MY Marala arrives at Pendennis for major restoration project
Caroline Blatter 23 Aug 2019 Boatyards / Shipyards / Haul Out
Early August welcomed the 59m MY Marala (ex. Gaviota, Zapala, Evadne, No 388) to UK superyacht specialist Pendennis.
MY Marala will spend the next 18 months at Pendennis’ 14 acre Falmouth facility undergoing a painstaking restoration programme, with her team ensuring that the yacht retains her original aura, character and pedigree whilst incorporating modern systems and technology.
Built in steel by British yard Camper & Nicholsons in 1931, the yacht has had numerous modifications from her original design, not least when she was converted for naval service during World War II. Unusually though for a yacht of her age she has had very few Owners and when she came on to the market in 2016, it was the first time in over 50 years. Marala is subsequently one of the few surviving yachts from the 1930s to have maintained her character and basic layout, as well as her original engines.
During her restoration a comprehensive programme of works will see upgrades to the yacht’s steelwork, domestic and electrical systems that will harness modern engineering methods. Her interior will benefit from a completely new guest area. London based design house Muza Lab have been commissioned to bring a new look to the décor that both respects and celebrates the 1930s spirit of the vessel. The yacht’s exterior will see a number of superstructure modifications, that aim to restore her profile closer to the original lines. She will also benefit from a complete paint programme and a combination of refurbishment and replacement to her teak decks.
Her Captain commented on her restoration “Marala’s new Owner recognised the rare opportunity to own a Camper & Nicholsons classic motor yacht but understood that her essential engineering requirements would impact her interior. With a determination to remain sympathetic to her heritage and original design, the decision was made to bring the yacht to Pendennis to complete a restoration and preserve her spirit for many years to come.”
Joint Managing Director, Mike Carr echoed these sentiments "Pendennis is renowned the world over as the premier destination to complete a complex restoration project like Marala. Years of experience working on award winning projects such as Fair Lady, Shamrock V, Malahne and most recently Haida 1929 has given our 430 strong workforce not only a broad understanding of the complexities of completing a project such as Marala, but also a deep respect for preserving the heritage of these yachts for generations to come. We pride ourselves on being able to sympathetically balance traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, breathing new life into these historic yachts".
Pendennis Shipyard
Pendennis is one of the world's leading custom superyacht build and refit shipyards and has become one of Cornwall's most important employers with over 430 highly skilled tradespeople based at the 14-acre prime waterfront location in Falmouth, UK. The yard's modern facilities include three bespoke-built construction halls (2x90m and 1x45m) alongside a 150m dry-dock, with the capacity for both new build and refit contracts for 30-100m superyachts. The 800 tonne travel hoist enables efficient launching into the 7,564m² non-tidal wet basin which is purpose-built to accommodate superyachts of up to 100m.
In the latter part of 2018 Pendennis secured a majority share hold in Vilanova Grand Marina, a 48 berth facility with adjacent land available for further development. The investment in Vilanova is yet another milestone in Pendennis’ international growth and offering to its global client base. Work is currently underway to develop adjacent land into a superyacht technical service centre that will trade as Pendennis Vilanova.
