The expedition yacht Reesle has criss-crossed the oceans since 1995 and the original owners are still at the helm. Having decided to take Reesle to New Zealand in 2018 they asked the dedicated refit team at Claasen to ensure she is in peak condition for a trans-Pacific voyage. The refit work will include renewing the main engines and bowthruster, and giving Reesle a new paint job. The captain was keen to have the most professional partner possible with short lines of communication and will now live close to our yard over the winter.
This project will leverage on the rich experience of Claasen’s engineers and craftsmen. The boiler system, generators and half the engine room will first need to be removed and the current engines carefully dismantled before removing them via access hatches on the side of the yacht. The team will also need to ensure that the new engines fit the existing prop shaft, exhaust system and other installations, while the engine foundations will require structural modifications.
Globetrotter comes home
The second refit is less complex as Louise returns home for the first time since we launched her in 2013. This stunning racer/cruiser set the template for the adventures ahead by embarking on a maiden trip to Rio de Janeiro and the owners have been to Antarctica, the Beagle Channel and Easter Island, while also taking part in races such as the Sydney to Hobart and Caribbean 600.
Despite these travels Louise remains in impressive condition. Much of the refit work will be the kind of cosmetic refurbishments to the decks and interior you’d expect after such intensive use. We will also carry out systems upgrades and checks on the electronics, plumbing, mast and rigging. The lifting keel will be taken out and serviced.
Even though Louise was on the east coast of the United States, the owner decided to return her to Claasen for several reasons. As well as being able to rely on the premium work we offer, our yard also knows the boat inside out having built her four years ago. For the Claasen crew it feels like having a child return home again after travelling the world for four years. They will ensure Louise is in tip-top condition and ready for whatever the owners have next in store.