On Thursday 10th June Falmouth based superyacht builder and refitter Pendennis, was delighted to host a presentation by the internationally renowned yacht designer Ron Holland.
After designing his first boat over 40 years ago in New Zealand, Ron’s enthusiasm for sailing combined with a natural technical understanding has enabled his career to flourish over the years, making him one of the world’s most sought after and respected yacht designers.
The talk, held in Pendennis’ Marine Skills Centre, was a fascinating overview of the broad range of vessels that he has been involved with, most famously Mirabella V the world’s largest ever single-masted yacht at just over 75m. Ron has been involved in several new builds at Pendennis, the latest being ‘Christopher’ a 46m performance cruising ketch which is due to be launched later this year. Construction is well underway on this impressive vessel, the layout of which will contain three staterooms and a study, providing the owners and their guests with accommodation for up to 12, with a further four cabins sleeping eight crew.
Ron Holland
Inspiring for employees of Pendennis and visitors alike the presentation was a refreshing insight into a career in yacht design that developed not from courses or official training but from a passion for sailing that stems back to childhood. Now this passion continues as he creates vessels that are a clever balance of classic design and modern technology, always focused on balancing performance with client needs and vision.
The evening raised money for the RNLI, which Ron has supported throughout his career in the marine industry. Due to the success of the event Pendennis is also planning another talk by Ron Holland at the Falmouth Poly later this year.
Ron Holland’s career began after he designed the ¼ tonner Eygthene, which won its first race the 1973 ¼ ton Cup. This success led to a commission to design a One-ton class yacht for Irish businessman Hugh Coveney, enabling Ron set up as an independent designer in Kinsale, Co. Cork, where he has been based ever since.
Pendennis has one of the world’s leading custom superyacht build and refit facilities. Building on hundreds of years of local maritime heritage, Pendennis has become one of Cornwall’s most important employers – with 350 highly skilled trades people based at their 6.5 acre prime water front location in Falmouth, UK. Recent infrastructure developments at the yard have seen their outer 75m dry dock completely enclosed and the addition of a 55m (L) x 17m (H) x 16m (W) covered tented space on hard standing in the centre of the yard. Both bring additional flexible undercover space for Pendennis to develop both new build and refit contracts.
Pendennis hosts the Ron Holland Presentation
The current projects at Pendennis are:
Barracuda 105 Sailing Yacht
New build – Barracuda 105
The Pendennis Barracuda 105 sailing yacht is a 32m aluminium motor-sailor intended for a European client. With naval architecture provided by Barracuda Yacht Design and interior design by Javier Munoz, the yacht is due for completion during summer 2010.
The Ron Holland Designed 46m Sailing Ketch as built by Pendennis
New Build – The Ron Holland 150’ sailing yacht Christopher
The Ron Holland 46m (150) sailing yacht is a Pendennis partnership with Ron Holland Design and Palm Beach Yachts International. Pendennis is building the new 46m performance cruising ketch. Construction is well on the way with delivery in late 2010. Three staterooms and a study will provide the owners and their guests with accommodation for up to 12, with a further four cabins forward sleeping eight crew.
Refit –
Truly Classic Velacarina, 50m Feadship, the 42m Herreshoff schooner Mariette, & Rebecca the largest ketch to be built at Pendennis
Completion –
Catamaran Hemisphere
The 44m catamaran Sailing Yacht Hemisphere
The luxury catamaran HEMISPHERE is the largest sailing catamaran in the world at 44m (145ft). Her huge size means she can afford every luxury as well as sail or motor at high speeds. Being a catamaran she is also very stable at sea. Yacht HEMISPHERE was begun in the USA by the Derecktor Shipyard New York and is being finished in England’s Pendennis Shipyard. She will be able to accommodate up to 12 charter guests in luxury in 4 double and 1 twin cabin.
Marine Skills Centre
Pendennis Yachts UK - The turning of a super sailing yacht
The Marine Skills Centre is the base for Pendennis’ extensive training and apprenticeship schemes. Run in conjunction with Cornwall College the objective is to lead the way on marine training in the south west. The Falmouth Marine Skills Centre will run a host of marine courses which will include superyacht crew training, paint and surface finishing, and marine engineering courses and apprenticeships. The conference, classroom and workshop facilities are also available to hire.
