Report #008 August 31st 2020

GENERAL UPDATE

The Yacht continues its schedule of construction with Sanlorenzo. The yard, along with various sub-contractors and technicians, have executed three internal sea trials - none of which we have attended or been asked to attend.  Kindly note that this is normal behaviour for Sanlorenzo and other builders.

During the last weeks, we have begun to attend and commence the system and equipment start up, testing and commissioning procedures.  Most of the systems that have currently been tested, have been reportedly handed over to the builder, having previously been signed off by their respective suppliers/installation engineers and technicians.

Generally, the production is going well and continues to gather momentum and pace of install and defect rectification, in-line with the construction log hat is being submitted.

The yard is also attempting to work through the Arrow Contractual points log, forming part of the Client/builder contract.  Documents are being exchanged and discussed with the builder in this matter.  It’s estimated that around 40-50% of those works have currently been executed by the builder, the majority of which ask for information and clarifications pertaining to the builder’s intentions of a particular mentor of construction or are equipment specific.

Sea Trials:

The official sea trails were scheduled for the 25th August 2020.  The shipyard is now indicating that these trials are scheduled to take place on the 3rd September 2020.  As more information becomes apparent, we will communicate this to you.  The reason provided for the delay was poor weather.  This remains too be seen, none the less, the delay has indeed benefited the yard and allowed them to continue to work towards the completion of onboard systems.

Construction Log:

The list continues to grow as a result of the yard wanting the points added to the log rather than recorded separately.  Honestly, this suits us just fine, it just makes the document grow daily. The yard is actually doing a better job with this, now that the other Sanlorenzo team members are onboard.  Ventilation motors are being removed and works rectified, mist eliminators rectified etc.  A positive effort from them.

Testing and Scheduling:

Busy days (and nights) have shown a slow but steady progression through the various system testing schedule.  We estimate we are roughly 40% through the entire vessel as a whole, and of that figure, roughly 20% behind where we should be.

As is normal, many of the systems are not fully complete.  The builder is mounting increasing pressure to acknowledge and in their own way, have us assume some responsibility for the acceptance of the systems being tested.  Be assured that only fully operational and completed systems have been signed off.  That is to say, none thus far have been fully proved to date.  This week, will be particularly busy as we move into the more complicated systems.  The main problem is that the systems are barely being completed and not properly tested prior to us testing.  This is resulting in many points being raised as not yet completed.  We are being extremely guarded in what is being said and acknowledged to the builder.  They are placing themselves under increasing pressure to complete the various systems, and essentially have left it to the very last minute, giving them even less time to correct the problems and re-test the system.  There is simply not enough time allowed in the schedule for this re-testing.  Any form of delay caused by the testing is piling on to the already tight schedule.

Systems that have been tested so far:

•             Bilge System

•             Tender Crane loading (ABS)

•             Navigation Lighting

•             Refrigeration System

•             Engine Room Ventilation System

•             Scupper System (incomplete)

•             Compressed Air System

•             Main Engine and Generators Batteries and Starting Sequencing

•             Tender and Jet Ski Launching and Recovery (incomplete)

•             Generator HUG Filter System

•             Battery and Charging System

•             Dumbwaiter System

•             Watertight Testing of Hatches and Portholes

•             Galley Equipment (partial)

 We have also begun the cabin by cabin inspections of the crew areas and guest cabins.  This is expected to continue a series of defect identification and rectification works all the way to the delivery of the vessel.

EXTERIOR

External Painting:

The company charged with the external paint contract, (Storm) have had a lot of resources onboard in the past weeks. We have conducted several inspections, with the last one just completed of the inner painted areas, inner bulwarks, common areas, pool surrounds etc.  There are a lot of minor works to be done, but they are minor, so positive news that we are getting toward to end of the paint works.

Tenders:

Both forward (rescue) and the main tender aft are now embarked onboard.  We are having to make some adjustments to the initially conceived storage positions with the main tender.  This is mainly due to interference with one of the escape hatches.  We have just agreed the best way to resolve the problem with the production team.  This is now expected to be completed in the early part of next week before we sea trial.  Further modifications are being made to the lifting arrangements, under the control of Captain Cresswell.

Swimming Pool Area:

Not quite completed, but the majority of the associated systems are installed.  To date, the yard has not yet performed any testing of the system or primary equipment.  This is planned for next week.

Handrails:

All of the handrails are installed, some need adjustments but appear to be well installed.  Sea trials will highlight any defect areas.  The swimming platform and beach club areas have also had their outfitting for the handrails/guardrails.  They have been removed and taken away for the stamping (labelling) and some minor polishing works.

Mooring Area Forward:

The electrical actuating bow mooring doors are now fully operational.  They need some minor finishing details.  The builder has fit and protected the electrical cables and various equipment outlined in the construction log, so they are slowly moving through the points. Fairleads blanks are fitted, but need some points altering before being fully ready, all details are in the construction log.

INTERIOR

As mentioned earlier, we are compiling a comprehensive series of documents and are delivering them to the builder.  They outline all the defects and non-conformity.  These are being carried out in all areas.  There are some more serious items; for example the issues with the guest/owner areas marble sinks. These are all recorded on the construction log.  The builder continues to attempt repair to them, despite acknowledging the defect exists.  We will continue to investigate - especially as we can already begin to see similar problems in other marble areas onboard.  More detail on the subject will arise in the coming weeks.

Mable inserts are installed in the guest areas, steps, facials, shower etc. The vertical buttons and mirrored partitions are mostly installed.  We are continuing to fault find and rectify.  Likely as the Chief Stewardess arrives shortly, we will use her skills and attention to detail to progress in these areas with greater efficiency.

For the most part, the interior of the vessel is coming together nicely, the reciting works we are finding, with the exception of the marble, are mainly minor and all rectifiable.

Beach Club Area:

This area is now nearing completion.  There is a lot of teak and other carpentry works taking place.  A small army has been working in this area for the last weeks.

ENGINEERING

Interceptor:

We are awaiting the exact details and technical descriptions/reasons/approved drawings etc. regarding this system.  At the time of writing, we do not officially have any details.  The topic is a significant one and will be fully understood this coming week, along with our recommendations regarding the system.

Bridge and Navigation/Communications Systems:

We are in the final stages of outfitting.  The majority of the radio equipment is installed, with only programming remaining. The Team Italia iBridge equipment is towards it’s final installation.  As is common with all the complexity of the electronic systems integration, work is likely to remain in progress until the delivery of vessel, and for the initial months after delivery as the Captain and Chief Engineer tweak and tune the system.  Totally normal.

Mooring Area Forward:

The electrical actuating bow mooring doors are now fully operational.  They need some minor finishing details.  The builder has fit and protected the electrical cables and various equipment outlined in the construction log, so they are slowly moving through the points. Fair-leads blanks are fitted, but need some points altering before being fully ready, all details are in the construction log.

Summary

There is still a long way to go with the systems testing.  The more complex systems such as air conditioning, hydraulic, alarmed monitoring systems etc. are still to be tested.  It will be an extremely tight schedule across the board to complete these, as well as all the other items/sea trials.

The work is fast and being rushed in some areas.  We do our best to follow everything and continue to add points to the construction log in order to document and the force documented responses and activities from the builder.  We look forward to the sea trials this week and will provide an update post-trials.