The art of improvisation

Given the amount of planning typically invested in a yacht construction project, you would expect there to be no surprises. But the truth is, it is impossible to foresee everything and when the unexpected happens, Deutsche Werkstätten have to react fast and effectively. For example, how do you respond when the crew of a new-built yacht discovers that although everything looks perfect, there is simply not enough room to store glass-and tableware safely? Joël Chalk, who has managed a number of these projects, is familiar with the situation. In his experience crew members often ask why they were not consulted directly and explains: “In a case like this we are quick to reassure housekeeping staff and propose improvements to the cabinets that allow for safe storage of glass and china to the required capacity. Apart from earning the respect of the crew, we build on our own experience and know-how which can be put to good use in future projects.”

Once a yacht is in use, Deutsche Werkstätten’s Client Liaison division is the ideal partner for owners and crews. In fact, DW Client Liaison is often appointed for repairs, renovation or refurbishment, whether or not they were responsible for the initial fitout. Their expert design engineers and cabinetmakers have proven, time and again, to be skillful masters in the art of improvisation. An example of fast and effective problem solving is the recent case of a broken sliding door on a yacht. One of our fitters on site decided not to wait for days for the delivery of a part and instead went to a local store, bought a lawn sprinkler and extracted the perfect spring.

Editorial note: This article was published in 2020.

Experience combined with a practical approach equals problem solved! On another occasion a group of our cabinetmakers were on board a yacht for final installation works as it travelled on its maiden voyage from Holland to Gibralter. The sea in the Bay of Biscay was so rough that crew members had to steady themselves by sitting on the floor with their feet up against the wall. But when they arrived at their final destination our fitters had completed the job and all fitted furniture was in place.