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35 years of Pendennis: a round up of 2023

Throughout the year we’ve reflected on stand-out moments from Pendennis’ 35-year history. We’re finally up to date, and today we’ll be focusing on the best moments from this year. 2023 has been a special year indeed, with it being our 35th anniversary, 25th anniversary of our apprenticeship scheme and the 5th anniversary of our investment into Vilanova.

Marala’s World Superyacht Award win

We were delighted to be awarded “Best Rebuild” at the prestigious World Superyacht Awards in May for classic Camper & Nicholsons motor yacht Marala. The judges recognised Pendennis’ meticulous period-conscious rebuild of the 92-year-old classic motor yacht and considered her worthy of a Neptune award. Marala’s restoration at Pendennis took place over two and a half years, in which she undertook a truly transformative process, resulting in her being preserved for generations to come, all the while restoring her to her original glory. Read more about Marala here.

Classic motor yacht Marala at sea during sunset, winner of Best Rebuild at the 2023 World Superyacht Awards.

Marala wins "Rebuilt yacht" at the World Superyacht Awards 2023

Pendennis team celebrate as Marala wins "Rebuilt yacht" at the World Superyacht Awards 2023

Marala wins "Rebuilt yacht" at the World Superyacht Awards 2023

5 years of Pendennis Vilanova

2023 marked 5 years since our investment into Pendennis Vilanova, and how far we have come! What started as a marina with a simple repair yard for Med-centric yachts has flourished into a multifaceted technical hub for superyachts in the Mediterranean. This year saw Pendennis Vilanova celebrate its 300th project and saw the completion of the brand-new paint facility which complements our other workshops. We look forward to Pendennis Vilanova’s continual development and future success. Notably, we also launched a brand-new website for Pendennis Vilanova, all part of our wider rebranding project. Look at Pendennis Vilanova’s website here.

Panoramic aerial view of Pendennis Villanova's strategic Mediterranean location showing the expansive marina facilities, superyacht servicing area, and proximity to coastal town with mountain backdrop

Pendennis Vilanova from the air. Photography by YachtShot

The Pendennis Vilanova team. Photography by YachtShot

The Pendennis Vilanova team. Photography by YachtShot

37th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta

Furthermore, in September of this year Pendennis Vilanova hosted the first Preliminary Regatta of the 37th America’s Cup which was a huge success. Pendennis Vilanova served as the technical area to host the race teams and their AC40s. Since its inauguration in 1851, the America’s Cup has come to Europe only twice – we were honoured to be chosen as the host location. You can view the action and round up videos from the event on our social channels.

Orient Express and Luna Rossa AC40s racing off the coast during the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Vilanova i la Geltrú.

The America's Cup fleet

Aerial view of the America's Cup team village and foiling yachts at Pendennis Vilanova during regatta setup.

The America's Cup team bases

Aerial view of Pendennis Vilanova marina and America's Cup team base during regatta preparations.

Aerial view of Pendennis Vilanova during the event

Spectators watch America's Cup racing yachts sail past the El Pasifae sculpture on the Vilanova seafront.

The America's Cup fleet racing past the El Pasifae sculpture in Vilanova

25 years of the Pendennis apprenticeship scheme

This year we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our award-winning apprenticeship scheme, and this year the scheme was listed at number 35 in the Government’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers. We’re very proud of our award-winning apprenticeship scheme and delighted to receive recognition for our commitment to maintaining world-class standards of training and development. The essence of the scheme has remained the same throughout the years: to educate and train young people with the skills to build and repair superyachts to an excellent standard, whilst helping them develop into well rounded individuals.

First Pendennis apprentices to complete the scheme in 2002, pictured with mentors and trophies.

The first group of Pendennis apprentices to complete the apprenticeship scheme, along with their mentors, 2002

Pendennis apprentices standing in front of superyacht Altair in the hoist bay, holding awards, 2009.

Pendennis apprentices with S/Y Altair, 2009

Pendennis apprentices repainting the hull of S/Y Lucienne during community week with Blind at Sea, 2023.

Pendennis apprentices partaking in community week - working on S/Y Lucienne, 2023

Pendennis apprentices standing outside Falmouth Hospital after taking part in community gardening during Community Week 2023.

Pendennis apprentices partaking in community week - gardening at Falmouth Hospital, 2023

35-year anniversary dinner at Lord's

To round up the year, we celebrated our 35th anniversary in style at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, we added a unique element – dinner in the prestigious Long Room overlooking the Lord’s Media Centre, which was built by Pendennis in 1999. We had a wonderful evening celebrating with friends and reminiscing on Pendennis' history.

Pendennis cricket team group photo at Lord’s Cricket Ground, all wearing matching navy shirts and white trousers.

Pendennis' 35th anniversary celebrations at Lord's

Guests enjoying a formal dinner in the Long Room at Lord’s, with the Pendennis team and partners gathered around candlelit tables.

Dinner with our guests in the Long Room at Lord's

We have a lot to look forward to in 2024 with the planned delivery of our latest bespoke build, expedition yacht Project Fox. We’ll also be redelivering classic M/Y Seawolf following her extensive rebuild.

Another exciting year beckons!

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Whether you are looking to build from scratch, restore a classic beauty or make improvements to your current yacht, it all starts with a vision, and a conversation. We're here to discuss your next project, whenever you're ready.