While superyachts show off glossy paint whether they’re white or a more unusual hue, paint isn’t the only solution to lending a luxe look. Vinyl film is another option, further protecting and preserving the hull surface. The yacht Sunrays recently became the largest project with a hull wrap by Wild Group International. As the photos show, the color matching was so accurate that her striking teal hull looks essentially the way it did on launch day.
The 280-footer (85.5-meter), an Oceanco delivery from 2010, unfortunately was experiencing issues with her existing paint. Past its prime, it didn’t have consistent glossiness. This also was allowing dirt to remain trapped, further dulling her look. The owner and crew looked into Wild Group’s capabilities and the overall benefits of vinyl wrapping. Among the benefits, wrapping is a quicker fix and less expensive than repainting. In speaking with Wild Group’s team, they learned color matching was a possibility. So was doing the work in the water, given her limited availability.
The first order of business in getting the contract was to color match the teal hull. According to Wild Group, it took 10 weeks to produce the film in the proper hue. “Color matching is an excellent way to go when time is tight, as it gives flexibility with the option of wrapping outward-facing surfaces in the first visit and leaving easily accessible faces to a later visit,” Greg Hoar, Wild Group’s owner and founder, explains. “However, in this instance, everything was completed on time, within budget, on the first visit!”
The entire process for Sunrays to get her hull wrapping took 32 days in Zea Marina in Piraeus, Greece. The yacht’s captain, who Hoar credits with doing extensive research into vinyl wrapping, says the goal was to gain at least two years before needing to do a full yacht repaint. “While we were the largest item so far wrapped, the process was straightforward,” he adds. “The team on the job were no fuss and completed the project ahead of time and on budget.”
Hoar is thrilled that the yacht Sunrays represents the largest superyacht wrap to date, for any company. “Next we will break the 100-meter mark,” he pledges.
Wild Group International wildgroupinternational.com
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