In May 2023, we were awarded a prestigious contract from Lürssen to undertake a comprehensive mast refit for the renowned Sailing Yacht EOS. EOS is a 3-masted Bermuda-rigged schooner with an overall length of 93 meters. The yacht, built by Lürssen Yachts in Germany and launched in 2006, boasts a beam of 13.5 meters, a “draft” of 5.5 meters, and a volume of 1,517 GT. The superyacht's towering 200-foot (61-meter) aluminum Rondal masts represent the maximum height allowed to enable the craft to pass underneath bridges across the globe. This ambitious project involved the complete removal, refurbishment, and reinstallation of these three masts, along with a full servicing of the rod rigging and the installation of new carbon rigging.
CHALLENGES AND MILESTONES
After the start in September 2023, the first milestone was reached by November 2023. The mast unstepping and stripping were completed smoothly, setting the stage for the next phase. The masts were prepared for repainting, a process managed by Lürssen, and by February 2024, on-site work was set to resume. By mid-February, the meticulous process of rebuilding the masts began. By April 2024, the masts were fully dressed and stepped, marking the successful completion of this major refit. The project was officially wrapped up at Lürssen's shipyard in early May, with EOS embarking on her first voyage to Scotland shortly thereafter. While a few final deliverables and touch-ups were scheduled for late June, the main body of the work was completed to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
One of the most significant challenges faced during the refit was the internal transportation of the masts. Moving these massive structures from the quayside, across the shipyard, and onto the sloping slipway required precise planning and execution. This logistical feat was crucial to ensuring the smooth progression of the project.
SCOPE OF WORK
This mast refit was truly comprehensive, covering everything from unstepping to stepping the masts. In addition to the rigging overhaul, parts of the running rigging were replaced, and a thorough servicing was conducted on the furlers, including disassembly and parts replacement at the facility in Vollenhove.
ENSURING COMPLIANCE AND QUALITY
As part of Lloyd’s certification requirements, the masts and their rigging undergo a thorough inspection and servicing every five years. This refit was carried out with these stringent standards in mind, ensuring that EOS remains compliant and safe for its global voyages.
CLIENT SATISFACTION AND FUTURE COLLABORATION
The success of this 7-month operation was built on the strong relationship between Rondal, the EOS crew, and Lürssen’s project management team. The captain, crew, and Lürssen’s project manager were highly satisfied with the outcome. In the words of Lürssen’s project manager, “Many thanks for the good cooperation and communication. I hope when EOS returns to Hamburg, we can continue our good relationship.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As SY EOS embarks on new adventures, we remain committed to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and service. This project underscores our dedication to excellence in every mast refit we undertake, ensuring that yachts like EOS can continue to navigate the seas with confidence and style, and fully prepared for the unexpected.
