United Kingdom

Vosper Thornycroft

It has been some time since we took a closer look at the largest sailing yachts in the global superyacht fleet. With the 127-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koru127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2023">Koru</a> entering the list in 2022, SYT takes another look at the top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world. You can also now check out our video on the topic here:<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gvRIrCuSx8A?&amp;t=359s&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>1.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a>&nbsp;(142.8-metres)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/83727/image/large-d0b162536ddda1e8c16207c85053fc93.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/83727">No super sailing yacht list would be complete without the mention of the ever-controversial and highly innovative 142.8-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a>. Officially classified as a sail-assisted motor yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a>&nbsp;blends elements of both sailing and motor yacht designs, but due to those imposing 100-metre-high carbon fibres masts, makes the cut for our ‘largest sailing yachts in the world’ list. Built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a> and delivered in 2017, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a> is not only the longest yacht on the list, but at 12,558 GT, is also five times larger in volume than the second yacht in this definitive list.2.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koru127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2023">Koru</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;(127-metres)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269553/image/large-9f2f51c2f5a9b863f581bff54f059095.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269553"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koru127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2023">Koru</a> is the second, (or first for those who do not consider <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4450" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing Yacht A142.81m (468'6&quot;)Nobiskrug2017">Sailing Yacht A</a> to be a sailing yacht), largest sailing yacht in the world and the largest yacht built by the Netherlands-based shipyard <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/companies/oceanco" target="_blank">Oceanco</a>. She was sold in 2018 to tech entrepreneur Jeff Bezos, and the secretive project was first unveiled in October 2021, when she was rolled out of the shed at Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands. Details surrounding <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/yachts/koru" target="_blank">Koru</a> have been kept tightly under wraps, but the name <a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/yachts/koru" target="_blank">Koru</a> derives from the Māori fern-leaf motif, which is a symbol of creation and new beginnings to the native people of New Zealand. 3.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>&nbsp;(106.7-metres)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/73477/image/large-c07b142a956e019b98afd0f162227290.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/73477">Designed and built to cross oceans under sail power alone, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a> is was widely considered as the official ‘largest sailing yacht in the world’ at 106-metres in length, before the launch of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7500" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Koru127.0m (416'8&quot;)Oceanco2023">Koru</a>. Delivered to her owner in 2018 and built by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> shipyard in the Netherlands, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4795" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Black Pearl106.7m (350'1&quot;)Oceanco2018">Black Pearl</a>, with her sophisticated energy-generation solar system and high-tech DynaRig setup by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a>, is one of the most advanced yachts of her kind and was developed by her boundary-pushing owner, together with a world-class design team. 4.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a>&nbsp;(92.92-metres)&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/182942/image/large-cb888a4ae5bc39d319e804098d063133.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/182942">At 93-metres, the 1,500 GRT three-masted schooner <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/669" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="EOS92.92m (304'10&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2006">EOS</a> is the world’s fourth largest sailing yacht. She was launched by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen Yachts</a> in 2006 and has been operated since as one of the most private vessels in the world. 5.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athena90.0m (295'3&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2004">Athena</a>&nbsp;(90-metres)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/44738/image/large-1c2ef7f7849765ddec7fe33a01f88223.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/44738">The 90-metre super sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athena90.0m (295'3&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2004">Athena</a> was built by the Dutch <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman Shipyard</a> in 2004. The superyacht’s exterior lines were designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/45" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pieter Beeldsnijder Design (Company)">Pieter Beeldsnijder Design</a>, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/45" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pieter Beeldsnijder Design (Company)">Pieter Beeldsnijder Design</a> and an interior by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/262" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rebecca Bradley Interior Design (Company)">Rebecca Bradley Interior Design</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athena90.0m (295'3&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2004">Athena</a> is one of the largest sailing yachts launched since the 1930s, and with speeds reaching up to 19 knots, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athena90.0m (295'3&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2004">Athena</a> can outrun most other sailing superyachts. 6.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a>&nbsp;(88-metres)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/60684/image/large-ba2fff3fe8c3ae7b34e6c06720072186.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/60684">One of the most iconic yachts of all time and certainly one of the most photographed in recent years, the revolutionary 88-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> is famed for her sophisticated automated square-rigged DynaRig sail plan. Three towering free-standing rotating carbon-fibre masts hold 25,800 square feet of canvas on 15 square sails delivering exceptional performance, speed and manoeuvrability. The yacht, built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a>, and designed in collaboration with her first owner Tom Perkins, was sold in August of 2009 to her current owner, who actively takes part in superyacht regattas, showing off the yacht's capabilities. 7.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5516" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquijo86.0m (282'2&quot;)Oceanco2016">Aquijo</a>&nbsp;(86-metres)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/8770/image/large-9787572476931cd2ffcba9df7a8fc020.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/8770">Another Dutch sailing yacht making the Top 10 list is the 86-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5516" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquijo86.0m (282'2&quot;)Oceanco2016">Aquijo</a> by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters Shipyard</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>. Launched in 2015, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5516" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquijo86.0m (282'2&quot;)Oceanco2016">Aquijo</a> is the largest ketch-rigged sailing yacht in the world, with her mainmast towering 88.4-metres above sea level. She features naval architecture and an exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/167" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tripp Design Naval Architects (Company)">Tripp Design Naval Architects</a>. Currently, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5516" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aquijo86.0m (282'2&quot;)Oceanco2016">Aquijo</a> is in the Netherlands for her first Special Survey by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters Shipyard</a>. 8.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle II81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2020">Sea Eagle II</a>&nbsp; (81-metres)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/168402/image/large-55e965250277fb66103a784cfc12a147.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/168402">This <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> sailing yacht, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/yacht-sea-eagle-ii-launched" target="_blank">launched</a> and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/yacht-sea-eagle-ii-delivered" target="_blank">delivered</a> in 2020, is the shipyard’s largest sailing yacht by volume. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6140" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Eagle II81.0m (265'9&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2020">Sea Eagle II</a> has an impressive 3,500 square metres of sail, and carbon Panamax rigging by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/458" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rondal B.V. (Company)">Rondal</a>. The three-masted schooner was built in collaboration with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a> and designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4404" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mark Whiteley Design (Company)">Mark Whiteley</a>, and also stands as the world’s largest aluminium sailing yacht at 1,150 GT. 9.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a>&nbsp;(77.6-metres)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183202/image/large-19e53079b60be7d27fbca4b11c064372.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183202">This superyacht was built in the United Kingdom by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a> to a design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/52" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ron Holland Design (Company)">Ron Holland Design</a>. The yacht underwent a refit, completed in 2014, at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Shipyard</a> where, alongside other modifications, the stern section of the vessel was redesigned and extended by 3-metres. However, this refit left her keel slightly unbalanced. An additional, major refit completed in 2020 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA</a> shipyard, sought to rebalance the keel by cutting her keel in half and moving the ram housing 300 mm forward. Besides her technical changes, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a> also had a new paint job featuring a three-tone grey livery with a metallic palladium hull, anthracite silver superstructure and crystal silver mast and boom. 10.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4315" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Badis I70.0m (229'8&quot;)Perini Navi2016">Badis I</a>&nbsp;(70-metres)<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/7805/image/large-e6246afaadd124db4c12e561c2ca4e27.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7805"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4315" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Badis I70.0m (229'8&quot;)Perini Navi2016">Badis I</a> (previously known as Sybaris) was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> and is one of the largest yachts delivered by the Italian brand in recent years. Completed in 2016, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> designed the superyacht’s exterior, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/53" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Philippe Briand Ltd. (Company)">Phillipe Briand</a> consulting on the naval architecture. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4545" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PH Design (Company)">PH Design</a> fashioned her wooden veneer interior. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4315" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Badis I70.0m (229'8&quot;)Perini Navi2016">Badis I</a> can accommodate up to 12 guests in six staterooms consisting of a master suite and five doubles, all with en-suite bathrooms and entertainment centres.

The top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world

Discover the largest sailing yachts in the global superyacht fleet: 143m Sailing Yacht A, 106m Black Pearl, 93m EOS and many more.

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/207609/image/large-258ceb2e11825209a56ea50aaa3f8452.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/207609">The 78-metre sloop superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a> was launched in 2004 as Mirabella. Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/52" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ron Holland Design (Company)">Ron Holland</a> and built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a> is the largest single-masted yacht ever built. The yacht underwent a refit, completed in 2014, at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis Shipyard</a> where, alongside other modifications, the stern section of the vessel was redesigned and extended by 3-metres. However, this refit left her keel slightly unbalanced. An additional, major refit completed in 2020 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA shipyard</a>, sought to rebalance the keel by cutting her keel in half and moving the ram housing 300-millimetres forward. Besides her technical changes, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a> also received a new paint job featuring a three-tone grey livery with a metallic palladium hull, anthracite silver superstructure and crystal silver mast and boom.

Super sailing yacht M5 in the South of France 

The 78m super sailing yacht M5 built by Vosper Thornycroft, is seen here anchored in the South of France.

Though relatively new to the refit business, completing their very first refit of the 86-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quattroelle86.11m (282'6&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Quattro Elle</a> in June 2015, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA Refit</a> have quickly built-up a solid reputation as a top refit yard for over 60-metre superyachts. Francesca Webster catches up with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA Refit</a>’s General Director, Giulio Pennacchio, to talk about how the refit business has developed since its foundation, and what goals the shipyard has within its sights. While the refit element of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA</a> is a somewhat youthful business, the history of the shipyard goes back to 1942 when two local families formed Cantieri Apuani, specialising in the construction of predominantly commercial vessels for the haul of marble from nearby Carrara. In the 1970’s the shipyard became <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">Nuovi Cantieri Apuania</a>, from which time it constructed all types of commercial cargo vessels, up-to 200-metres.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196380/image/large-2fb32d67d6df27ade2e8da4af241ff49.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196380">Following the financial crisis of 2009 however, it became clear that the construction of commercial vessels was moving toward Asia. Fortunately, in 2012 the shipyard was purchased by its current owner, Founder &amp; CEO, Giovanni Costantino, who envisaged the transformation of the site into a luxury specific shipbuilding yard. Following the conclusion of some final commercial projects in 2013, the transition into the luxury industry began. When asked if it was difficult to transform the internal mentality from commercial to luxury, Giulio commented that it was actually a very smooth transition; “our shipyard was already born as a luxury one. Here we had the commercial capacity, the design, the attitude to the details that a yacht needs. Though the engineering was not exactly the same, we merged the big power, big traction and big energy from the commercial shipyard that was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA</a> at the time, with the brain, and the art of the yachting industry.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196379/image/large-3d091120ba980d36b35dc699c02b0fdc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196379">The concept of this ‘merging’ of the two industries really stands out for Giulio as the best way to describe how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA Refit</a> began, and it's an important point when understanding how the yard took on an 86-metre as their first project. For Giulio however, it was the success of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3678" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quattroelle86.11m (282'6&quot;)Lürssen Yachts2013">Quattro Elle</a> that really solidified the move, “it was clear to us that we loved the principle of refit, and that is how it began. In the five years since, we have refitted many yachts and we are now confident in offering the best service for superyachts over 60-metres.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/26874/image/large-9b567320543d35d003460f094adc9d85.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/26874">For Giulio, management, space, technology and infrastructure are the most important things in the game of superyacht refits. At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA Refit</a>, “we have the logistical infrastructure, the capacity, and capability to accommodate these big yachts, and now we will continue to invest in the infrastructure and the human capital. Our goal is always to learn and understand the market, and of course, for the customer to have full satisfaction at the end of every single refit!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196381/image/large-42626a92bad96a87e9e2cf90cddefe96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196381">In terms of investment, it's not purely to size that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA Refit</a> are focusing their energy. Unlike many of their competitors, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA Refit</a> are taking the importance of crew consistency for owner satisfaction into account. With yachts often losing integral crew during long-term refits, the shipyard has established an on-shore village facility to help keep crew on board and active during long refit periods. Giulio notes that this has really had a positive impact, “We have many apartments rented in the local town for crew, and on-site facilities, such as a lounge bar and restaurant, a spa and a fully equipped gym. Plus unlike other shipyards, the town is just outside the gates, so everything is easily accessible and crew can conveniently fly in and out from local airports such as Florence or Pisa.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196383/image/large-f688fdcbe2ec7df548b14bf35c41d887.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196383"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/196382/image/large-60bdbe55bffbb3fe8bed7ba7cf959fce.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/196382">When it comes to singling out the yachts which have really stood out to Giulio, it’s visibly a challenge, particularly when their records include names such as the 78-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a>, the 88-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini Navi</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/385" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Maltese Falcon88.0m (288'9&quot;)Perini Navi2006">Maltese Falcon</a> and the 66-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a> motor yacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3973" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Invictus65.5m (214'11&quot;)Delta Marine2013">Invictus</a>. He is palpably excited about the shipyard's specialisation over the years as a sailing yacht specialist, and the reputation that the company has built, almost entirely from word of mouth, makes him very proud. Today <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA Refit</a> are the major yard for refits of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/476" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fitzroy Yachts (Company)">Fitzroy</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/51" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perini Navi (Company)">Perini</a> sailing yachts, and with many vessels making the transatlantic passage specifically to visit <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA Refit</a>, it is easy to see that his pride is justified. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/108431/image/large-c4e4316dc2fde1807194853b7da039d0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108431"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/183202/image/large-19e53079b60be7d27fbca4b11c064372.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/183202">It is clear from our conversation that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="NCA Refit (Company)">NCA Refit</a> have got big things in their sights, and with the conclusion of their current building development due for October this year, we will definitely be seeing even more large scale refits from this impressive shipyard in the near future.&nbsp;

SYT chats to NCA Refit about their future

SYT chats to NCA Refit Director to find out why crew management is so important, and how to make clients happy.

NCA Refit on expansion, crew care and the future of the shipyard

The famous sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a> (formerly Mirabella V) is coming to the end of a major refit at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuovi Cantieri Apuania S.p.A. (Company)">NCA Refit </a>part of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a>. After arriving at the yard in Marina di Carrara last April, she is due to leave in early February. <img src="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/uploads/store/photo/108435/image/large-04c5f53047fd3dc4bf4156217cec6ed9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108435"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">Mirabella V</a>&nbsp;(pictured below) was built for Joseph Vittoria, the former CEO of the Avis Rent-A-Car company. His mission at the time was very simple: to build a sailing yacht with the biggest sloop rig in the world. He achieved his wish and at the time of her launch in 2004, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">Mirabella V</a> broke a number of records. Designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/52" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ron Holland Design (Company)">Ron Holland</a> and built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">VT Shipbuilding</a> in the UK, at 75 metres in length she was the largest composite yacht in the world with an 89-metre rig. Her 151-tonne lifting keel varied the draught from 4 to 10 metres.<img src="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/uploads/store/photo/42245/image/large-ffe0f8ab1339e72ccbb36f61ad489a5b.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/42245">“The current owner acquired the yacht from Vittoria in 2012,” says Capt. Don Anderson. “He’s an experienced owner but this was his first sailing yacht, so he was smart and sailed her for a year before deciding how he wanted to modify the yacht. He’s a keen pilot, so one of the first things he did was change the transom shape and extend the aft deck to carry a Carbon Cub seaplane.”This <a href="http://M5%20departs%20Falmouth%20following%20extensive%20refit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">first refit</a> took place at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a> shipyard in the UK and the yacht was relaunched as 77.6-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a> (pictured below) in 2014 with a new stern, major engineering upgrades, new Carbo-Link rigging and a refreshed interior by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/61" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RWD (Company)">RWD</a>. The composite rigging saved around 15 tonnes of weight and to compensate the 85-tonne bulb was cut off the keel to leave a blade with a sacrificial lead tip attached by fuse bolts designed to break off in case of grounding. This left the keel slightly unbalanced.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/29072/image/large-05ac9476910011f3ab8e3ad3b00e312a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29072">“We knew the keel would be front-heavy, but we couldn’t address it because we ran out of time at&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>,” says naval architect Rob Doyle, who followed the original build and subsequent refits. “As a result, it made a lot of noise when it was raised and the keel box is right next to the owner’s head in his cabin. He enjoys night sailing, but when the boat arrived at a favourite anchorage in the early hours of the morning everyone on board would be awake!"<img src="/uploads/store/photo/29595/image/large-ebc8bc67cad4cad20cff997b940b0e08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/29595">When <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a> was due to undergo her 5-year Lloyds survey it was clear that remedying the keel problem would be a top priority. As the mast would also have to come out for inspection, the owner’s team chose the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nuovi Cantieri Apuania S.p.A. (Company)">NCA</a> shipyard because it is one of very few refit yards with the capacity and hard standing space to work on such a massive rig, which still holds the record for having the biggest mainsail hoist in the world (removing and re-stepping the mast was overseen by UK specialists <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2011" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marine Results (Company)">Marine Results</a>).<img src="/uploads/store/photo/108431/image/large-c4e4316dc2fde1807194853b7da039d0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108431">“We did a thorough analysis and went through a dozen different solutions, but eventually decided the simplest and most cost-effective thing to do was cut the keel in half and move the ram housing 300 mm forward,” says Doyle. “So we literally cut out a section in the middle, put it all back together and now it's perfectly balanced. All you can hear is the hydraulic pump when it's lifting. We were expecting a lot of drama, but the shipyard did an excellent job and it worked out really well.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/108432/image/large-6f166568fbaf4fe7cdd181ed0ececa8e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108432">In addition to the keel modification – by far the most challenging intervention – <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a> now has a new three-tone grey livery with a metallic palladium hull, anthracite silver superstructure and crystal silver mast and boom. Even the paint job was more complex than it might appear. The yacht was originally painted white for good reason as dark colours can lead to overheating and the aramid/vinyl ester laminate ‘gassing off’ chemical vapours. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/108434/image/large-0dfc02326cc05fe3f2d9b65103bd186d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108434">For this reason, the exposed superstructure and upper surfaces of the spreaders are painted a lighter shade of silver. Other upgrades include a new composite hardtop to replace the soft bimini on the flybridge, recaulked teak decking to match the silver paintwork, new interior flooring, carpeting and fabrics, new finishes in the bathrooms, and a massive Egyptian red jasper marble countertop for the bar in the main saloon. As a surprise for the owner, a crew member even painted a WWII aviation-style logo on the lower mast section that is visible through a viewing window inside the yacht.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/108433/image/large-6f7ee4bb350c7e7604865e0774d55463.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/108433">“<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="M577.6m (254'7&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft2004">M5</a>&nbsp;has been a challenging project from both an engineering and logistical perspective, but the results speak for themselves,” says Giovanni Costantino, chairman and CEO of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5565" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The Italian Sea Group (Company)">The Italian Sea Group</a>. “The refit market is important in its own right, but the experience and know-how we gain from these complex projects can be transferred to our new-builds, and vice-versa.”

Sailing yacht M5 approaching end of major refit

The 78m sailing yacht M5 is coming to the end of a major refit after arriving at Nuovi Cantieri Apuania's facility last April.

78m sailing yacht M5 close to completing refit at NCA 

It has to be said, sometimes older is better and there are many in the industry who would say that sailing on a vintage yacht gives an unbeatable feeling which cannot be matched by today's high-tech vessels. For a select few owners, taking on a restoration project is extremely rewarding, as proven by the cases outlined in this list of classic yacht refits where vessels were brought back to their full potential after decades or even centuries of use.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vagrant39.0m (127'11&quot;)Herreshoff1913">Vagrant</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Herreshoff (Company)">Herreshoff</a>, 39m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/11648/image/large-9aa98906108d975407c2227f6a7d0615.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/11648">The 39-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Herreshoff (Company)">Herreshoff</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vagrant39.0m (127'11&quot;)Herreshoff1913">Vagrant</a>, built in 1913, was refitted in 2017 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman shipyard</a>, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra</a> revisiting her naval architecture. The refit included the reinstallation of her engineering systems and classic interior and the restoration of the deckhouse as well as brand new crew quarters. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SS Delphine78.55m (257'9&quot;)Great Lakes Engineering Works1921">SS Delphine</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Great Lakes Engineering Works (Company)">Great Lakes Engineering Works</a>, 78.55m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/98408/image/large-8591bd7113e7347c85b0275ea8eaf516.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98408">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SS Delphine78.55m (257'9&quot;)Great Lakes Engineering Works1921">SS Delphine</a>, built in 1921 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Great Lakes Engineering Works (Company)">Great Lakes Engineering Works</a> and first known as Dauntless, has had several refits, the most recent of which was carried out in Zeebrugge, Belgium, in 2003. The original owner's daughter conducted extensive research for the various refits, and the yacht currently calls back the roaring '20s, combining a classic feel with today's amenities and communication means. &nbsp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1929">Haida 1929</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/263" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Krupp Germania Werft (Company)">Krupp Germania Werft</a>, 71.1m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/53800/image/large-9de3c91ccf04e5fa4c4c1be73450a02c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53800">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a>-class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1929">Haida 1929</a> has sailed under many previous names including Dona Amelia and has undergone several refit works, including in 2011, 2016 and 2018. This involved rebuilding the ship’s structural integrity, an extension of the sundeck and several alterations to the interior, such as the addition of a Hammam spa. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Over the rainbow of London35.0m (114'10&quot;)Dickie & Sons1930">Over the Rainbow of London</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/174" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dickie & Sons (Company)">Dickie &amp; Sons</a>, 35m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/30280/image/large-0e673654460e26aac388bafa74db8b6c.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/30280">The 35-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Over the rainbow of London35.0m (114'10&quot;)Dickie & Sons1930">Over the Rainbow of London</a>, a mono-hull displacement yacht built in 1930 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/174" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dickie & Sons (Company)">Dickie &amp; Sons</a>, was restored to glory in 1991 and had another refit in 2004 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mondomarine SpA (Company)">Mondo Marine</a>, being held to the highest standards throughout her lifespan.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a>, 91.44m (Credit: Giovanni Romero)<img src="/uploads/store/photo/39878/image/large-a5132adc2bc9e7f3c2b82929d9230185.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39878"> This <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a> build from 1930 is 91 metres in length and has a volume of 1,356 GT. She underwent a refit from 2006 to 2007 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a>, and was then brought over to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> from 2007 to 2009 where her old steam turbines were replaced by diesel engines. She has gone through a total of five years of restoration since being purchased by her current owner.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a>, 135.94m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/75270/image/large-67263cca37648ff4adad4b1c093ed31e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/75270"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>, the 136-metre built in 1931 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a>, featured original naval architecture and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/94" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cox & Stevens (Company)">Cox &amp; Stevens</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a> revisited her naval architecture and her latest interior comes from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/41" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald Starkey Designs (Company)">Donald Starkey Designs.</a> The yacht is currently used as the presidential yacht for Turkey and once belonged to Atatürk.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Malahne</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard</a>, 50.29m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/41798/image/large-315d2c5f2192782eea621e046e52400d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41798">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Malahne</a>,&nbsp;measuring 50.29 metres and built in 1937, has had several refits, the latest of which happened in 2017. This refit brought her design back to the original and upgraded her to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd’s Register</a> class.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft1938">Shemara</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a>, 64.68 <img src="/uploads/store/photo/22695/image/large-78e60326a7ca9a9cf1512dffc5461e75.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22695">The 64.68-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft1938">Shemara</a> has changed owners only twice since she was built in 1938. It was under the ownership of her most recent owner that she received maintenance works in 2016. The owner created a company for the extensive refit, Shemara Refit LLP. She was given a contemporary interior while keeping a lot of her original attributes, and she now runs on a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a> diesel-electric system.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alicia51.0m (167'4&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1930">Alicia</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Defoe Shipbuilding Co. (Company)">Defoe Shipbuilding Co</a>., 51m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/68657/image/large-c6eaf8e16deceb4b854d39b7f5886f19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/68657"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alicia51.0m (167'4&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1930">Alicia</a>, built in 1930 and known under many names including Janidore when she was built, has received a rebuild in 2015-2018 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5098" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southampton Marine Services Group (SMS) (Company)">Southampton Marine Services group</a>, during which she was given an almost entirely new steel hull and a completely new aluminium superstructure, with all of her onboard systems also being replaced.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard, 39.56m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/94600/image/large-9a16e10d12e128a753a97a032b6ed91c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94600"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a> is a 39.56-metre J-class sailing yacht from Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Charles E. Nicholson (Company)">Charles E. Nicholson,</a> who also designed the yacht’s exterior. She was restored to her full glory in the 1980s in a trailblazing restoration project which you can read all about <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/the-j-class-endeavour-and-royal-huisman" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here.</a>

10 classic yacht refits and restorations

SYT has compiled a list of 10 yacht refits of iconic yachts that have been restored to their full glory. 

10 remarkable refits and restorations of classic yachts

Although discussions continue as to what exactly constitutes an explorer yacht, there remains a category of yachts whose exploration credentials are undisputed. Many of the early yacht conversions started life as rugged utility vessels, and have been transformed into true explorer yachts in every sense of the word. Here, we pay homage to two iconic groups of these fascinating early conversions: three German tugs and four Dutch pilot cutters.The tugsA number of large salvage tugs were built for the towage company Bugsier GmbH &amp; Co. KG from Hamburg, Germany between the early 1960s and the mid-1970s. These tugs had plenty of towing power and ice-breaking capabilities, so it should come as no surprise that three tugs ended up being converted into explorer yachts in the 1990s: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/900" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arctic P87.58m (287'4&quot;)">Arctic&nbsp;</a>and her slightly smaller sister ships <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ranger77.4m (253'11&quot;)">Simson</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Khozam77.34m (253'9&quot;)">Atlantic</a>. Although we will mainly focus on the conversions of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/900" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arctic P87.58m (287'4&quot;)">Arctic</a>&nbsp;and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ranger77.4m (253'11&quot;)">Simson</a>, it is interesting to note that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Khozam77.34m (253'9&quot;)">Atlantic</a> was converted into a yacht support ship for a Middle Eastern ruler and renamed<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2842" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Khozam77.34m (253'9&quot;)">&nbsp;Khozam.</a>Arctic P<img src="/uploads/store/photo/53463/image/large-2293b6a1441b3600990c5c2aca19c677.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53463">Completed in 1969, the very powerful 87-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/900" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arctic P87.58m (287'4&quot;)">Arctic</a> and her sister were the flagships of the Bugsier fleet for many years. In the early 1990s, however, Bugsier divested of all but one of its large salvage tugs. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/900" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arctic P87.58m (287'4&quot;)">Arctic&nbsp;</a>was sold to a Dublin-based investment firm in 1993 and renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/900" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arctic P87.58m (287'4&quot;)">Arctic Research.</a> Soon after, in 1994, she was sold to an Australian owner - whose family still own the yacht today - and sent to Malta Drydocks for an extensive conversion. Kusch Yachts presided over the conversion and redesigned the exterior, while C. Kidston and A. Sassoon designed the new interiors. While her conversion was extensive, the yacht retained her distinctive exterior features. She re-emerged in 1994 as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/900" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arctic P87.58m (287'4&quot;)">Arctic P</a>, a name which she has kept to this day. Accommodating 12 guests and a crew of 25, a range of 20,000 nm and fuel capacity of 1.4 million litres, qualifies her for explorer status.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27417/image/large-2db6416965548bab6de15a6cb9e826f7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27417">Sea RangerThe <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ranger77.4m (253'11&quot;)">Simson</a> was sold in 1994, to famous French owner Jack Setton, known for his taste for unusual yachts. He renamed her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ranger77.4m (253'11&quot;)">Simson S.</a> and like her fleet mate <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/900" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arctic P87.58m (287'4&quot;)">Arctic P</a>, she went to Malta for conversion into a yacht under the supervision of Kusch Yachts. She emerged from the rebuild in 1995. Like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/900" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Arctic P87.58m (287'4&quot;)">Arctic P</a>, she retained most of her original exterior design after the rebuild, while sporting a completely new interior by Heinz Voller. Setton sold her in 1997, and her new owner, the late Peter Lewis, renamed her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ranger77.4m (253'11&quot;)">Lone Ranger</a> while putting her through another extensive refit in Miami. Lewis literally took her all over the world, including Antarctica in 2005. In 2009, Lewis gifted the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ranger77.4m (253'11&quot;)">Lone Ranger</a> to an ocean research charity before being sold at auction in Antibes in 2013. Under her new name <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/696" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sea Ranger77.4m (253'11&quot;)">Sea Ranger</a>, she proceeded to Romania for a refit. She re-emerged briefly in the Mediterranean in 2014 before heading to Romania again. In 2018, she reappeared off the South of France, looking as good as ever.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/50887/image/large-d471041d58451615e9927766ea8883d2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/50887">The pilot cuttersThe Dutch ship pilot service previously owned a significant number of pilot cutters, which are floating pilot bases. Despite their elegant looks, the cutters were tough vessels, able to stay out on station during the most punishing gales the North Sea could throw at them. During the 1980s and 1990s, the pilot service sold many of these cutters. Enterprising yacht owners quickly saw opportunities to create unique yachts out of four of these vessels: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Capella C59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Capella</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Intuition II59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Spica</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/723" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Altair III59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Altair</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akula59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Fomalhaut</a>, which we now know as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Capella C59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Capella C</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Intuition II59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Intuition II</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/723" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Altair III59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Altair III</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akula59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Akula</a> respectively.Capella C<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1301" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Capella C59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Capella C</a> was a bit older than the other pilot cutters, as she was completed in 1968 by the Gebroeders Pot yard in Bolnes, near Rotterdam. In 1985 she was sold to an Australian owner who converted her into a yacht, based in Monaco. She was now able to accommodate 22 guests across 12 cabins, as well as a crew of 17. Externally, she remained largely unchanged, except for being painted all white. She underwent several refits over the years, the latest taking place in 2008. In 2014, she was sold to an unknown owner, believed to be based in Britain. Most recently, she has been out and about in Scandinavia.Intuition IIBefore Amels delivered its first new build yacht in 1982, the yard built cargo and utility vessels, including a series of three pilot cutters for a division of the Dutch Ministry of Defence. The first of the cutters from Amels was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Intuition II59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Spica</a>, delivered in 1973.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/53466/image/large-03eeffd7108cef3434b03f1be4cfaeab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53466">She was sold in September 1997 to an American owner and dispatched to Southampton, Britain, to be rebuilt into a superyacht by Vosper Thornycroft and Southampton Yacht Services. She underwent a complete metamorphosis leaving few clues about her previous identity apart from her sturdy hull. Indart signed for the exterior redesign, while Southampton Yacht Services together with Nicholson Interiors drew up a completely new interior providing ample room for 14 guests and 14 crew members. The rebuild was completed in 1998 and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/855" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Intuition II59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Intuition II</a>, as she was now named, spent a lot of time in the USA, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean until she was sold in August 2017 to an unknown owner.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/33233/image/large-39504ba393831a6bf66fe3229aae5c38.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/33233">Altair IIIAmels delivered the next pilot cutter, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/723" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Altair III59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Altair</a>, in 1974. She was sold in 1995 after 21 years of service to a Dutch private owner, who chartered her out to Greenpeace that summer for an eventful campaign against nuclear testing. The campaign had a dramatic ending when she was raided by French commandos in the Italian port of Brindisi in October 1995. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/723" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Altair III59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Altair</a> then set course for a different future. In 1996, she was sold to an American owner, who sent her to the Oceanfast yard in Australia to be completely rebuilt. With a new exterior and interior design by the late Jon Bannenberg, she is arguably the most heavily converted yacht mentioned in this feature. When her next owner bought her in 2000, he put her through another refit at the Arredamenti Porto yard in Genoa, which she visited again in 2003, following a further sale. This time, her bridge deck was lengthened under the supervision of Australian designer, Sam Sorgiovanni. She has remained with the same owner since 2003 and has been cruising the Mediterranean under the name <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/723" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Altair III59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Altair III</a>.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/32981/image/large-ee10ff73b1d61812df4d8dc862b2a1f9.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32981">AkulaThe last of the three pilot cutters by Amels was the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akula59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Fomalhaut</a>, delivered in 1974 as yard number 335. She was initially sold in 1997 and renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akula59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Princess Laya</a>. In 1998, she also visited Vosper Thornycroft for a rebuild. Naval architects BMT Nigel Gee provided all naval architecture and structural design for the conversion.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27181/image/large-01dd695d37cc04d28d329d962f5571f0.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27181">She emerged in 1999 as the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akula59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Elanymor</a>, now sporting a flight deck and helicopter hangar, amongst other changes. In 2008, she was sold on, renamed <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Akula59.0m (193'7&quot;)">Akula</a> and subjected to a partial interior and extensive exterior refit at H2X in La Ciotat. In 2010, her engines and generators were overhauled in Malta. Although she has been on the market now for a while, she is being kept in perfect condition.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/38762/image/large-c65760229bdd3fc978731fb84248138e.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/38762">Successful trailblazersAll of these seven tugs and pilot cutters were converted into yachts over 20 years ago, yet almost all of them are still highly active and in mint condition: a testimony to the quality of their original build, their smart conversions and loving owners. Most of them are travelling around the world, so be on the lookout!&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/uploads/store/photo/23641/image/large-5807815e2703721ae6618b7a54d59cdb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23641"></a>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;This article is featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription">Subscribe now</a> to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

Insight: Explorers, the early conversions

Over the years, the iconic Port Hercules of Monaco has welcomed countless superyachts. As the only deep-water port in Monaco, the harbour has been integral in the development of the Principality as the capital of yachting. Although the modern Port Hercules was completed in 1926, it underwent substantial improvements in the 1970s to become the bustling hotspot known today. Here, revered in-house yacht historian, Malcolm Wood and SuperYacht Times take a closer look at some of the most iconic yachts to dock in the Principality between the 1950s and 1970s.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/48467/image/large-64f3c0345f41ab373ca7dea0a8f0da52.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48467">Carostefal anchored by Port Hercules of MonacoPictured here is the Rainier III Nautical Stadium, complete with its Olympic-sized swimming pool that was completed in 1972. If you look closely you can see Prince Rainier’s 22m superyacht Carostefal (named after his three children,) which was built in 1966 by the Italian Benetti yard in Viareggio.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/48468/image/large-ff1614bf3305a0678ed5423170eb7010.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48468">Istros&nbsp;arriving in Port Hercules of Monaco<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Istros42.06m (137'12&quot;)">Istros</a> is a classic yacht which was previously delivered in 1954 by Dutch shipyard De Vries Lentsch. She was recently purchased in April 2018 by a new owner as a yacht restoration project. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/194" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Istros42.06m (137'12&quot;)">Istros</a> was previously completely dismantled in 2013 as part of a restoration project initiated by Laurent Giles Naval architects and H2 Yacht Design. Her interiors, plumbing and wiring were removed at the time, but the project was stopped before it could be completed.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/48469/image/large-432b4fc94f0d343670a4833af81ee975.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48469"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christina O99.15m (325'4&quot;)"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christina O99.15m (325'4&quot;)"></a>Christina O&nbsp;in Port Hercules of Monaco<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christina O99.15m (325'4&quot;)">Christina O</a> was originally built as the Canadian naval frigate, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christina O99.15m (325'4&quot;)">Stormont</a>. In 1954 Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis purchased her for $34,000 and converted her into a superyacht at the HDW shipyard in Kiel. Following his death in 1975, she was given to the Greek government as a presidential yacht who renamed her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/336" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christina O99.15m (325'4&quot;)">Argo</a>. However, she was not used frequently under the government's ownership. Later on, in 1998, she was bought by a family friend of Onassis, who completely restored the yacht at the Croatian Viktor Lenac shipyard and offered her for charter.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/48470/image/large-9e12bd3b727245dc82adb72ed5ad55e0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48470">Odysseia&nbsp;in Monaco<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)">Odysseia</a> was originally built by Ramage &amp; Ferguson in 1906 under the name <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)">Minona</a>. She was used by the British navy during World War I and World War II. However, she became famous when Richard Burton bought her for Elizabeth Taylor in 1967 and renamed the yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kalizma50.29m (164'12&quot;)">Kalizma</a> after Burton’s children Kate, Liza and Maria. Having undergone numerous refits over the years, she was restored to her classic specifications in 2006 and is currently available for charter.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/48471/image/large-e830dafa41dc0f5b0e38c84df5f79e5e.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/48471">Radiant II&nbsp;arriving in Port Hercules of MonacoThe 57.55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1043" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady K II57.55m (188'10&quot;)">Radiant II</a> was originally built by English yard Austin &amp; Pickersgill in 1961 for Basil Mavroleon, one of England's most well-known shipping tycoons. After changing hands, as well as names numerous times, she was most recently offered for sale in 2015 as a refit project.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="/uploads/store/photo/23641/image/large-5807815e2703721ae6618b7a54d59cdb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23641"></a> This article is featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Subscribe now</a> to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

Monaco’s yachting history in pictures

Based on one of the most southernmost tips of Britain, nestled away in the beautifully sleepy and surprisingly beautiful town of Falmouth, is Pendennis. A shipyard that has been in the game for over three decades, their portfolio consists of some of the most technically challenging yet rewarding transformation projects, impressive refit projects, and an array of new build superyachts - both motor and sail - that are destined to be sailing the Seven Seas for years to come. With a substantial investment in facilities over the past few years, the sheds at Pendennis are full to capacity with no quiet period looming on the horizon. So, we asked joint Managing Director, Henk Wiekens - what’s the secret to success?

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165234/image/large-7a174b17f8506925d7bc40ef739e860b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165234">

Born in Holland, Wiekens journey to Pendennis started in the late 60s, just north of Amsterdam. Working for a small local shipyard, he learned his boat building skills at a relatively early age and by 1978, at the tender age of 25, he made the leap to building his own boats with a friend. Working with a similarly aged client, together his partner and himself built a small ketch from scratch - a ketch that went on to sail the world - and he was hooked. Moving to New Zealand together with their families in the early 80s, Wiekens continued to build boats - successfully.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165235/image/large-f9a2fbb8a9d135f3548a5b107c6d2e69.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165235">

So successfully in fact that what would become the Pendennis yard we know today invited Wiekens over to Falmouth to contribute to a small project. Accepting the invite from Peter de Savary - owner at the time - the initial invitation soon developed into a little more than originally anticipated: “Pendennis were building a couple of 12-metres for the Blue Arrow campaign in the summer of ‘88. During that time it became clear that the 12-metre market was gone for the America’s Cup. They then wanted to go into the superyacht business, so I was invited to set up the yard here and to take care of the construction of the first yacht, the 37-metre Taramber (now La Cattiva)... It was supposed to be a period of 18 months but, as you can see, I’m still here!”

One of the contributing factors to the permanent extension of Wiekens stay in Falmouth was the introduction to Mike Carr, six months after landing in the UK. Carr, who had worked with Vosper Thornycroft for a number of years, came from a more formally trained background in naval architecture and with an entirely different approach to business. It was in 1993 when Wiekens and Carr decided to take the leap with a management buyout, helped by De Savary. Now, they are - perhaps rather unusually - joint Managing Directors, an arrangement that continues to work to this day.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165236/image/large-7680380d1208548191756cf5ba00b7d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165236">

One of the principle elements of future proofing in recent years is most definitely the significant investment in the development of the yard’s facilities. Coming in at an eye-watering £24,000,000 and taking a number of years, Pendennis increased their capacity with three new sheds for new build and refit projects from 30 to 100 metres, as well as an enclosed yacht basin. The tangible benefits of such was immediately tasted at the yard, when the largest project ever to come to Pendennis, Aquila, in the summer of 2015, was apparently eager to be the first to experience the new and improved Pendennis shipyard. “After we increased our facilities we were taken to the test quite quickly,” Wiekens reminisces, “basically the concrete of the new facilities was still curing when she came in!”

Though Aquila is one of the most important projects undertaken at Pendennis in recent years, Wiekens warmly remembers an altogether different project some 20 years previous, a project in which he attributes to the possibility of essential growth and development at the company. It was 1995 when the 1903 schooner Adela was first welcomed into the Pendennis family. “Adela has fantastic owners and for me personally Adela will always have a big soft spot because she made so many things possible,” he says. “That’s the same with Rebecca and Adix as well. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to be so heavily involved from the word go, and working with the owners on that. These boats are landmarks.”

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165237/image/large-d1159848139c24507feb7bdd9656b7a0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165237">

The design challenge presented by Adela was to incorporate every conceivable modern yacht system and convenience into the interior without losing the je ne sais quoi of the original W.C. Storey design. Today, Adela cuts a classic profile blending traditional fittings with modern technology within her sumptuous interior as well as on deck. Since her initial restoration Adela has returned to the yard for remodelling work in 2000, during which she had a 5-metre mid-ship's hull extension, and for routine maintenance refits at both Pendennis facilities in Falmouth and Palma in 2006, 2012 and 2015. Speaking fondly of the project, Wiekens says, “A boat like Adela, 1903, a lot of purists had a lot of criticisms at the time, but since she left the yard in 1996, she’s done so many miles and the owners have so much fun with it. Adela really has been all around the world and races and sails… It really has been great.”

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165238/image/large-982b94879910a30f13c2047f95d69e70.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165238">

But it’s not just beautiful classic sailing boats that comprise Pendennis’ refit and transformation portfolio (though there are a fair few, the 1928 Fair Lady and 1930’s-built Shamrock V both from Camper &amp; Nicholsons as well as the 1915 Herreshoff-built Mariette of 1915), and they are no strangers to large, modern superyachts. One of the most recent examples is undoubtedly the aforementioned 85.6-metre Aquila (ex; Cakewalk), which was redelivered to her owners in summer 2016.

The largest yacht to grace the yard - made possible of course by that substantial investment that proves to be reaping the rewards - and the largest refit project ever undertaken in the UK to date, the scope of the project at hand was daunting to say the least. A complete revitalisation of all five deck levels required the interiors on board to be stripped back to bulkheads across most areas, and saw the addition of a 60 square metre private deck area, a complete repaint, extensive technological upgrades and the rebuild of four generators - and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The result is, what the company believes, a new benchmark for large refit yacht programmes, a statement that would be hard to argue with.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165239/image/large-9b57df80f3583814309b36ec7ee16e83.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165239">

Even though many in the industry have now come to automatically associate the Pendennis yard with refit and rebuilds, there are still plenty of new builds in Pendennis’ portfolio, including the largest privately owned luxury sailing catamaran in the world, the 44.2-metre Hemisphere, the 55-metre explorer yacht Steel (which was back home in the yard at the time of writing boasting a brand new paint job), and the 46-metre Ron Holland designed ketch, Christopher. Commenting on this assumption, Wiekens states, “We certainly do have more of a reputation now as a refit yard because more boats come through the yard, but for us, the big business plan was always a mix of both: new build and refit.”

So with such a varied and impressive portfolio, what is the secret to this steady success over the past quarter century? Of course long term visions, future proofing the company with investment and development, an attractive offering to both new build and refit markets, all come into play. But one of the most important aspects of their secret to success is their commitment to people. During my time at the yard, I met people from all sides of the business: from MD, to Marketing Director, from Project Managers to apprentices. People who have been at the company for a matter of months, people who have been there since the very beginning, and from the atmosphere and the attitudes I was presented with, it was obvious: Pendennis care about the people that work for them.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165240/image/large-9875ba5c129165cb0c4bf843b2a2dc58.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165240">

The almost family like nature of the business of course makes logical business sense: happy employees equals increased productivity and a more dedicated, passionate work ethic, which of course then plays into the success of a project and the quality of the end result. And, realistically, this is probably a huge contributing factor when it comes to clients coming back again and again and again. Wiekens says: “What we’ve got here is a big variety of how you can do things differently and just give a personal touch. A yacht is not just a thing to have, it’s a thing they want to put their own creativity and energy into. Clients don’t need yachts, they want them. If the experience isn’t fun, then they will never see you again.”

So with nearly 30 years’ under their belt at the top, what’s next for Pendennis? “Mike and I are on the runners right now, not on the helm!” Wiekens laughs. “We’ve put ourselves in a position where whatever the market will do, we will be able to adapt to it very quickly, and it’s not dependent on Mike and I. We have set out a long term strategy - as you can see with the investment we have done - and that is not just for the next two years. We’re now set up knowledge and skills wise to easily continue for another 30 years. The long term strategy is for another two, three, four generations to continue with this company. Boats will be different by that time, but I think boats like Adela, for example, will still be around. They still need to be looked after over the years, but these are boats that are going to be timeless.” With passion and people at their core, Pendennis certainly looks set to stand the test of time.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165241/image/large-de3d35a86e9c7ff5f66c78cd513d36d6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165241">

This article was featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">Subscribe now</a> to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank"><img alt="[no-lb]" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165242/image/large-6676a6053bce6681ff4d513873581c60.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/161506"></a>

Insight: People, passion, Pendennis

Pictured in this <a href="https://instagram.com/p/1Yx3gEORTK/">Instagram post</a> from Kieran Hannon is the 75.22 metre sloop M5 (ex. Mirabella V) in San Diego with her own seaplane on board. Built by Vosper Thornycroft in 2004, she was designed in her entirety by Ron Holland Design. In 2005 she returned to the Vosper Thornycroft yard for extensive repairs to her lift keel, whilst in 2007 she visited the Amico yard for maintenance work. The space on board for the seaplane follows the extensive 24 month refit, remodel and stern extension that was undertaken by Pendennis and completed in June 2014. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/153464/image/large-cc4668a6a77dd4dbfb1a66b6598c199d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/153464">Commenting on the 2014 refit, Ron Holland Design says, “All involved at Ron Holland Design were excited to contribute to the extensive refit of M5. This ground breaking sailing yacht has gained a new life, incorporating her new owners personal detailing requirements as well as new engines, genets, and many related systems. The intention is to ensure M5 can remain in world voyaging condition for the foreseeable future.”Built in GRP, she has a Gross Tonnage of 1004 and accommodates up to 14 guests on board over one master suite, four double cabins and two twin cabins. A crew of 15 are also accommodated for. Powered by twin MTU 12V 2000 M70 engines, she has a maximum speed of 14 knots, a cruising speed of 12 knots, and a range of 3,000 nm.By Gemma Fottles

Photo of superyacht M5 with a seaplane on board

Trimline Yacht Interiors has unveiled the new interior of superyacht Shemara, which has just undergone a major refit. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150155/image/large-0311cebcb814d76d310b8c3feeb68a2c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150155">Crew cabins, bathrooms, mess areas and the main saloon have all been revitalised She now has a modern twist to the interior with many original features to commemorate the yacht’s rich heritage.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150156/image/large-4ca0d71af1270d49054e5f140c4fc06c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150156">The main saloon for example, features a hand-made stone fireplace and timber panelling providing a grand entertaining space.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150157/image/large-7ab7abe343cd1993072dce22fbd08b2e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150157">Built in Southampton by Vosper Thorneycroft in 1938, the 65 metre motor yacht has a colourful history after being used as a submarine training vessel during World War II.By Maarten Janssen

First look on board superyacht Shemara

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/148705/image/large-7cb5ee0e36745a1528dbd8e0bb3fc01c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/148705">Explorer superyacht Akula in GenoaThe 59 metre explorer superyacht Akula was originally built by Amels in 1974 as a pilot vessel and converted into an explorer yacht by Vosper Thornycorft in 1999. Akula was refitted to accommodate professional helicopter operations and to be able to cruise the world in style, safety and comfort. She underwent an interior and exterior refit in 2008 and in 2010 her engines were overhauled.By Maarten Janssen / <a href="http://www.SuperYachtPhoto.com">SuperYachtPhoto.com</a>

Explorer superyacht Akula in Genoa

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/147819/image/large-be9941c9991bce285aac58e7c66e087f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/147819"> Explorer superyacht AkulaThe 59 metre explorer superyacht Akula was originally built by Amels in 1974 as a pilot vessel and converted into an explorer yacht by Vosper Thornycorft in 1999. During Akula’s conversion a flightdeck and helicopter hangar were addded. Akula underwent an interior and exterior refit in 2008 and in 2010 her engines were overhauled. She is listed for sale with Bluewater with an asking price of $ 10,950,000. Here Akula is pictured in the Caribbean in April 2013.By Merijn de Waard, Photo by Benoit Donne

The former Dutch pilot vessel Akula in the Caribbean

Bluewater Yachting has been appointed central agents for the sale of superyacht Akula, the converted 1974 explorer vessel. Formerly a Dutch pilot vessel Akula was converted to a rugged exploration yacht in 1999 by Vosper Thornycroft. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/136637/image/large-50636108d1716686674aee6d398c13d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/136637">BMT Nigel Gee provided all naval architecture and structural design for the conversion including the addition of a flight deck and helicopter hangar. A partial interior and extensive exterior refit was completed at H2X in La Ciotat in 2008 and engine and generator overhaul in Malta 2010. She is a wonderful example of a well-kept conversion from her working days as a Dutch Pilot vessel. Originally built in Holland to the highest Dutch naval specification, her condition today reflects her high standard of construction and the maintenance and care that has followed throughout her life until now. She now awaits a new owner to continue the enjoyments of a truly special vessel.Akula is being offered for sale at $ 14,750,000.Bluewater Yachting +33 (0) 493 34 34 13 <a href="mailto:brokerage@bluewateryachting.com?subject=Akula%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">brokerage@bluewateryachting.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bluewateryachting.com/">www.bluewateryachting.com</a>

Superyacht explorer vessel Akula for sale with Bluewater Yachting

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130346/image/large-019b9c295b17cb7beed6685c98123ccd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/130346">Sailing yacht Mirabella V off AntiguaThe 75 metre super sloop <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/301">Mirabella V</a> anchored off Antigua in December 2009. The superyacht was built in the United Kingdom by Vosper Thornycroft to a design of Ron Holland Design. The luxury sailing yacht is offered for charter through Select Charter Services and available for sale through Camper &amp; Nicholsons International, asking EU 49,000,000. By Merijn de Waard

Sailing yacht Mirabella V off Antigua

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/129407/image/large-adce70a21f9c7db7641afe3f1de22fff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/129407">Deianeira off PortofinoThe 38 metre <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1188">Deianeira</a> was built by Vosper Thornycroft in 1951 and was refitted in the 1991 with a new interior by Francois Catroux. She features a steel hull and steel superstructure, and can sleep 9 guests and 7 crew.By Maarten Janssen