The 51 metre superyacht support vessel Umbra has emerged from an extensive refit, under the project management of Diverse Projects in New Zealand.
A Damen Sea Axe Fast Yacht Support vessel, Umbra headed in for her refit in November 2014.
With the just completed refit, Umbra underwent substantial structural augmentations. Umbra's owner sought to extend the length of his craft by adding two metres to stern. He also desired a removable helicopter landing pad, which can be seen in the images above.
This video below shows Umbra's impressive transformation with views before and after her refit and the helipad being constructed.
Umbra was launched by Damen Shipyards in 2010 and is one of the Dutch builder's first Sea Axe series support vessel motor yachts to emerge. With a narrow hull and axe bow design, she is designed to slice through waves and have excellent seakeeping in the most trying of conditions. Powered by four 1,770hp MTU engines, Umbra can cruise at 16 knots and has an enviable range of 4,000 nautical miles.
The brief called for Umbra to meet her pre-refit performance capabilities despite the extensive modifications. “The vessel performed to its newly engineered specifications during sea trials, achieving the pre‐refit expectations for speed,” says John Vitali of Diverse Projects.
Built to Lloyd's class, Umbra can has ample accommodations for 18 crew in nine staterooms.