MARI CHA III
The Superyacht Mari_Cha_III recently departed the Derecktor Shipyard in Connecticut after receiving a 5 month refit.
Mari Cha III is a renowned record-breaking Super Maxi sailing yacht designed by Philippe_Briand with a traditional interior by John Munford that can be removed to save weight when racing. In 1998, a year after she was launched, Mari Cha III broke one of sailing’s most prized records. She sailed transatlantic from New York to Lizard Point in Southern England in 8 days, 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 41 seconds, crushing the existing record. Mari Cha III also remains the fastest yacht in the Sydney to Hobart race since December 1999, when she covered the race course in one day, 18 hours, and 27 minutes.
The 145ft sailing yacht Mari Cha III arrived at the Derecktor shipyard in December, on rather short notice according to Kathy Kennedy the spokesperson for the yard as they wanted take advantage of the current favourable exchange rate of the USD compared with the EURO. Another important reason the Derecktor yard was chosen was because of the yards experience. Their Connecticut division regularly builds and refits ferries, tugs and fast fireboats in addition to yachts up to 400 ft and 600 metric tons. Captain Damien Durchon, who has been with the Mari-Cha program since 2003 explained “We are quite demanding when it comes to our boats. We expect the work to be perfect. Crossing the Atlantic was well worth the effort to take advantage of the quality workmanship at Derecktor.”
The Mari_Cha_III sailing ketch’s refit included new fresh and black water tanks, air-conditioning systems and ventilation, new rigging and hydraulics as well as a new generator and electronics. A full repaint of topsides, deck and bottom along with an interior refurbish to a more minimalist style.
When Mari-Cha III was built by Sensation Yachts she featured a dark-wood and an Edwardian theme by John Munford. Clear Group International was commissioned to strip the mahogany wood’s dark stain and refinish it in bright white enhancing the new minimalist feel.
The option to dismantle the interior while racing remains. This reduces weight and increases speed while making room for 25 crewmembers. The master stateroom and crew staterooms are excluded from this however the main salon for example can be striped of wood and furnishings providing crew with additional space.
Mari Cha III headed back to Europe for the summer season after departing Derecktor.
Contact the CharterWorld team for information on chartering a performance sailing yacht this summer season.
