Refit yard Monaco Marine in conjunction with Palma Based Rolling Stock has recently completed the repaint of the rare black matt hull of motoryacht Air. The success of this repaint is the direct result of the thorough planning by the teams of Air, paint company Rolling Stock and Monaco Marine La Ciotat.

Launched in 2011, Air is an 81m Feadship motoryacht featuring a black matt paint unique on water. In October last year, Monaco Marine was entrusted with the complete repaint of its exclusive hull colour.

To prepare for the arrival of the vessel, the yard had set up a made-to-measure transformation cocoon. Air was hauled out of water on October 3 at Monaco Marine shipyard in La Ciotat.

Air entered the cocoon for nine weeks of works, including the external repaint. The paint of the 1000sq m surface was made in one go by 25 prepared painters from Rolling Stock, in a climate-controlled environment set up by Monaco Marine.

“A strictly planned and coordinated project which inevitably led to its successful completion.  A fantastic team effort” commented Manu Ayme – Rolling Stock Head of Production.

“Positive collaboration with all stakeholders, experience and a shared passion for challenges make the difference says Cyprien Milhe, project manager at Monaco Marine We proved it once again when we delivered a week ahead of the completion date,”

Air was back in the water on December 2 and departed the shipyard on December 9. The vessel is ready to charter again.

“Air is very unique. Its hull colour defines this boat and we all held our breath during the repaint. We were stunned about the perfect finish. That the yacht could be ready before the set date was even more satisfying,” concludes Captain Steve Warren.

Image by Guillaume Plisson