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LAGOS NAVIGATORS VISITS “SOPROMAR”
Sailing has been described as the art of being uncomfortable, wet, seasick or scared – while going nowhere, very slowly, at great expense. Sailing requires a yacht, otherwise known as a hole in the ocean, into which the owner pours large sums of money at regular intervals. Strange to say, there are even “live-aboard” yachtsmen who have sold up everything, to indulge in this odd pursuit as a way of life!
After the summer sailing season, the yachtsman seeks out a safe haven for the winter. He wants to spend time with like-minded fellow sufferers – with whom he can share experiences and from whom he can draw support. Suddenly, his world brightens, his heart lifts, and a smile returns to his weather-beaten features, as he looks forward to a period of rest, relaxation and recuperation!
In Marina de Lagos, there is certainly a safe and secure harbour, close to the town centre with its shops, bars and restaurants. The Navigators’ can offer all the fellowship and friendship that is required. But the yachtsman is always thinking of how to prepare his floating home for their next adventures. He requires maintenance and service facilities to protect his investment - and also potentially to preserve his life.
Those of us who live locally have watched the boatyard, “Sopromar; Estaleiro Naval de Lagos”, develop over the past 5 or 6 years. “Sopromar” can now offer the visiting yachtsman a highly professional lift-out, storage, repair and service facility. Hugo Henriques and Pedro Pereira have the support of a team of highly qualified tradesmen and can address virtually any technical problem. They have also invested in the latest technological advances to correct faults that may arise – and to get the yacht back i n the water as quickly as possible.
So it was no surprise that nearly 30 yachtsmen were delighted to take up the generous offer from Hugo and Pedro to see behind the scenes at their boatyard. After a welcoming refreshment – provided by two other key members of the team, Dona Ercidia and Sandra – we were taken round the facilities in small groups. Every part of the yard was open to us and we were able to see “work-in-progress” in all the workshops – woodworking and deck caulking, stainless steel fabrication, engine overhauls, electrical testing and repairs. The highlights for many were the demonstrations of the new technologies – and these were real jobs on real yachts! We saw the use of “Hot-Vac” hull and osmosis treatment, the “Algae-X” fuel and tank cleaning process, and the “Eco-sea” copper application system, which avoids the annual chore of anti-fouling.
All the visiting yachtsmen were most impressed by what was on display. The open-ness and friendliness of the staff was superb, and Damas and Ian deserve a special “Thank you” for their explanations and demonstrations. One recurring comment was “How clean and tidy it is! The yard, the workshops AND the customers’ toilets and showers are spotless!” This all bodes well for the quality of workmanship and attention to detail we all want to see if, or rather when, our yachts have to have some treatment and a dose of “Tender Loving Care” from the craftsmen at “Sopromar”.
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