Last summer, we reported the sale of the beautiful classic sailing yacht Haida G, renowned for her classic looks and starring role in the film Mamma Mia. Renamed Dona Amélia, the 71 metre yacht (spars included) underwent an extensive refit at the Pendennis Plus yard in Falmouth, UK. Now, four months on, her refit has been completed and having sailed through her sea trials, Dona Amélia has departed UK shores and is en route to the Caribbean.
Dona Amélia is the largest yacht yet refitted by Pendennis, which has been in the business 23 years. Built in 1928 by Krupp Germania Werft to a design by Cox & Stevens, this gentleman's motor yacht still has many of her original parts, including her Krupp MAK engines. They underwent routine maintenance, servicing and renovation like most of the other technical equipment and tanks on board, while the teak decks and exterior brightwork were revitalised, and the AV system, galley equipment and spa pool upgraded.
Andrew Wilson (Fred), chief officer of Dona Amélia praised the Pendennis team for their work on the project as well as hospitality: 'It is always sad to leave, especially after all the warmth and hospitality that has been shown to the crew of Dona Amélia… We look forward to returning in the future.'
A division of the Pendennis Group, Pendennis Plus was created out of Devonport Yachts, which the company acquired a year ago. The group is one of the world's leading custom superyacht build and refit yards and has recently expanded to Palma, Spain.