Restoring a 62ft Lagoon Catamaran
How International transformed Sailing Supernova in four weeks.
From a chance meeting on an Australian beach to a full refit in Mallorca
From a chance meeting on an Australian beach to a full refit in Mallorca
A promise made on a third date
When Darcy Hinds and Yvette Bretz met on an Australian beach in 2019, they made an unexpected promise on their third date. One day, they would sail around the world together.
Today, the couple have successfully sailed a large portion of their bucket list, including the Mediterranean coast and the Caribbean, accumulating more than 80,000 YouTube subscribers on their channel Sailing Supernova in the process. Their journey has taken them from a chance meeting to full time life at sea.
A new boat and a major discovery
Earlier this year, they took on one of their most ambitious projects yet. After purchasing a 62ft Lagoon catamaran in Portugal, they discovered extensive hidden damage beneath an ageing vinyl wrap.
Darcy said:
“We couldn't believe the state of the boat when we peeled back the vinyl. We knew we had a massive job on our hands, and that the wrong products risked making it even worse.”
Hauling out in Mallorca meant yard fees running into thousands of dollars each week, making time critical to their project. As a young couple funding the refit themselves, they needed a reliable coatings system that would save both time and money, along with expert guidance to ensure the work was completed within four weeks.
The 62ft Lagoon catamaran hauled out in Mallorca during the four week refit
Choosing International and technical support
After being blown away by the quality Micron® 99 by International® during a restoration of a past vessel, they knew AkzoNobel would be the ones to supercharge their project.
They were connected with Jason Hill, Technical Service Representative, whose expertise quickly proved essential in helping them complete a full topside and underwater restoration in a tight four week window.
Jason helped them prioritize their workflow, determine what could be salvaged and needed to be rebuilt, and plan the project to avoid delays. His support helped the couple avoid common mistakes and remain confident in each step of the process.
Repairing blistering and long term protection
As the old repairs were exposed, they found the beginnings of blistering in several areas. To stabilize these sections properly, Darcy used Gelshield® 200, a quick drying and easy to apply epoxy primer, which he deemed to be “crucial” to completing the project in a tight timeframe, repairing blistering in several areas.
Without any records of the previous antifouling system, they chose Primocon® as a fast drying, one part primer below the water line to avoid stripping back the entire bottom and saving days of sanding.
For long term underwater performance, they applied Micron® 99, a multi seasonal coating, for a strong antifouling protection against slime, aquatic plants and animals.
Having already experienced the proven performance of Micron products on their previous boat, they trusted the coating to deliver multiple years of protection in the water, eliminating the need for frequent haul outs.
The final transformation
The final stage of the refit was the most transformative. Using Perfection® Pro, International® created a custom Supernova Pink color, inspired by the distinctive look of the couple's previous boat.
Darcy said:
“I was shocked by the shine we achieved with Perfection Pro; it’s just a dream. You could see a clear reflection in the hull, which is unbelievable for a roll on application. It came out looking phenomenal.”
Impressively, despite applying the coating by roller rather than spray, the finish delivered a gloss level that surprised both those nearby and Sailing Supernova’s online audience.
Yvette said many viewers refused to believe the topcoat had been rolled until they saw the footage.
Even in a yard filled with multi million dollar superyachts, workers stopped to admire the newly finished catamaran, with one staff member even video calling his child to show her the result.
Applying Perfection Pro by roller during the
full topside restoration.
Full refit with Sailing Supernova
Watch how Darcy Hinds and Yvette Bretz completed the refit of their 62ft Lagoon catamaran before continuing their journey towards Portugal, Gibraltar and eventually the Canary Islands.
Completing the refit in four weeks
The complete refit took place within four weeks. Darcy and Yvette believe the technical support they received from International® saved them at least a week of work and therefore thousands of dollars in yard fees.
More importantly, it allowed them to leave Mallorca in time to continue their journey towards Portugal, Gibraltar and eventually the Canary Islands to prepare for their first Atlantic crossing.
Darcy said:
“When you are paying thousands every week to be in a boatyard, each day matters. Jason kept us focused on the steps that really counted and helped us avoid mistakes that would have set us back massively. There is no chance we would have finished this refit in four weeks without that level of expertise.”
The newly finished catamaran following the full topside and underwater restoration.
Tips from a pro: achieving the perfect paint finish
Practical boat owner Q&A with Jason Hill
How can I achieve a smooth finish?
Achieving a smooth finish, particularly when using International Perfection Pro by roller, comes down to one crucial factor, which is preparation. The quality of your prep work will directly determine the end result.
What are the best techniques for rolling and tipping?
Keep your rolling strokes vertical and apply the paint in small, manageable sections. Aim to spread the film of paint evenly across the surface, then finish each area with light, vertical strokes from top to bottom.
What should I avoid doing?
Avoid painting on a windy day, avoid horizontal strokes and don’t try to achieve full coverage on the first coat. Instead, build up thin, even layers.
What comes next
With the boat restored, Sailing Supernova are now focused on their next chapter. They have launched their own charter business, offering guests the chance to experience life aboard the newly rebuilt yacht in the Caribbean.
Long term, the couple plan to continue westwards and eventually complete a full circumnavigation, closing the loop on a journey that began with a single question on their third date.
The restored catamaran following the refit, ready to continue the journey.
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