59m classic yacht Marala begins sea trials following two-year rebuild

The 59 metre classic motor yacht Marala has been spotted on sea trials in Falmouth after a "painstaking" two-year restoration project at Pendennis.

Originally built in steel by Camper and Nicholsons in 1931, Marala arrived at Pendennis' Falmouth facility in August 2019 to undergo a rigorous programme of work with the aim of restoring the yacht to her former glory.

Marala was sold in 2017, the first time in 50 years. During her lifetime, she has undergone a number of modifications, which included a conversion for naval service during the Second World War, as well as sailing beneath names such as Gaviota, Zapala and Evadne.

The focus of the restoration was to retain Marala’s original character of the 1930s era, while modernising on board systems and technology. The yard set out to restore the yacht’s profile to her original lines while carrying out a complete paint programme and refurbishment of the yacht’s teak decks.

Other work included upgrades to the yacht’s steelwork, as well as domestic and electrical systems. London design studio Muza Lab was commissioned to redesign the interior décor, as well as overhaul the guest area. Pendennis said the new interior design “respects and celebrates the 1930s spirit of the vessel”.

Speaking about the conversion, Marala’s captain said: “The extensive structural and paint works undertaken has been a major part of the project for the owners. Their passion for the yacht and this restoration project has been driven by their desire to preserve and secure Marala’s pedigree for both themselves and future generations of classic yacht enthusiasts."

Joint managing director of Pendennis, Mike Carr, said the yard’s track record of carrying out complex restoration projects on yachts including Haida 1929 and Shamrock V has given the company “a deep respect for preserving the heritage of these yachts for generations to come.”

She was refloated in November 2021 which marked the beginning of the final phase of construction and was moved to the shipyard's wet basin facility for completion ahead of sea trials and delivery which is anticipated this summer.