Following a significant number of entries into the 2013 World Superyacht Awards, this week saw Boat International announce that the Pendennis refitted motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) has successfully been nominated as a finalist in the Superyacht Refit category.
Pendennis refitted motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) on her Maiden Voyage
Luxury yacht A2 spent 16 months in the Falmouth yard being completely transformed from her 1980s design into one to rival any contemporary vessel, both in aesthetics and performance. The yacht arrived at Pendennis in the spring of 2011 with the initial task being the complete removal of the vessel’s interior and systems stripping the yacht back to bare steel hull and aluminium superstructure.
The Structural Engineers at BMT Nigel Gee worked alongside the technical team at Pendennis to design a five metre extension across three levels, increasing her LOA from 42.5m to 47m, thereby substantially enhancing the inboard social areas. The interior layout was much improved with the creation of a full width master stateroom which dramatically increased the level of luxury within the Owner’s accommodation. The new interior of A2 yacht also includes a much larger main lounge with the addition of a second lounge area on the top deck.
Masquerade of Sole yacht before refit at Pendennis
Superyacht A2’s exterior social areas also benefitted from the new transom with increased al fresco dining spaces and redesigned twin access stairwells (rather than the previous single ladder system) giving more convenient access to the new swim platform and boarding passerelle. The new interiors are complemented by a dramatic and luxurious interior designed by Peter Marino Architect.
Alongside the redesign the Owner’s brief was to increase both the range and cruising speed of the yacht following her rebuild. This was achieved in both areas; with her cruising speed now a steady 14 knots rather than 12 knots from new MTU main engines. Feadship yacht A2 now comfortably achieves a maximum of 15.8 knots alongside a dramatically improved fuel consumption increasing her fuel range from 3,500NM at 12KTS s to 4,200NM cruising at 14KTS.
A2 superyacht - aft view
Pendennis also undertook a complete engineering upgrade, replacing all technology, electrical systems, engine room equipment, and air conditioning/water systems throughout leaving the vessel more akin to a newly built superyacht rather than a 20-year old one, and thereby making the ongoing engineering maintenance programme much lighter than usual for a vessel of this age.
The Owner explained their reasons for such a substantial remodel: “Masquerade of Sole provided a fantastic base yacht for the project, as yachts of this era are well known for their structural integrity and longevity. By stripping down to the hull we could make the most of this aspect of the existing yacht, but still optimise the volume and plan the interior and exterior layout with a modern styling best suited to our needs, as if designing a new yacht.”
A2 Yacht - Interior
“During the project my wife and I were heavily involved in the layout and interior design aspects of A2. Having a small focused Owner’s team and strong relationship with Pendennis proved to be a very successfully formula. The team provided regular updates, discussing new plans and GA options along way with a constant review of technological ideas and advancements. From the outset the team at Pendennis were able to apply their substantial knowledge of engineering and electrical systems to plan for a much more efficient and responsive vessel.”
With delivery scheduled for June 2012 the rebuild of Feadship motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) was a very intensive project requiring significant pre-planning and a concentrated design period. This ensured from the outset that despite the compressed delivery schedule the high quality of workmanship in all trades, were not compromised in any way. The project was complemented by a full paint job before A2 undertook motor trials in Falmouth Bay in May 2012. Her final transformation was dramatic, almost the equivalent of building a new yacht rather than a conventional refit project.
Aboard luxury yacht A2 refitted by Pendennis
Since A2 yacht was launched the Owners have spent numerous weeks on board in the Mediterranean and Caribbean and are looking forward to exploring further afield later in the year.
