Exploring the Possibilities
Ivor Wilkins
10/01/2005

Refits cover a wide spectrum, from cosmetic patch-ups to major rebuilds. Beyond the latter end of the continuum the term "conversion" resides. Often, so little of the original ship is left that the result is more like a new build. In fact, in America’s Cup racing, where strict rules apply, a yacht that has been altered by more than 20 percent is deemed new. By this and most other definitions, Flinders is a new vessel – several times over. Relaunched after more than two years of extensive surgery in New Zealand, the 50-meter (164-foot) motor yacht is poised for a new life of exploration and adventure.

Flinders as she looked during her tenure in the Royal Australian Navy. More than 800 sailors served aboard her during the 25 years following her 1973 launch. Photograph by Ivor Wilkins. (Click image to enlarge)

Originally built at the Williamstown Naval Dockyard as a Royal Australian Navy hydrographic survey ship, she was launched in 1973. During her 25 years of naval service she voyaged some 600,000 miles executing major surveys around Australia and in the South Pacific. Her most notable feat was the surveying of Hydrographer’s Passage through the Great Barrier Reef, a route that reduced the voyage from Australia to Japan and Korea by several hundred miles.

"She had a very good name among the Navy people who served on her," say the current owners, a couple from New Zealand. "Previous commanders have been in touch with us and commented on what a good sea boat she is."

Top: No hint of military austerity remains aboard Flinders. Her spacious accommodations, hot tub, toys and tenders promise nothing but luxury. Even her high-tech helm is comfortable. Photograph by Ivor Wilkins. Bottom: The super quiet interior floats free from the steel framework per engineering by Van Cappellan. Photograph by Tony Gatman. (Click images to enlarge)

After decommissioning, she was purchased from the Australian Navy by the current owners, a bold move for the couple as they were already engaged in another major conversion at the time. Inspired by the success of former U.S. Treasury Secretary William Simon’s Itasca, the couple purchased a 50-meter Greek deep-sea salvage tug named Asteri. "That was bought on a bit of a whim," the owners confess. "The boat was famous in Europe and had conducted more than 500 salvage operations. We were enchanted by it, but from the outset it was a project fraught with difficulties."

The owners contracted the rebuild to Northport in Whangarei, a maritime town 100 miles north of Auckland. Delays, cost overruns and a change of ownership at the yard prompted the couple to bale out on the boat, but not the dream. "We decided to sell Asteri and keep an eye out for something else. In doing so, we looked for some more internal space, a better flow between decks and more head height," the owner said.

Top: Photograph by Tony Gatman. Bottom: Photograph by Ivor Wilkins. (Click images to enlarge)

In Flinders the couple saw the potential to achieve all these goals and more. Whereas the Asteri conversion was largely a hands-off affair – the owners contracted the work to the yard and collected the product three years later – they decided that Flinders would be a hands-on business. They secured dock space with a 70-ton gantry crane at Whangarei and set about assembling a team of contractors. "We had hoped to appoint a management team so that we could just oversee things on a monthly basis, but it didn’t work out that way. Our involvement escalated," he said.

That was an understatement. A floating barge with a two-story structure comprising project office, workshops and stores, plus six trailers accommodating the design team formed the nucleus of a project community that became known as Flindersville. Some 10 designers set to work on systems, naval architecture and interior space planning. At its height, there were more than 70 employees on the payroll.The first order of business was to strip the interior and draw accurate plans of the existing vessel, which were then translated into a CAD model. The initial plan was for a relatively simple modification. The hull and machinery were very sound, having been well maintained by the Australian Navy, and new engines had been installed not long before decommissioning. The owners were advised, however, that if their investment was to retain its value, and if the boat was ever to enter the charter market, it would be essential to put it into Lloyds class and meet MCA specifications. Their decision to follow that advice took them a quantum leap from the original plan. "It added a great deal more complexity – and many more gray hairs – but it was a decision that had to be made," Flinders’ owner said.

Photograph by Tony Gatman. (Click image to enlarge)

The task changed from straightforward refurbishment to a major rebuild that created in everything but name a new vessel finished to "white ship" standards. The first departure was to dispense with the existing superstructure, which they sliced off at main deck level. The hull shape dictated the new steel superstructure’s look with some reference to the original profile, but the emphasis was on clean, simple lines, plenty of space for guests and large windows.

Van Cappellan designed a sound and vibration insulation plan based on silent power trains. This involved replacing the engine and gearbox mountings, plus the gearboxes, drive shafts and propellers. At the same time, all the wiring, piping and service systems were stripped and replaced. All that was left of the original were the main engines and the hull – and thousands of hours of fairing and painting ultimately transformed that beyond recognition.

Vast spaces on three decks create room for socializing in groups, such as the dining area, top, and enclaves for private moments alone including the staterooms, bottom. Photography by Tony Gatman. (Click images to enlarge)

Flinders’ new superstructure and interior were built in off-site modules. Once completed, the interior sections were installed on floating framework to eliminate vibration transfer. Spread across the vessel’s five decks are plenty of living areas, allowing guests to find their own refuge away from it all or to congregate for convivial socializing. The vessel is also large enough to carry a number of support boats without intruding on the guest or recreational areas.

The main accommodation deck features four ensuite guest suites, all with private entertainment systems. Two have king-size beds; the other two have king-size beds convertible to twin beds. This deck also houses an extensive dive locker, plus a gymnasium and movie theater on starboard, and the main galley and crew mess on port side. A dumbwaiter serves pantries and dining areas on other primary decks.

Top: The theater. Bottom: The master study. Photography by Tony Gatman. (Click images to enlarge)

Accommodation for 10 crew is on the lower deck. "We were very conscious about trying to create a happy ship, so we have taken pains with the crew quarters," said the owner. There are three double-bed cabins on this deck (the captain also has a double ensuite cabin adjacent to the wheelhouse), and the other crew have individual cabins. The spacious engine and machinery rooms are also on this deck, along with two commercial-style laundries.

Deck Three includes the owners’ stateroom. This is a marvelous full-width room with the bed on the centerline, two bathrooms, a lounge area and a dressing room. Adjacent to the stateroom is a study and library. The main salon and dining area are aft and offer extensive views through huge windows. The salon opens onto a large aft deck with a swimming pool and a helipad. The indoor/outdoor theme continues on the deck above, where alfresco meals are served with expansive views of sea or anchorage. Sliding glass side panels afford protection from the wind when necessary. This area is also served by its own pantry and powder room, with the wheelhouse and radio room forward and the captain’s double cabin adjoining.The top deck comprises a sky-bar and spa pool with another dining area forward. The dining table can be lowered to create a large sun bed with umbrellas mounted on either side.

The quality of fittings and furnishings used throughout create an atmosphere that is both casual and stylish. "It may be a bit of a cliché, but we have tried to create the ambiance of a beach house, something casual and comfortable, but also elegant. We want guests to feel they can put their feet up and read a book, yet, if you want a formal evening in the main salon or on the upper decks, it could also achieve that. Basically, though, when cruising, people are essentially on holiday, and the environment should reflect that," the owners opined. The colors scheme emphasizes their love of Pacifica, with neutrals offset by splashes of bright aquamarine, light pastels and bold primary colors.

The salon. Photograph by Tony Gatman. (Click image to enlarge)

Apart from enjoying the sybaritic aspects of cruising, Flinders could be chartered for expedition work as well. It is really a mini-ship, say the owners. The 820 tons displacement indicates that this is one big 50-meter boat; most yachts of similar length are around 500 tons. Although not specifically strengthened for ice, she is very strongly built, and the owners have no hesitation about high-latitude journeys.

On board are all the usual toys – windsurfers, sailing dinghies, PWCs, kayaks and dive gear. But there are also three very useful support craft: a rugged 28-foot Protector RIB with 300-hp diesel stern drive, a 26-foot custom-built steel barge with landing craft-style bow and a 20-foot RIB that is used as a tender and rescue boat.

Named for Matthew Flinders, an extraordinary 18th century seaman and explorer who charted most of Australia and named the continent, this is a well-proven vessel given a new lease on life through an innovative, comprehensive rebuild. With energetic owners and also offered for charter, there is every reason to believe she will continue to live up to her illustrious name.