UK: Pendennis Shipyard Concludes Busiest Refit Season in Their 23 Year History

Pendennis has recently concluded its busiest refit season in their 23 year history, with six vessels being finished over the past few weeks.A significant project undertaken was MY Audacia with an impressive list of updates completed in just nine weeks.

This included comprehensive design improvements including a 2m stern extension, reconfigured aft curving staircases and underwater lighting which formed part of the overall restyling by Joanne de Guardiola Design. Pendennis undertook the installation of a more modern deck crane to tie into the new aesthetics alongside various system upgrades including replacement of the A/C system and improvements to the stability of the vessel by way of ‘Quantum’ zero speed stabilisers to ensure comfort both at sea and at anchor. Audacia’s first trip following her visit to Cornwall was to the Cannes Film Festival where her new lines and features were greatly admired.

Refit work was simultaneously undertaken on the schooner Adela, who was re-launched at the beginning of May. The schedule of works included updating of her furnishings by Pendennis’ interior design team, an engineering overhaul, new generators, paintwork and electrical work. This was also the first time that Adela has had her impressive mainsail replaced since her rebuild at Pendennis in 1992.

SY Andromeda La Dea arrived at Pendennis in November 2010 for her ABS 20 year survey following which she has also received portions of new teak deck and a full exterior repaint by Pendennis’ experienced in-house paint specialists. This 1990 Perini Navi vessel is currently docked alongside the 37m explorer vessel MY Dardanella in Port Pendennis Marina whilst finishing works are undertaken before departure which is scheduled for the end of May. Dardanella’s programme of works included replacement Northern Light generators, a wet room for Bridge Deck to give more flexible pilot berth accommodation, reconfiguration of the Ship’s Office and the addition of a Jacuzzi on the sun deck as well as converting the Owner’s shower to a steam room.

The team at Pendennis is well underway on a substantial refit of a 42m Feadship motor yacht, whose details remain under wraps. Also nearing completion is the sailing catamaran Hemisphere, which is due to be unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show in September. Flood up took place in May and Hemisphere’s impressive 53m wing mast is due to be installed following its delivery to the yard this week. MY Lady Georgina, MY Illusion and SY Constance have also paid a short visit providing a total of seven superyachts moored at the marina providing a truly impressive and unique sight in Falmouth Bay.

Naturally Pendennis continues to be involved in more local projects, with short works completed on the iconic 181’ Cornish Chain Ferry, the King Harry Ferry (built by Pendennis in 2006), and a refit of SY Carte Blanche after her second winter stay in the yard. Built in 1967 by Nautor’s Swan Carte Blanche is the oldest Swan still to be in use and will now embark on her annual racing season around Falmouth.

Mike Carr, Joint Managing Director at Pendennis, commented ‘We are very proud of the significant amount of work that the Pendennis team has achieved over the winter months. We have invested heavily in our facilities and people over the past few years and as such are able to take on this range and quantity of projects without compromising on quality. We are looking forward to a busy refit season in 2011/12 due to the worldwide reputation that Pendennis has earned for efficient and uncompromising motor and sailing yacht projects.’

Pendennis:

Pendennis has one of the world’s leading custom superyacht build and refit facilities. Building on hundreds of years of local maritime heritage, Pendennis has become one of Cornwall’s most important employers – with 350 highly skilled trades people based at their 6.5 acre prime water front location in Falmouth, UK. Recent infrastructure developments at the yard have seen their outer 75m dry dock completely enclosed and the addition of a 55m (L) x 17m (H) x 16m (W) covered tented space on hard standing in the centre of the yard. Both bring additional flexible undercover space for Pendennis to develop both new build and refit contracts. The current projects at Pendennis are:

o New builds – Akalam Barracuda 105 Sloop

o Refits – SY Adela, SY Andromeda La Dea, MY Dardanella, 42m Feadship

o Completion – SY Hemisphere 44m catamaran

o Yacht support – MY Illusion, MY Lady Georgina, SY Constance

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Source: convergencecornwall, May 26, 2011;