From whaling ship to megayacht: here is the new Menorca
The refit of this 48-metre long vessel in Viareggio was completed for an Italian owner
Built as a whaling vessel in 1961 at the Dutch shipyard Botje Ensing, after years of a glorious but at times troubled history (which also included her use as a charter vessel), the 48-metre Menorca is preparing to set sail for her new life thanks to the passion, and significant investment, of an Italian owner.
This is the latest, major refit project completed by the Giangrasso shipyard, which will deliver this renovated pleasure vessel to its owner in a few days, following a work period lasting just under two years.
And it took everyone, because at the Viareggio site the megayacht was practically emptied and subjected to a complete refit of the teak decks, interiors, engine room and bridge, as well as the electrical system and piping.
The Menorca's refit also included complete sandblasting of the exterior and painting of the superstructure and hull, all operations managed in-house by the shipyard, as well as the new Man engine.
The interiors, on the other hand, were a joint effort, with the Giangrasso team collaborating with the owner's trusted architect.
“The Menorca will fly the Italian flag and is RINA classified, but it can also be chartered, as it complies with the Malta code,” shipyard owner Bartolomeo Giangrasso explains to SUPER YACHT 24, adding that this superyacht is also capable of crossing the Atlantic and sailing in the United States, as it complies with American regulations.
"It's one of the most challenging projects we've worked on so far. The boat was in pretty bad condition in some areas and had to be practically rebuilt, starting with a general scan of its structure," concludes the Viareggio-based shipyard's management.
The Menorca has a gross tonnage of 454 gross tonnage, a draft of 3,35 metres and can reach 10 knots.
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