JP NEWS | 30 APRIL 2021
M/Y Isla
Sitting on board a stunning classic mahogany lake boat, I blasted out to Course E to watch the America’s Cup racing with Graham and Kim Gilkison. Having been the first time I met them; I was curious to learn more about the pair as well as their incredible upcoming completion of M/Y Isla, a custom-built Explorer styled new build.
Very quickly I learned that coming from an extremely successful engineering background, both Graham and Kim exude knowledge on technical projects and prioritise the quality of work through good relationships. It is this skill and high level of foresight that has led to the combination of top New Zealand companies collaborating to create M/Y Isla.
The story behind the stunning 2021 new build is quite incredible. It begins with Kim seeing a very run-down Swedish Navy patrol boat online and indicating to Graham that he should take a look. The vessels were known for their tough build out of very high-quality steel and it was interesting to see one here in New Zealand.
M/Y Isla is a complete new build, using some recycled materials from the hull of the Swedish Navy patrol boat and drawing inspiration from its design and long lasting structural integrity.
There is a very strong sense of working together, rather than working for.
Graham and Kim rallied together an expert group of New Zealand boat builders, electricians, interior designers surveyors and engineers to collaborate on the build.
“The best results are achieved by working collaboratively with other people. It’s a matter of bringing the team together to get the best out of everybody and to build an enthusiasm and joy in going to work- and on Isla we have achieved that” says Graham.
There is a very strong sense of working together, rather than working for. Graham & Kim both appreciate the knowledge and experience that each individual that they have decided to work with has. One of these companies is JP Marine, who was enlisted in to manage and complete the build in 2020.
M/Y Isla has been built tough, with serious offshore cruising in mind. Embodying the traditional exploration qualities such as extreme sea going and long-range capabilities as well as comfort and stability.
She has also been modernised and built lighter, to enhance performance and economy while maintaining the structural integrity of traditional steel hulled explorer vessels.
The interior of the vessel holds no prisoners, with the highest quality materials resulting in luxurious comfort. Rather than a home away from home, when you step on M/Y Isla- You are home.
“It has been a truly unique experience being involved in the construction of Isla. She is unique and built to a very high standard with attention to detail. I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in multiple superyacht builds in the Mediterranean and can honestly say that the craftsmanship, quality of workmanship and passion coming from Whangārei based companies is second to none.”
JONATHON EDGAR | JP MARINE DIRECTOR
After spending the afternoon with Graham and Kim, I was left with a sense of appreciation for their knowledge and unique perspective on running their project. M/Y Isla is without a doubt an incredible collaboration with the best individuals and companies that New Zealand has to offer.
With such high quality workmanship and innovative design, M/Y Isla will be a sight to behold on New Zealand waters come May 2021.
Words by Daisy Kay. Imagery by Kit Carlier
