Author: Shayne and Anna
Key Topic: In the natural flow of professional marine work, we’ve transitioned from an America’s Cup campaign to a mini maxi refit and Gunboat management, while continuously balancing client projects with life aboard our own catamaran Paikea.
In the world of professional sailing and boat building, projects have a natural rhythm—one finishes, and another begins. Since our last update from Barcelona, our work has followed that steady flow, moving from an America’s Cup campaign to a mini maxi refit and beyond.
Wrapping Up the America’s Cup Chapter
Our time with the French America’s Cup team concluded in November. As often happens in this industry, different campaigns have different cultures and technical approaches, and it became clear that our methods were better suited to other projects.
“It was a straightforward decision,” says Shayne. “The campaign had a strong offshore background, and my experience is more aligned with Grand Prix inshore racing. We parted on good terms, and it opened the door for the next opportunity.”
The Next Project: Mini Maxi 72 Refit
Almost immediately, we moved to Valencia to join the refit of the mini maxi 72 now named Balthasar. Shayne stepped into a technical project management role, overseeing the boat’s transformation from a strict inshore racer to a versatile coastal offshore yacht.
The refit included:
- Adding water ballast and twin rudders
- A completely new hydraulic system
- Major composite work to improve race performance and integrity
Anna also joined the project, designing and sewing protective covers and systems to manage the interior space, especially around the powerful spinnaker drop and impressive hydraulics system.
Ongoing Work: Gunboat 66 & Carbon Fibre Exploration
Following the mini maxi refit, we began managing a Gunboat 66 as her owner prepares to sell. It’s been a interesting shift to a different style of performance catamaran, dealing with various system updates and general maintenance. See our behind the scenes video where we help out with the photo shoot of Gunboat 6602 “Outnumbered”.
Alongside the boat work, Shayne has been exploring a different application of composite engineering: designing tooling and laminates for carbon fibre prosthetic feet. It’s a fascinating side project that shows how these skills transfer beyond the marine industry.
The Constant: Life Aboard Paikea
Throughout these professional projects, life aboard Paikea continues. Our own refit progresses in the spaces between client work, and we’re still navigating the balance of earning a living while maintaining the boat we call home.
This is the typical flow of our life in the marine industry—a series of projects, each with its own challenges and rewards, all while keeping our own boat ready for the next adventure.