National City - San Diego is quickly gaining more superyacht projects - and the 194-foot Oceanco motoryacht Helios is the latest eye-catching luxury cruiser to arrive for a major refit project.
By the time Knight & Carver YachtCenter completes this six-month refit in January 2008, the stately yacht's once-classic European styling will be replaced by a more glamorous contemporary look.
"It's going to be a floating beach house, totally chic, edgy and contemporary," said Capt. Tommy Gurr.
"The owners wanted something more fitting to their lifestyle. When it's finished, I know they'll feel at home here."
Launched in 2001, Helios spends most of its time cruising Pacific waters - one reason Gurr opted for a lengthy refit in San Diego.
""We really love San Diego," said Gurr, a native of Great Britain. "It's got so much going for it. The downtown's vibrant, the concert scene is alive, and there's the beach life and amazing weather."
"Everything's here for us. I'd say San Diego covers all the bases for yachties," Gurr added.
As many as 100 full-time workers are assigned to the interior refit, implemented by HF Interior, a Swedish interior fabrication firm that specializes in cruise ship projects. Helios marks the company's most extensive mega-yacht refit to date.
Along with a major interior overhaul of the vessel's salon and all six staterooms, the refit includes full exterior paintwork - as well as a full remodel of its 500-square-foot sundeck, plus considerable system upgrades and maintenance.
"This is our biggest project on what we'd term a smaller boat," said HF Managing Director Curt Biller. "It requires a totally different time frame, with a stronger emphasis on precision and craftsmanship."
Knight & Carver's Cliff Mayo, who serves as project manager with technical superintendent Howard Buller, said he views the Helios refit as a complex collection of smoothly moving parts.
Dozens of staff tradesmen and subcontractors are working with HF's craftsmen, some of whom have temporarily relocated from their native Sweden.
The daily workforce includes carpenters, electricians, steelworkers, upholsterers, floor carpenters, mechanics and engineers, among other trades.
"This is a very well-scheduled and fully organized refit," Mayo explained. "We've formed a cohesive team with a high level of craftsmanship, teamwork and cooperation, which holds the promise of a very successful finished product."
Meanwhile, San Diego's appealing weather has cast its spell on Helios' chief engineer, Per-Erik Kallstrom.
"It's a fantastic, surprising city," said Kallstrom, a Swedish native. "I'm European and I love history and old places, so I'm not a fan of most American cities. But I'm very surprised about San Diego. There are so many things to do and the climate is fantastic. I'm even taking Spanish lessons."
HF's Biller said he's excited about Helios' progress at Knight & Carver. "Nothing will be the same when we're finished. She will be a thing of beauty."
