Superyacht sails in for maintenance job

One of the most controversially named boats in the superyacht business is in Malta for maintenance work at the shiprepair yard.

The 55m Feadship has been known by various names, and is now called Samax, but for years was known as Tits. Builders Feadship baulked at the idea of using the name on their website and actually still refer to the boat by its project name of Claire.

The award-winning yacht, designed by De Voogt International, with interior by Andrew Winch, was reputedly owned by a Brunei Prince.

Another boat currently in for maintenance is the 45m classic yacht Albacora of Tortola, built in 1948 in Holland. She was extensively rebuilt in 1996/97.

Albacora of Tortola's profile

is well known throughout the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and is a highly successful sea-going charter yacht, available for as little as $63,000 per week.

Both yachts are expected to be at the 'yard for about a month, preparing for the summer season.

In the meantime, sources at the 'yard said that work was nearly complete on the superyacht Alexander, which is due to leave Malta on April 24 after extensive work in the Palmer Johnson facility.

The sources said that the most complex part of the contract - painting over 1,500 square metres of the yacht - had been done, and that the captain was "very satisfied with the work".