Nautech Announces Superyacht Refit Facilities in Cuba

Refit and repair expert Nautech has announced its first international expansion to include an impressive facility in Cuba, the world’s most hotly anticipated new superyacht cruising destination.

Having continued to evolve the company since its establishment in 1928, the Voisin family has created a network of highly regarded locations for refit and repair of yachts and superyachts along the French Mediterranean coast, including in Marseille and Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Initiating to next step in the growth of the company, CEO Pascal Voisin has led Nautech through a major investment for international expansion. The facility in Cuba, located to the east of the Bay Havana, will offer full-service refit and repair for yachts up to 140m in length, with six dockside berths with a combined length of 1,100m and a dry dock of 151m in length and 24m in width.

Strategically located in Cuba, which has opened up its borders to US visitors recently, the Nautech Cuba facility is just 160km (100 miles) to Florida, the US epicentre of yachting. It is conveniently located en route to the cruising grounds of the Caribbean, whether for planned maintenance or emergency repairs.

Nautech saw an opportunity to work with the existing skilled workmen of Cuba at this key time of transition for the company - as well as the country - and found a location with 20 years’ experience in marine repair and a dedicated workforce of over 500 employees. The onsite Cuban team has impressive experience in mechanical and technical operations and for specialist works to be carried out on extensive refits and repairs. Nautech’s existing network of subcontractors will be on hand to assist the local staff, ensuring that superyacht standards of work are carried out at every step.

The Nautech Cuba facility will feature many of the services to which superyacht clients are accustomed from European operations, including concierge services and agency assistance with procurement and clearing customs.

Nautech Cuba is able to provide superyachts with both emergency support as well as longer-term, large-scale works year-round, however the optimum time of year is October to May.

Voisin said of the announcement: “I am excited about this next step in the growth of the company that was founded by family over 85 years ago. The values that we have fostered over the generations continue to be upheld in all the work that we carry out, no matter where the location. Now looking to the future, we hope that Nautech Cuba will come to represent the reference for refit in the Caribbean.”

Read Previous OnboardOnline article on Cuba