Thanks to its proximity to the world-renowned event ‘Les Voiles de Saint Tropez’, Monaco Marine’s Cogolin Shipyard proudly asserts its expertise in the maintenance and refit of sailing yachts.
Located in the heart of the Gulf of Saint Tropez, it benefits from the influx of yachts from all over the world, and over the years has specialised in sailing boats, developing a unique know-how.
This rich heritage, combined with a mastery of innovation, means that Monaco Marine can offer refits for both hundred-year-old old rigs and ultra-modern carbon sailing yachts measuring up to 33 metres.
The Cogolin shipyard, located at Les Marines de Cogolin, mainly accommodates monohulls, catamarans and trimarans, although the limited width of the dock sets a constraint of 8.50 metres. All types of hulls, from classic wooden models that are sometimes a hundred years old to ultra-modern models, benefit from a refit.
The experience and expertise of the shipyard's teams in Cogolin are assets when it comes to integrating or enhancing new trends during refits, and presenting owners with more efficient vessels to give them a fresh start or a new lease of life.
Hull painting is one of the most popular jobs on yachts. Take advantage of your sailing yacht refit to have it the antifouling done.
Antifouling paint is used on the hull to prevent the build-up of marine organisms such as algae and shellfish. It is often applied each season and can be copper- or resin-based.
At the Cogolin shipyard, we apply the antifouling in four sanding stages to achieve a finish as smooth as lacquer.
The finishing paint is applied to give an aesthetic appearance, and is available in different finishes (matt, satin, gloss) and can be water- or solvent-based. This is a time-consuming process, as several coats may be required, with drying time between each coat. The final coat may include a varnish for extra protection and shine.
When it comes to checking the rigging, transporting the yacht or restoring the mast, dismasting is an essential operation. The process of removing the mast, requires considerable precision and in-depth technical expertise.
As soon as a yacht arrives at the yard, a number of preliminary steps have to be carried out afloat. These include removing the sails, disconnecting the cables and removing the boom. Specialised equipment is used, such as cranes adapted to the size and weight of the mast and weight of the mast are used to ensure efficiency and safety. After the mast has been removed, rigorous inspections are carried out on the mast and rigging to ensure the quality and reliability of the dismasting.
Whether it's mast-laying or mast-removal, the procedures require special communication and technique. Raising the masts, removing them and putting them down or installing them (for re-masting) requires great precision and coordination between the members of our teams.
Of course, we always carry out tests to ensure that everything is working properly.
The keel and rudder ensure a yacht's manoeuvrability and stability, particularly for racing yachts, where they are performance factors.
Our facilities can handle keels up to 8 metres high, and their removal, along with that of the rudder, is often necessary to facilitate certain work or the movement of boats.
Our project managers work closely with owners and qualified subcontractors to optimise the performance of yachts. Everything is possible: adjusting the shape and weight of the bulb, refining the keel sail or integrating water ballast systems to maximise the boat's efficiency and competitiveness.
Work on rudders is just as technical: from modifying the shape of the rudder to installing double rudders.
If the boat suffers damage at sea, Monaco Marine will take care of all types of repairs, from checking the axles to stratification work, from structural reinforcement to finish painting, all of which guarantees a complete, tailor-made overhaul.
Refitting the interior of a sailing yacht often involves extensive work. More than a simple renovation, it's a bespoke response to customers' demanding and sometimes surprising requirements.
Recently, for example, a classic sailing boat dating from 1907 arrived with a special request. So, after 6 months' work in close collaboration with joiners, carpenters, electricians and plumbers, the vessel had all the charm of a British saloon from the 1960s, where every detail had been carefully thought out and executed, while retaining the soul of the boat. From the noble woodwork to the retro fittings, everything had been thought out to respect the authentic charm requested by the customer.
The specific requirements for sailboat refits are very different from those for powerboats. A good rigger is essential for analysing the method to be used to carry out the refit.
It is also important to point out that sailboat crews, often passionate and structured, play a key role in the refit process. They are generally well equipped, using workshop-type containers to store tools and materials.
The Monaco Marine shipyard on the Gulf of Saint Tropez in Cogolin has a specialised team of sailboat experts ready to meet the specific needs of each project. Its experts provide quality sailboat refits, combining tradition, unique know-how and innovation to bring these magnificent craft back to life.
Our project managers take each project as a new challenge, driven by passion and excellence. Whether you're dreaming of improving the performance or comfort of your yacht, Monaco Marine is your trusted partner for sailing to new horizons.
