FMCA Completes Major Ulysses Refit

by Ocean Magazine on 13 May 2006 Ulysses, the 192 ft or 58 m all-black expedition luxury yacht,originally built by Trinity Yachts of New Orleans for New Zealand billionaire businessman Graeme Hart, is the latest major refit project completed by FMCA Australia, part of the publicly-listed Viking Industries group.

The company was involved in the original fit-out of Ulyssesin America in 2002, and after a devastating fire before her handover, it was engaged again for what became an almost total overhaul in Brisbane.

The refit is one of the largest superyacht conversions ever carried out in Australia. The vessel, which can accommodate 14 guests in seven staterooms and nine crew in as many cabins, traveled to New Zealand in January on the Dockwise transporter SuperServant 4, and returns to Australian waters shortly under her own power.

FMCA was founded in 1986 by Robert Falzon, and has grown to be Australia’s leading interior fit-out and custom furniture manufacturing company for luxury superyacht interiors, luxury residences and five star hotels. It was acquired by Viking Industries in 2004, and Cairns Slipways, part of NQEA Australia, was added to the group last year. Further announcements are expected.

Apart from Ulysses, FMCA has also recently signed off in Cairns on superyacht Shirley-Anne, which will cruise Australian waters while her 74 m associate Ilonais voyaging abroad, and is finishing the 40 m Seafarisin Brisbane before that vessel begins Great Barrier Reef and Kimberley charters. The booming superyacht industry contributed $338 million dollars to the Australian economy in 2004-05, a third of which was generated in Queensland.

For further information visit www.fmca.com.au