SPIRIT REFIT ON TIME-LAPSE
In August, Spirit of New Zealand headed north to Whangarei for its annual maintenance and a refit – this year a particularly large undertaking. Hauling Spirit of New Zealand out of the water and onto the dry docks doesn’t happen every year, but when it does, it’s quite a sight.
The Trust captured a time-lapse video of the occasion, which in real time took around four hours of precise direction and careful execution. Use the QR code or type the link address into your web browser to see it play out in 40 seconds.
During the first two weeks prior to lockdown, the refit team have achieved a lot:
• All safety equipment is now off the ship and ready for servicing
• The two gaffs, two of the yards and the foretopmast are down with old varnish removed, prepped and ready for new varnish application
• The crew ablutions are completely out, including the vanity and cupboards
• The crew ablutions are getting a redesign to increase headroom and remove the moisture trap that has caused some floor corrosion
• The sewage treatment holding tank was opened from the side of the ship and inspected
• Some engine room pipework has been replaced • Servicing of the stays and shrouds is almost complete
• The rudder was removed to reveal that the rudder stock and the pintle required repairs.
The next phase of the refit recommenced under strict Level 4 lockdown protocols. The Spirit of New Zealand Trust is grateful to its partners at Heron Ship Repair for helping to keep the work on track. www.youtube.com/watch?v=phydgxffih8