Mirabella V, the largest sailing sloop in the world - and fifth largest sailing yacht - has arrived at the Pendennis Plus yard in Falmouth, UK to start a year-long refit. Now renamed M5 by her new owner, who bought the yacht from Joe Vittoria last June, the 75.2m yacht is being adapted inside and out to suit his needs.
M5 will have a 3 metre stern extension, giving her a larger bathing platform, and a side boarding platform installed. The structural fabrication of the composite stern will be undertaken by Green Marine with support from structural engineers High Modulus, while her original naval architect Ron Holland will be steering all the structural improvements.
Her interior will also undergo a transformation with original interior designers Redman Whiteley Dixon involved in the redesign of the main and lower decks in a contemporary style.
The refit will also see the main engines, generators, switchboards and sewage treatment plant replaced and the air-conditioning system, electrics and entertainment system upgraded. A 10 year DNV survey will complement these works. The yacht's 90m mast, which is being removed ahead of the structural work, will be overhauled along with the rig, and she will also have a full hull repaint.
The yacht’s captain, Rocka Romke, has explained the process behind the selection of the British-based team: 'The team assembled for the works are testament to the quality of the workforce and facilities available in the UK. Of course Ron Holland is very familiar with the yacht and is perfectly positioned enhance its appearance whilst remaining sympathetic to the original design. Both Pendennis Plus and Redman Whiteley Dixon have established reputations as being amongst the best in their fields with experience in both the large yacht and sailing yacht sectors. I believe the collaboration between these parties will elevate M5 to be one of the most impressive and original sailing yachts in the world both in structure and style.'
Once her refit has been completed in 2013, M5's new owner plans to cruise her extensively, but she may yet return to the charter market.