After an extensive 12 months refit, sailing yacht Kaori (ex Mandalay) is back in the water, rigs in, and currently undergoing sea trials in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. S/Y Kaori is likely to be ready to head offshore for an owner’s cruise around 16 November.

Sailing yacht Kaori and S/Y Celandine on the slipway – Photo courtesy of 37 South Ltd

The 125 foot schooner Kaori built by Palmer Johnson in 1991 and designed by well known C.W. Payne yacht designers, was formerly known as sailing yacht Mandalay.

Sailing yacht Kaori (Japanese for Fragrant Breeze) has under gone extensive engineering and paintwork, the project was managed by Phil Tomlinson of 37 South Ltd and was undertaken by the Auckland ship yard, Titan Marine.

The yacht arrived in New Zealand last year after a cruise from the west coast of the USA. After the vessel is launched it will continue on its world cruise. It is privately owned and used extensively by its owner.

The S/Y Celandine also visited New Zealand over the 2009/2010 summer and whilst here took the opportunity to also take advantage of 37 South and Titan Marine’s expertise and had a short yard period for servicing and paint touch ups.

It was wonderful to see both yachts on the slipway together taking advantage of the marine skills available in New Zealand.