The 50m classic motor yacht Malahne has been re-launched today on 14 March at Pendennis Shipyard, Falmouth, UK, after what is being called one of the most ambitious restorations of all time.
The 30-month project’s details have been shrouded in secrecy, but the yacht has now been restored to her original appearance, while offering all of today’s conveniences. Designed by Charles E Nicholson and built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1937, Malahne has a rich history including seeing active service during WWII. She had a major conversion in 1984 and was refitted in 1999.
Malahne was sold by Edmiston and Burger Yacht Sales in 2012 at an asking price of €550,000. The new owner’s brief was to “make Malahne look as if she had been in continuous ownership since she was built”. Pendennis began work two and a half years ago with classic yacht experts GL Watson & Co providing the exterior design as well as interior design for the crew accommodation. Meanwhile the Art Deco-influenced interior design of the owner and guest areas was created by Oliver Laws, whose previous work includes Claridges in London.
Managing Director of GL Watson, William Collier, says, “The Malahne project is the most ambitious motor yacht restoration yet undertaken. The challenge of recreating many of the yacht’s features while achieving a faithful restoration of the hull shape has been very rewarding. Together we have brought an historically important yacht back to life.”
Designer Guy Oliver says, “The new Malahne had to function with contemporary requirements for air conditioning and technology, all of which had to be contained in an original envelope. I spent a long time establishing a language and grammar for the interior, with bespoke detailing, woods and materials appropriate to the period, (which were all hand worked and finished), as well as designing and sourcing original furniture in a lightly eclectic way to give an air of authenticity and continuity.”
Malahne is now fully classed by Lloyd’s Register and compliant with the MCA Large Yacht Code (LY3), while managing to have period features such as the anchors and bridge telecom that are fully sympathetic to her original era.
Mike Carr, Managing Director of Pendennis, says: “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.”
Nicholas Edmiston, the Chairman of Edmiston & Company, had followed the chequered history of the yacht for decades and organised the project team and shipyard to transform the owner's vision into reality. On-site project management was provided by GL Watson and Edmiston Yacht Management (EYM), who pooled their complementary design and technical expertise to work closely with Pendennis. Strong team work was required to ensure the project’s success and as Malahne emerged from the build shed, Jacqui Lyne, EYM Director, summed up the excitement of all of those who’d played a role, saying, “It is like seeing a beautiful butterfly emerge into the sunlight!”
On completion of sea trials, Malahne will sail from Falmouth for the Mediterranean, where she will be cruised by her new owner and will be available for charter through Edmiston.