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Behind The Scenes at “SOPROMAR”
The first meeting of the new “Winter Season” was a visit to the “Sopromar Boat Yard” on Wednesday 26TH September 2007– and it got things off to a roaring start. Thanks to the hospitality and generosity of Hugo, Pedro and their family, - as well as their talented and friendly staff, - over 60 yachtsmen and their crews, from about 30 yachts, had a splendid evening tour.
It was great to be given the chance to see all the facilities of a very modern boatyard - and Hugo and Pedro never seemed to get tired of dealing with the questions and queries. Nothing was hidden from us and we were able to see behind the scenes in all the various workshops. We were given detailed technical explanations and demonstrations of the various jobs in progress. Out in the yard, we could watch the “Hot-Vac” process actually sucking moisture from a hull with osmosis and then see water and sludge removed from contaminated diesel fuel. The technicalities were impressive – but so too was the amazing standard of tidiness and overall cleanliness in a very busy workplace.
“I’ve been in boatyards all over the world,” said an American visitor, “but I’ve never seen one as efficient and as smart as this!”
And it wasn’t just a technical feast! The Sopromar team showed their versatility by turning their hands to the barbecue – and producing a seemingly endless supply of chops and sausages. Drinks were available, too – kept well chilled in an ice-filled dinghy! The generous supply of beer, wine and soft drinks were much appreciated by all those who attended.
The chance to chat certainly rounded the evening off well – and it gave us all the opportunity to meet old friends and make many new ones, amongst the yachtsmen and women who will be in Lagos over the coming months.
Our sincere thanks are due to Hugo and Pedro and their team, for a splendid welcome to Lagos and to Sopromar Boat Yard. No-one really likes to see their beloved yacht going into a boatyard – but we now know that Sopromar will look after our floating homes as well as we could wish!
Barbaras photos:-
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