Come late November, most megayachts in the USA are heading to warm-weather island destinations to escape the winter. But at Ocean Marine Yacht Center, megayachts are still being painted and otherwise refitted. Granted, this year the U.S. East Coast has enjoyed warmer-than-usual autumn temperatures. Regardless, the waters outside of Ocean Marine Yacht Center’s Norfolk, Virginia locale don’t freeze. And, more important, Ocean Marine Yacht Center’s reputation for service keeps megayachts making their way to its 20-acre facility.
In fact, last week I watched as the 194-foot (59-meter) Akula was relaunched, via Ocean Marine’s 1,250-ton Syncrolift (pictured below). Akula had arrived at Ocean Marine Yacht Center several weeks prior for a hull paint job. If you don’t know the name Akula (Russian for “shark”), you may recognize the yacht’s previous name, Elanymor. She was built in 1974 as a pilot vessel by Amels, then refitted in 1999, also by Amels, for yacht service.
Akula joins a long list of megayachts that have tapped Ocean Marine Yacht Center’s painting and repair experts. Over the past decade, these have included Blue Moon, Barbara Jean, Chevy Toy, Fortunate Sun, Katrion, Jamaica Bay, Lazy Z, and Ultima III. Ocean Marine Yacht Center has several on-site workshops, including carpentry, fiberglass, and engine repair. There’s also a parts department. Besides the Syncrolift, an 80-ton TraveLift hauls yachts for service work.
As much as the multi-disciplined staff assists megayachts, Ocean Marine Yacht Center’s pride is its painting department. The Syncrolift transports yachts directly into the 270-foot-long, two-bay shed. (It’s actually two buildings that appear as one.) To minimize paint dust and for cleanup, Ocean Marine Yacht Center has a waterfall-like washdown system, in which water released from ceiling-mounted pipes literally cascades down the walls. The facility, with hurricane-rated walls, allows yachts to remain hooked up to power if needed as well. Other features, such as the recessed lighting, climate control, and heated floors, are what you’d expect of a modern facility.
Speaking of expectations, megayacht crew commonly complain that some service centers are in locations where there’s not much to do. Portsmouth, which is minutes from Norfolk International Airport, and the surrounding areas don’t suffer that problem. Right next door to Ocean Marine Yacht Center is an outdoor concert amphitheater, the nTelos Wireless Pavilion, which has hosted performances from pop and rock artists for years. Shopping malls and restaurants are right in town, too. A 20-minute drive takes you to the sandy shores of Virginia Beach. Spend any time studying American history, and you’ll know Portsmouth played a major role in both Revolutionary War and War of 1812 battles and developments. Furthermore, Colonial Williamsburg is an hour’s drive away. Captains and crew arriving at Ocean Marine Yacht Center can get a personalized guide with details on restaurants and more to visit during their stay.
Come next summer, there’ll be even more to do. Portsmouth, and Ocean Marine Yacht Center specifically, will be host to OpSail 2012 from June 6 to 12. Marking the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the writing of the “The Star Spangled Banner,” the U.S. national anthem, OpSail 2012 will gather tall ships, naval ships, and more from around the world. Some will be stationed at Ocean Marine Yacht Center, and many overall will be open to the public.
In the meantime, Ocean Marine Yacht Center is preparing bids for a variety of megayacht projects. It’s also working on plans that will continue to ensure that its facilities remain among the most modern worldwide.
To obtain further details directly from Ocean Marine Yacht Center, fill out this form.
Leave a Reply