Super Yacht Coatings new refit and painting shed has become an unmistakable landmark alongside the Tauranga Harbour bridge, leaving passing motorists no doubt about the company’s commitment and place in the harbour city.
Completed only a year ago, the commissioning of Super Yacht Coatings 50 metre long, 18m high facility gives the company a leading edge in both capacity and flexibility when it comes to handling the most challenging vessel refits and re-painting jobs.
The move to Tauranga’s Marine Precinct back in 2018 was a return home for both the company’s founders Regan Woodward and Mark Hanna after years operating from their base in Auckland.
The two men established the company in the City of Sails after extensive boat painting and refitting experience overseas, with the Auckland operation building a global reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and timeliness among discerning superyacht clients. The business in Auckland continues but the move to Tauranga, along with the commissioning of the new facility, have given Super Yacht Coatings even greater reach across the recreational and commercial vessel painting market.
Access to the precinct’s 350t travel lift ensures optimal flexibility on boat placement and lift timing, right on the harbour’s edge.
The development of Tauranga’s Marine Precinct also has Super Yacht Coatings as a cornerstone stakeholder, one that enhances the precinct’s appeal to existing and new vessel services.
Regan and Mark took a similar route into the industry when they started in the early 2000s, gaining a deep level of experience in yacht finishing from the ground up, and mentoring from some of the industry’s most respected fairing and painting talent. Their attention to detail and a shared strong work ethic has cemented the company’s reputation for getting a job done well, and on time.
With Ben Steele now on board as General Manager, the founding partners have been able to stick to doing what they do so well, with Ben overseeing new business and daily operations of the busy operation. “Having the facility here in Tauranga has put the city on the map as an option for large yacht and boat refits, when previously it would have had to be Auckland or maybe Whangarei,” says Steele.
The shed facility is fast becoming a hub for Pacific based superyachts seeking refits and repaints over the summer months before heading off again on charter and private sailing over winter.
The company has enjoyed some high-profile refits in the relatively short time the facility has been operating, including the New Zealand owned 36m yacht S/Y Miss Silver. The refit was a welcome injection to Tauranga’s marine service industry after the uncertainty of Covid and sent a clear signal the sector was definitely up and open for business, says Steele.
He says Super Yacht Coatings ability to work quickly and well has also drawn strong interest from the commercial sector, where time on the water is essential for boats earning their keep, under the company’s commercial business Gorilla Commercial Coatings.
“Whether it is superyachts, New Zealand based launches and sailing yachts, or a commercial vessel, we are well placed with talent and resources to deliver on time, budget and spec.”
