Award-winning: Five standout refits from Pendennis
AQUILA
Name of yacht: Aquila
Refit Began: June 2015
Refit Completed: June 2016
Work included: An extensive 12-month refit programme including an impressive revitalisation of all five deck levels. The team completely updated the social spaces, modernised technical systems and lighting, and restyled the boat across an area of over 750m2, the scale of which was unprecedented by any of the suppliers in such a short time period.
The result: Significant enhancements included a reconfigured owner’s suite along with the addition of a 60m2 private deck area, the repositioning of the Jacuzzi, and the integration of a cinema into the main saloon. Technology upgrades as part of the yacht’s five-year survey included a new AV and IT system, radomes, air conditioning and fresh air handling systems, along with the rebuild of the four generators. A complete infrastructure repaint by Pinmar completed the refit works.
RWD and Susan Young Interiors were commissioned to reformulate spaces and improve flow between each area of the yacht. A mix of dark wood finishes, pale leather panels with nickel trim and many new special surface materials all interplaying together to offer subtle style variations throughout the interior.
Awarded: Refitted Yacht, World Superyacht Awards 2017
MALAHNE
Name of yacht: Malahne
Refit Began: September 2012
Refit Completed: March 2015
Work included: A meticulous 30-month restoration, reinstating her original elegance whilst being modernised to be fully classed by Lloyd’s Register and compliant with the MCA Large Yacht Code (LY2).
The result: Malahne is one of a small number of pre-war motor yachts to have survived until the 21st Century. She is now one of the most detailed, distinctive and beautiful motor yachts to be launched in recent decades, suitably reflective of an incredibly glamorous era of yachting. Pendennis, along with the restoration team of Edmiston & Company, G.L. Watson and Oliver Laws restored the aesthetic and historical integrity of the yacht, while simultaneously installing the highest standards of modern comfort, technology and safety.
Mike Carr, managing director of Pendennis, is extremely proud of the standard of workmanship on-board: “For two and half years the team here has worked incredibly hard to bring Malahne back to life. Seeing the final transformation from her 1980s form back to her original design, her launch marks a proud moment for everyone involved. Our tradespeople from all areas have applied quality, care, pride and passion to every aspect of the project. There have been unprecedented opportunities to showcase their restoration skills, whilst sympathetically integrating modern systems. Malahne now commands a special place in the Pendennis fleet.”
Awarded: Rebuilt Yacht, World Superyacht Awards 2016
HAIDA 1929
Name of yacht: Haida 1929
Refit Began: Summer 2016
Refit Completed: Spring 2018
Work included: A painstakingly detailed 18-month refit programme to restore her former glory whilst improving her for her new owner’s use.
The result: Review of the hull revealed extensive fabrication work was required to rebuild the structural integrity of the vessel, with over 100 tons replaced in total. Further structural changes included extending the sun deck to provide a much larger al fresco dining area and strengthening works down through three deck levels to cater to the considerably larger bathing pool which replaced the small dip pool. The davits were also moved, reinstated to their original midships position.
The biggest change to the interior was the addition of a Hammam spa, massage room and hairdressing parlour, replacing a storage area. The interior joinery, lighting and portholes were upgraded and refurbished, three new fireplaces were installed to create a romantic ambience, the interiors refreshed using cool Italian marbles in the bathrooms and complemented by elegant soft furnishings in a more modern yet sympathetic palette.
When built the yacht was equipped with mammoth twin diesel engines that still propel her to this day. It is thought that these may be the oldest working engines of their type still in their original situ. However, with no records or manuals from their construction, servicing these was perhaps the most challenging task in the refit. Despite these engines being slow to respond and therefore making Haida complex to manoeuvre, it was a key requirement that these engines were maintained as the ‘heart’ of the vessel. The Pendennis engineering team deconstructed the engines, hoisting cumbersome parts and huge pistons individually up though the central funnel to be serviced on site. Once reinstated the engines were painted in the same hue as the hull, creating a dramatic statement.
The refit was completed by a full hull repaint, with a unique shade of turquoise chosen for below the waterline.
Awarded: Rebuilt Yacht, World Superyacht Awards 2019
G2
Name of yacht: G2 (ex Cinderella IV)
Refit Began: Autumn 2017
Refit Completed: Summer 2018
Work included: Cinderella IV was originally designed as a state-of-the-art carbon fibre, lifting-keel sailing yacht. Her vertical bow and windows gave her a foot in both the modern and classical worlds. The new owners sought to enhance the modern lines with a cleaner, sleeker look, and so G2 was born.
The result: Structural restyling by the original naval architect Tripp Design saw the exterior aft classic cuddy cabin, a feature catering to more intemperate climates, removed thereby creating a large open space that is ideal for outdoor living in warmer locations. The pilothouse appears to float on the deck and provides dramatic sight lines along the length of the yacht. The overall result is a beautiful contemporary yacht with a silhouette that is instantly recognisable and original, yet timeless, in her own right.
The addition of a large glass skylight floods G2’s pilothouse with natural light, highlighting the modernised interiors designed by Milan-based Nauta Design. To facilitate modern open plan living, Nauta’s new design has opened up the main saloon with ‘zones’ that allow different social uses completely re-wired with new lighting and entertainment systems. A more spacious feel has been created in the owner’s cabin through the repositioning of a bulkhead further aft. Nauta’s interior styling is focussed on enhancing the minimalist interior, featuring natural woods and a relaxing geometry that blends seamlessly with the modernised exterior profile which was resprayed metallic silver.
The Pendennis engineering teams upgraded the yacht to hold the most modern and reliable technical, navigational, communications and sailing systems. The scope of the project included a 10 year special survey, servicing of engines, generators, bow and stern thrusters as well as further replacements and updates throughout.
Awarded: Refitted Yacht, World Superyacht Awards 2019
A2
Name of yacht: A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole)
Refit Began: Spring 2011
Refit Completed: Summer 2012
Work included: A five metre stern extension and a comprehensive rebuild, including the total reconfiguration of the interior layout and modification of the superstructure to incorporate an impressive full beam master cabin.
The result: As well as the five metre hull extension and major superstructure modifications, this remodel included re-engineering of all systems, complete replacement of all deck equipment, a complete remodel of the engine room including replacement of all systems, installation of modern bridge technology and state of the art AV equipment.
The majority of the interior layout was reconfigured, manufactured and installed by the Pendennis team who worked closely with interior build experts. Her exterior transformation was complemented by a full paint job, and A2 left the yard almost completely unrecognisable in July 2012, with not only her appearance enhanced but her performance significantly upgraded. She now comfortably attains 14 knots cruising with a significantly increased cruising range.
Awarded: Rebuilt Yacht, World Superyacht Awards 2013