The 24.9 metre sailing yacht Atao has emerged from a major refit at Cornish shipyard Pendennis.
She is now undertaking sea trials close to the Pendennis facilities, and she will be handed over to her owners on Wednesday next week.
The refit, which began in 2021, included a number of key modifications including the installation of all-new sustainably-sourced teak decking. Grown on a plantation at faster speeds than regular teak, the deck boasts a lightweight foam core and classic vertical laminate.
Atao's hull, mast, inner bulwarks and cockpit enjoyed a fresh paint job and the pilot house and skylights were stripped, varnished and built back up. In terms of technical changes, her main engine, generator and major systems were all extensively serviced, and her rig received a comprehensive overhaul and service.
Meanwhile, the sailing yacht’s interior received new shower enclosures, new Corian taps in the bathrooms and fresh lighting and curtains. The helm station also underwent a change to its layout.
One of the key requests made by the owner and team concerned ballast removal. Pendennis was able to remove 300kg of lead from the bow, giving Atao a fresh lease of life.
“Considering the amount of work that actually needed doing, Pendennis was able to complete the project very quickly,” said captain Maurice Pimm. “We didn’t lose nearly as much time as we could have done.”
Atao was delivered in 2006 by French shipyard JFA Yachts. Naval architecture comes from Barracuda Yacht Design, while Inigo Toledo has penned her exteriors. Dick Young has crafted the yacht’s elegant interiors.
The refit comes at a busy time for Pendennis, with the yard also working on a complete transformation of 35 metre explorer yacht Project Fox.