Classic motor yacht Malahne re-launches after two-and-a-half year restoration

The 50m (165ft) classic motor yacht Malahne was re-launched on 14th March at Pendennis Shipyard, Falmouth, after a two-and-a-half year 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, according to Pendennis 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).

Nicholas Edmiston, the chairman of Edmiston & Company, was uniquely placed to rescue and restore Malahne, having previously played a role in the rebirth of yachts Nahlin and Bluebird.

He commented, “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 organised 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. William Collier, managing director of G. L. Watson & Co commented, “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 design and technical expertise to work closely with Pendennis.

The 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.”

Mike Carr, managing director of Pendennis said, “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.”

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.

For more information, visit Pendennis Shipyard.