- She entered the Barcelona50 race for fun and qualified in Top 5 out of 2600 competitors;
- She measures 27 metres in length and accommodates from 8 to 10 guests in 4 cabins plus 2 crew members;
- Originally named DSK, this sailing yacht with composite hull and carbon superstructure was delivered by Nautor’s Swan in 2008;
- She boasts naval architecture and engineering by German Frers, the Argentinian firm producing some of the most aesthetically pleasing yachts currently on the water.
…Have you guessed who she is yet?
We’re talking about S/Y WOODPECKER CUBE, of course! …a girl that, despite her age, leads a very active life just like her Owner’s family. She bakes in the sun, gets soaked by the rain (often polluted rain), gets frozen and thawed, chafes for months at a time against docks and fenders and floats in a watery zoo of plants and animals that want very much to attach themselves to her bottom and go along for the ride.
So, now her composite outer surface is due for painting to restore its shiny look.
And because painting is not be intended as a mere face lift, but most importantly as a line of defence against all the attacking elements, the Owner opted for a right proper job.
To get a good result, the three most important factors are preparation, preparation and preparation… because any paint job is as good as the preparation that precedes it, and breaking this golden rule can only result in dissatisfaction and a failed job.
So, to start with the hull was thoroughly cleaned in order to remove any old paint remains and oils that might’ve been absorbed during the years: a condition that reduces the ability of new paint to adhere to the surface.
This was followed by special primer coats to improve adhesive properties. All surface irregularities were smoothed out, old holes and scratches filled and carefully faired out. There’s nothing like a fresh, glossy coat of new paint to show up surface defects! Unless this work is carefully accomplished, all existing surface defects will be magnified and the result will be far from satisfying.
Look out for her and her attached owning family in the coming summer and see what you think of her new shine!
