable than gold…