The world’s largest sailing catamaran is currently docked at Vessel Works in Tauranga Moana where it is undergoing a three-week refit.
The award-winning 44 metre (144 ft) superyacht, Hemisphere has been making waves with locals, with many using jet skis and boats to take a closer look.
Dave Withington, Vessel Works Marine Precinct Director, is thrilled such a prestigious vessel has chosen Tauranga for the work and explained how the precinct has had an upsurge in this calibre of clientele.
“Our yard has an impressive 6,300m2 hardstand, one of New Zealand’s largest capacity mobile vessel hoists, and access to highly acclaimed companies and crews.
We’re growing too – a few weeks ago refit specialists Super Yacht Coatings opened its new paint booth that can accommodate vessels over 50m.
All of this makes the precinct an attractive one stop shop for everyone from fishing fleets and workboats to superyachts and even waka,” said Withington.
Vessel Works was developed by Tauranga City Council and co-funded by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council with a goal to develop a marine facility that fostered economic growth and created more jobs for the people of Bay of Plenty.
Not only have they created more jobs, but the flow-on effect of attracting larger vessels and their crews has also benefited the tourism and hospitality industries too.
“Besides the world-class services of the precinct, we also promote the Bay of Plenty as a world class destination for crews too. There’s so much to see and do in the Bay, and it’s a great place for crews to take a break while their vessels are being worked on,’ explained Withington.
