About six months after Front Street Shipyard welcomed her for a refit, the 130-foot (39.6-meter) Magic is back in the water. This video takes you through the process of how she moved from her shed to the dock. You also get to hear commentary from the owners’ project manager as to how good of a job Front Street Shipyard did.
Magic arrived in September, a few weeks after her owners acquired her. They tapped Magic’s original designer, Setzer Yacht Architects, for the refit. As for Front Street Shipyard, it’s is among the few facilities along the U.S. East Coast that’s able to handle large yachts. Maine-based Front Street Shipyard can service and construct megayachts to 200 feet (61 meters). It’s further among the few yards along the coast with climate-controlled buildings for large yachts. Since opening in 2011, Front Street Shipyard has refitted nine megayachts (including Magic) measuring 79 feet (24 meters) and up.
The owners of Magic requested structural and cosmetic changes to suit their lifestyle, and the charter market. The megayacht was built in 2005 by Northern Marine for private cruises. A significant change took place on the flying bridge. It was completely redesigned to maximize relaxation space. Magic gained an alfresco cinema and a day head up here. Front Street Shipyard also constructed a day head, more seating, and a hot tub. Even the mast and radar arch were altered for appearances. All of this collectively required a good deal of fiberglass work and mechanical work.
Given her age, Magic did not have today’s most in-demand feature, a big transom area for boarding and disembarking toys. Front Street Shipyard therefore built a hydraulic, stainless steel platform for that purpose. (The yard has its own metal shop, something other fiberglass specialists do not.) It will also make life easier for swimmers. Further noteworthy, it was designed and built to serve as a passarelle if needed.
Yet another change done at Front Street Shipyard: creating a foredeck seating area. Yacht owners and charter guests alike spend much of their time aboard outside. The new seating area can be used underway or at anchor. It also converts to a sunning area.
Magic was set to undergo stability tests at Front Street Shipyard shortly after being lowered into the water earlier this week. She’s expected to be re-delivered to her owners later this month. A local TV station filmed her relaunch.
In related news, Front Street Shipyard is expecting another megayacht to arrive for a refit this spring. The builder is also constructing a series of high-speed patrol boats. Designed by Donald L. Blount and Associates, the boats are called Patrol Cat 30s, since they’re multi-hulls measuring 30 feet LOA. Front Street Shipyard is further developing an 80-foot version, and may add sheds for additional projects if needed.
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