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by Admin
57.30m superyacht Amara (ex Cacique) has completed an extensive refit at the Feadship yard in Makkum. The classic superyacht, which was initially launched in 1986, has retained her original lines and preserved her pedigree Feadship character by returning home to the Dutch shipyard. The owners took the Lloyd’s 35-year-survey as a foundation for a wide range of alterations and upgrades to suit their way of life at sea.
Amara’s owners purchased the superyacht in 2020, and enjoyed a first full season in Alaska before deciding to update and reinforce her helideck for the type of craft they intend to land in the future. The new helideck was engineered by Francis Gumbs at Feadship Refit & Services, built by Feadship’s in-house aluminium department, and neatly finished with the Amara logo instead of the standard ‘H’.
“Although it was a complex operation the results have been more than worth the effort,” says Captain Tim Rowland. “Our new deck is state of the art, designed in the same shape as the previous one while being strong enough to accommodate twin engine helicopters.”
Another significant change has been the development of a new layout for the sun deck which necessitated the removal of a bulwark to create an open plan deck and add aluminium lockers. New teak was laid throughout this area as well as on the foredeck and parts of the bridge deck. The Feadship painters then brought everything back to new in every part of Amara affected by the improvements.
Below decks, the original main engines were given an extensive overhaul with all tubos, pumps and heat exchanges fully revised. The rudder shafts were replaced and new bronze rudder shaft bearings fitted. Other significant work that will go largely unseen but add significant value to the yacht included replacing the black/grey water holding tank in the engine room. This is the kind of specialist task where Feadship excellence pays dividends in the long run as the yard’s metal and assembly teams replaced all pipelines and pumps as well as welding a new tank in place.
Interior activities saw a wide selection of carpets, wall furnishings, furniture and blinds reupholstered or replaced. The crew accommodations were updated with new mirrors, carpet, mattresses and vinyl on the bathroom walls.
Originally launched as Cacique in 1986, Amara is one of a fleet of Feadships from classic to modern that have enjoyed the premium care offered by the Feadship Refit and Services division.
“I’ve been involved with five new builds in my career and multiple shipyard periods, but the project management team on the Amara refit has been second to none,” adds Captain Rowland. “In fact, the entire workforce – from the people in the canteen to the craftsmen working on the boat and the various sub-contractors – gave us a very warm welcome from the moment we arrived. I am delighted that the owners chose to have the work carried out at Feadship.”
