Just eight weeks after Monaco Marine La Ciotat was assigned the task of repainting it’s hull, 81m M/Y Air is now back on the water with a fresh coat of signature matt black. According to a statement issued by the yard, it was due to ‘the seamless cooperation between the shipyard, the crew and Rolling Stock the paint company of choice’.

Prior to the yacht’s arrival Monaco Marine made a series of preparations to its facility, including the construction of a climate controlled 85m transformation cocoon, which creates the correct environment for the painting process. M/Y Air was them hauled out of the water on a Yachtlift on 3rd October, five years after she was originally delivered by Feadship, which is a decent lifespan for a superyacht coating. A team of 25 painters were then tasked to complete the external repaint of the 1000sqm surface within the tight nine-week timeframe.

“Matt black paint is extremely delicate,” says Cyprien Milhe, project manager at Monaco Marine. “It requires a careful preparation of the paint and coatings, as well as a continuous application to render the rare non-reflective and soft texture appearance.” Milhe also emphasised the importance of keeping the previous paint from interfering with the new coat as it could ruin the final effect.

Due to the intricacies of the matt painting process, the shipyard team, led by Milhe and Greg Isett on the project side, and Nicolas Genelot on the commercial side had to ensure that the entire process was planned in advance and this is the reason why Monaco Marine was able to complete the project one week ahead of schedule.

“Positive collaboration with all stakeholders, experience and a shared passion for challenges make the difference,” comments Milhe. “We proved it once again and delivered the project a week before the completion date.”

M/Y Air was reintroduced to the water on 2nd December and departed Monaco Marine seven days later, ready for her next charter period.

Photos by Guilliaume Plisson

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