The SAAF Forum

Found an interesting article about the "restored" SAS Wavis Bay. The link at the bottom has a bunch of photos too:
http://www.superyachttimes.com/editorial/5/article/id/9791

"Following the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix, SYT reported about the presence of an unknown superyacht at the event. At the time very little was known about this 'big black boat'. SuperYacht Times' international correspondent Charl van Rooy spoke to the owner of the vessel and managed to find out more.

Mojo's colourful history dates back to 1958 when she was launched as HMS Packington at the Harland & Wolf shipyard in Belfast, to serve as a minesweeper in the Royal Navy. The following year she was acquired by the South African Navy for the same purpose and rechristened SAS Walvisbaai.

With a clear idea of the feel and ambience he wanted to experience onboard, the owner set out to create Mojo; a true "one-of-a-kind" superyacht. Some of the major upgrading work that has been done on the yacht include a complete engin room overhaul, fitting Mojo with two new Catterpillar V12 engins, painting of the hull and superstructure, laying a brand new brazillian teak deck and most recently, extending the overall length to 49 meters by adding a custom built swim platform.

Inside, the most has been made of a space initially designed for a complement of 36 sailors. From the aft deck guest entrance, a wide corridor leads past the roomy galley to the well appointed guest and master suites. The rustic exterior of Mojo is continued throughout all the living areas, with chic sofas and armchairs adding a contemporary feel. The unique swimming pool on the aft deck, paired with an array of watersports equipment including a jet ski and ski boat means guests will be spending most of their time in the outdoors.

Talking to the owner, it is clear that he has a true passion for boats. Working on Mojo was such a pleasure that he is now looking at embarking on two similar restoration and upgrading projects. Look out for Mojo at the 2013 Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, where after she will head back to Abu Dhabi and Maldives."

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Mike

That swimming pool is awesome

If I were he I'd have put some pennies into sheathing the hull in fibreglass. The toredo worms really love those sweepers.

Wow, that was really impressive restoration. It is really nice that a warship is turned into something nice and comfy. Also you can be sure that it has some solid foundations, not like some things they call yacht these days. Really nice work.

Yup, I would never thought to turn minesweeper into the yacht. On the other hand... all you need is a good hull and a ton of cash. And a good company to build it... those pictures are really awful. Hope they gonna get their asses nailed during the trial.