Classic Motor Yacht Malahne re-launches
The 165ft / 50m classic motor yacht Malahne was re-launched on March 14th at Pendennis Shipyard, Falmouth, after a meticulous 30 month restoration, during which the project’s details have been shrouded in secrecy. Designed by Charles E. Nicholson and built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1937, Malahne is one of a small number of pre-war motor yachts to have survived until the 21st Century. Having now undergone one of the most ambitious restorations of all time, her original elegance has been reinstated, whilst being modernised to be fully classed by Lloyd’s Register and compliant with the MCA Large Yacht Code (LY3).
While many people share a love for historic yachts, Nicholas Edmiston, the Chairman of Edmiston & Company, was uniquely placed to rescue and restore Malahne, having previously played vital roles in the rebirth of both Nahlin and Bluebird. He had followed the chequered history of the yacht for decades and in his own words, “I was fortunate to interest an Owner who understood and embraced this vision, and who entrusted Edmiston to pull together a team that could bring Malahne back to life.” Nick subsequently organized a project team and shipyard, who shared the passion and transformed this dream into a reality.
Malahne’s restoration has been carried out by Pendennis Shipyard, with classic yacht experts G. L. Watson & Co. providing the exterior design and the interior design for the crew accommodation. As William Collier, its Managing Director, comments, “The Malahne project is the most ambitious motor yacht restoration yet undertaken. The challenge of recreating many of the yacht’s features while achieving a faithful restoration of the hull shape has been very rewarding. Together we have brought an historically important yacht back to life. Malahne appears as she did in the 1930s, while having all of today’s conveniences.”
On-site project management was provided by G. L. Watson and Edmiston Yacht Management (EYM), who pooled their complementary design and technical expertise to work closely with Pendennis. Strong team work was required to restore the aesthetic and historical integrity of the yacht, while simultaneously installing the highest standards of modern comfort, technology and safety. As Malahne emerged from the build shed, Jacqui Lyne, EYM Director, summed up the excitement of all members of the project team: “It is like seeing a beautiful butterfly emerge into the sunlight!”
The spectacular Art Deco influenced interior design of the Owner and Guest areas was created by Oliver Laws, whose devotion to period design was previously applied to the interiors of Claridges in London. As the designer, Guy Oliver, explained: “The Owner’s brief to “make Malahne look as if she had been in continuous ownership since she was built” was wonderful and daunting. The new Malahne had to function with contemporary requirements for air conditioning and technology, all of which had to be contained in an original envelope. I spent a long time establishing a language and grammar for the interior, with bespoke detailing, woods and materials appropriate to the period, (which were all hand worked and finished), as well as designing and sourcing original furniture in a lightly eclectic way to give an air of authenticity and continuity. The result is a vessel of charm and elegance that makes a distinctive statement for which I am sure she will become renowned.”
The stylistic sensibilities of the Owner and designers has resulted in a unique yacht, with the fine details throughout … lighting, anchors, the bridge telecom, hand-painted surfaces and intricately authentic styling .. that are fully sympathetic to her original era. Mike Carr, Managing Director of Pendennis, is extremely proud of the standard of workmanship on-board: “Over the past two and half years the team here has worked incredibly hard to bring Malahne back to life. Seeing the final transformation from her 1980s form back to her original design, her launch marks a proud moment for everyone involved. Our tradespeople from all areas have applied quality, care, pride and passion to every aspect of the project. There have been unprecedented opportunities to showcase their restoration skills, whilst sympathetically integrating modern systems. Malahne now commands a special place in the Pendennis fleet.”
On completion of trials, Malahne will be one of the most detailed, distinctive and beautiful motor yachts to be launched in recent decades, suitably reflective of an incredibly glamorous era of yachting. After sailing from Falmouth, she will return to the Mediterranean where she will be enjoyed by her Owner. Yacht operations will be managed by Edmiston Yacht Management, and Malahne will be available for charter through Edmiston.
Further Information
Malahne
Malahne was originally commissioned by W. L. Stephenson, the chairman of Woolworths in the UK. He already owned the J Class cutter Velsheda which was named after his daughters Velma, Sheila and Daphne. For Malahne he used the second halves of the threesome’s names. Stephenson cruised extensively on both sides of the Atlantic, but with the outbreak of war Malahne was commandeered by the Admiralty. As HMS Malahne, the yacht served on the Channel Patrol, and took part in the Dunkirk evacuation before seeing service for the Fleet Air Arm.
Post-War, Malahne had a series of European and American Owners before being acquired by movie producer Sam Spiegel in 1960. Spiegel, who produced On the Waterfront, The African Queen and Bridge over the River Kwai, initially used her as his floating production office off Aquaba during the filming of Lawrence of Arabia and in the 20 years that followed she became one of the most glamorous yachts in the Mediterranean. Spiegel’s cruises and parties were legendary and the guest book reads like a who’s who of Hollywood, with Elizabeth Taylor, Kirk Douglas, Greta Garbo, Grace Kelly, Peter Sellers, Jack Nicholson and many other famous names gracing Malahne. The 1970s cult classic, The Last of Sheila, co-written by Stephen Sondheim and featuring James Mason, James Coburn, Dyan Cannon and Raquel Welch, was also filmed aboard Malahne.
Specifications
Build Date: 1937
Builder: Camper & Nicholsons
LOA after restoration: 165ft / 50.29m
Draft: 10ft 9” / 3.28m
Beam: 25ft / 7.89m
Gross Tonnage: 440 GRT
Construction: Steel hull /Aluminium superstructure
Guests: 9 in 5 cabins
Crew: 12 in 7 cabins
Restoration & Naval Architect: Pendennis Shipyard Ltd
Owner’s Project Management: Edmiston & G. L. Watson & Co
Exterior Design, Crew Accommodation: G. L. Watson & Co
Interior Designer Owner & Guest areas: Guy Oliver (Oliver Laws Ltd)
Yacht Management & Charter: Edmiston Yacht Management
Pendennis Shipyard
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 over 350 highly skilled trades people based at the 10 acre prime water front location in Falmouth, UK.
The yard’s current development plans have seen the available undercover space increased to provide three water-facing main sheds which consist of 2x90m and 1x45m construction halls. This has provided additional flexible undercover space for Pendennis increasing capacity for both new build and refit contracts for 30-100m superyachts. The yard has taken delivery of a 640tonne travel hoist to support these new facilities. Pendennis is now developing a non-tidal wet basin to accommodate superyachts before and after their time in the yard, which is scheduled for completion May 2015*
Over the past few years the company has expanded with the creation of the Pendennis Palma refit facility in 2011. The creation of Pendennis Plus (following the acquisition of Devonport Yachts in 2011) added expertise in the 60m+ arena, and in 2013 the company extended their yacht support service to the Pacific. Having celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013, Pendennis continues to improve its facilities and international reputation.
Current projects include:
- New Build: 31.3m Dubois Sloop
- Refits : SY Adix, MY Northern Star, 56m motor yacht, J-Class Lionheart, 46m Motor Yacht
- Restoration: classic MY Malahne
- Pendennis Palma: SY Velacarina, MY Golden Eagle, SY Nostromo, MY Heavenly Daze
* The Pendennis Yard Development project is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs.
For further details about Pendennis contact: Christine Winans – Marketing & PR
T: +44 (0)1326 211344 F: +44 (0)1326 319253 E christine.winans@pendennis.com
Edmiston
Edmiston & Company is a world leader in the superyacht industry. Specialising in the sale, charter, management and new construction of the largest and most important yachts, the company has an unrivalled reputation when it comes to performing for its clients at the very highest level.
With a global network of offices in key international locations, Edmiston has the international presence combined with the key local knowledge necessary to service the needs of its clients, worldwide.
Edmiston was founded by Chairman Nicholas Edmiston in Monaco in 1996. Initially with offices in Monaco and London, the company grew over the next decade with offices opening in international locations including Mexico City, New York and Abu Dhabi. Edmiston has always led the way in terms of marketing and branding, the distinctive red identity being launched at the Americas Cup Jubilee Regatta in Cowes in August 2001. Since then, the Edmiston brand has become universally recognised and acclaimed, becoming the most recognised and respected brand in yachting. As the company heads into a new decade, Edmiston continues to innovate and perform at the highest level for its clients. With over 80 staff working at our international network of offices, Edmiston’s leadership position in the yacht business remains strong.
When it comes to selling or chartering large yachts, Edmiston prides itself on its ability to consistently outperform the competition. Edmiston combines the most innovative and recognised marketing in yachting, with a dedicated and sophisticated sales operation that ensures the yachts we represent are seen by the right people worldwide. The company also encourages straight talking and honest market analysis – we believe it’s better to give accurate and realistic information on what the market is doing rather than just telling clients what we think they want to hear.
Edmiston Monte Carlo Office
T: +377 93 30 54 44
E: JML@Edmiston.com
G. L. Watson & Co
The first yacht design studio to be established, G.L. Watson & Co. have a tradition of excellence & innovation. The firm’s classic yacht designs have been recognised as pre-eminent and these are supported by a wide range of other yacht services.
Recognised as experts in yacht design, superyacht management and the restoration of classic yachts, the firm played a leading role in the acclaimed restorations of Bluebird and Nahlin. Supporting its design base, G. L. Watson & Co. maintains the largest privately held yacht design archive in the world.
Over time the parameters and challenges of yachting have changed, but our tradition of quality and our values remain. Building on experience and an extensive archive of classic yacht designs, the firm specialises in realising complex yachting projects without compromising authenticity or modern requirements.
Today G.L. Watson & Co. is retained by leading yacht owners to provide a comprehensive range of yachting services for both classic yachts and modern superyachts.
G.L. Watson & Co. Ltd
T: +44 (151) 601 8080
F: +44 (151) 601 8070
E: enquiries@glwatson.com
Guy Oliver, Oliver Laws Ltd
Oliver Laws Ltd, formerly David Laws Designs Ltd, was founded in 1986 by David Laws, a former partner of the renowned English decoration firm, Colefax and Fowler. Guy Oliver joined him as Co-Director in 1995 and ultimately assumed ownership of the practice in 2002.
Many of our projects involve historic or listed buildings and interiors and the firm has designed a broad range of projects from listed country houses to the state rooms at Number 10 Downing Street, as well as yachts; aircraft; embassies; luxury hotels (Claridge’s and The Connaught); restaurants (for Hélène Darroze; René Redzepi and Simon Rogan,) as well as museum exhibitions (the Louvre and the Chateau de Versailles).
We believe in combining our unique aesthetic with an exceptional knowledge of period design and technique and a deep appreciation of fine craftsmanship. It is our aim to deliver quality and comfort in an appropriate style, with a level of service and attention to detail often unexpected in today’s changing world. The company has completed projects in the United Kingdom; Europe; Switzerland; Russia; North and South America; Africa; Asia and the Middle East.
Oliver Laws Ltd
T: +44 (0) 20 7437 8487
F: +44 (0) 20 7287 1751
E: enquiries@oliverlaws.com
