Fox’s recently completed an extensive refit on the beautiful, classic Oyster 56, Into The Blue, in preparation for an extended global cruise with her new owners.
The work included new standing and running rigging; mast and spar re-spraying using Awlgrip two pack paint; electronics and engineering upgrades and a new sprayhood and bimini canvas work – all of which are typical refit items on a boat of this vintage.
What made this refit more unusual was the desire to reduce the vessel’s cruising carbon footprint. The owner, who had been involved in the wind energy business, discussed his thoughts with Fox’s in-house stainless fabrication manager who then designed an aft gantry containing six solar panels and two wind generators, in addition to the usual array of communication and navigation antennae. Fox’s electricians installed a larger battery bank with batteries that were optimised for solar and wind recharging, along with the necessary charge regulators.
Reports from the owner, now a couple of months into his cruise, are that he never needs to run his genset and, in all probability, will have it removed later this year!
The success of the refit was made possible by Fox’s unrivalled knowledge of this class of quality, cruising yacht, the yard having total control over all trades on site, and being able to manufacture and deliver completely bespoke solutions.
We were delighted to get this very kind note from the yacht’s owners:
“We’d like to thank you and the terrific team at Fox’s for the outstanding work carried out for us on our Oyster 56 Into The Blue. There was not one person who didn’t show kindness and care for what we wanted and how the work was carried out. Gina and I are truly grateful.
There are too many thanks to make and too many individuals who helped way beyond being employees at the Marina & Boatyard, the electronics/ electrical team, the mechanical guys and the rigging department, they are all just brilliant people and all a credit to the Company.
One observation we’d like to make is that throughout the extensive refit on Into The Blue, we never came across the feeling of ‘job creation’ which was very refreshing and is common among some boat yards and marinas in our experience. For that alone we are very grateful, it certainly made the whole process a pleasant experience. Although we were very keen to leave and start our travels we were sad to leave Fox’s as were leaving many good friends we’d made.”
Andy & Gina Hilton
Oyster 56 – Into The Blue