
JeMaSa Returns to Glory After Landmark Refit at The Boat Works
The striking 52-metre expedition superyacht JeMaSa has officially completed a transformative, year-long refit at The Boat Works, bringing new life to this legendary vessel through a multi-million-dollar redesign and in-water refurbishment.
JeMaSa was the first vessel to enter The Watersheds, The Boat Works’ undercover on-water refit facility — a move that proved pivotal in staying on schedule. Project Manager and Owner’s Representative, Captain Juan Koegelenberg, praised the setup, saying:
“There are two charters booked in French Polynesia, and we were committed to getting JeMaSa ready to return to service.”
Protected in a 100-metre-long individual chute, JeMaSa underwent a complete external respray — shifting from dark grey to a pristine white superstructure with a pale grey hull — all facilitated by seamless scaffold access and ample space for trades and equipment.
“Without the in-water sheds at The Boat Works, staying on track with our timeline would have been impossible,” said Juan.
“The Watersheds provided protection from heat and rain, especially over summer, and allowed trades to work uninterrupted — even during Cyclone Alfred.”
From Navy Workhorse to Charter Icon
Originally launched in 1973 as HMAS Matthew Flinders, an Australian Navy survey ship, the vessel was converted in 2007 into the luxury superyacht Plan B, before her latest transformation into JeMaSa.
With a 10-metre beam and gross tonnage of 746, JeMaSa is purpose-built for extended charter cruising. Now, she boasts a helipad, large toy garage, expansive deck space, and a completely redesigned interior — all tailored to her owner’s vision and named after his three children.
“It’s well-built and well-maintained,” Juan added. “The steel hull is 10-millimetres throughout and there was no corrosion.”
Massive Undertaking, Record Timeline
Juan, Director of Liquid Yacht Support, has worked with the owner for two decades. He described this refit — which ran from April 2024 to May 2025 — as:
“The largest, most complex refit I’ve undertaken in 32 years, completed in the shortest timeframe.”
The process involved stripping the vessel to bare metal and rebuilding it with structural, mechanical, and cosmetic upgrades — including six revamped guest cabins, social spaces, and new glazing by Integ Marine Windows, who also constructed a panoramic glasshouse on the bridge deck.
“The on-site trades were exceptional,” Juan said. “Each deck was managed by a different team and they all delivered — from cabinetmakers and joiners to interior architects and furniture artisans. The quality of workmanship is second to none.”
To maintain efficiency, Liquid Yacht Support pre-purchased and stored all materials at its X-plorer Yachts facility, where the JeMaSa chase boat, a 13.7-metre vessel named Jewel, is also being built.
Crew Perspective: A New Chapter Begins
Chief Stewardess Roxy Trass, who joined JeMaSa in January 2025, is one of 13 crew members, with up to 20 expected at peak operation.
“Since January, I’ve watched the refit take shape and the changes are amazing,” Roxy said.
“Contractors were buzzing around the boat, and now we’re ready to explore the world again.”
Living on-site at The Boat Works offered a comfortable experience, with crew enjoying café food, barbecues under The Watersheds, and the amenities of laundries, courtesy cars, and close access to shopping.
“It’s a fantastic place to work and stay. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the security is great,” she added.
“Having all the trades and chandlery on-site makes The Boat Works a true one-stop destination.”
A Beacon for Superyacht Refits
Tony Longhurst, owner of The Boat Works, acknowledged the impact of such projects on the region:
“Superyachts like JeMaSa bring immense benefit to the local economy — supporting marine trades, tourism, and the broader community. The Boat Works is proud to provide world-class facilities for these vessels.”
JeMaSa’s relaunch marks the beginning of her next adventure — sleek, modernised, and ready for luxury charters around the world.
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