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Boat of the Week: How This Classic, 90-Year-Old Superyacht Was Restored to Her Former Glory

"marala" served as both family yacht and wwii warship. a london designer has modernized her, without changing her fundamental character., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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Interior designer Nathan Hutchins is more used to renovating historical buildings than classic yachts. But when the owners of the 1930s yacht Marala commissioned him to undertake the boat’s extensive renovation, he couldn’t refuse.

Co-owner of British studio Muza Labs, Hutchins’s experience of heritage interiors ranges from Spanish UNESCO world heritage sites to historic buildings in London. Hutchins was first introduced to the classic yacht’s owners 20 years ago when he completed the interior on their Dutch river barge. Two decades on, Marala is his first-ever yacht.

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“I recently worked on two canal barges in France and I’ve just completed a sleeper train in South America,” Hutchins told Robb Report . “I think a lot of elements of pure design are very relatable, but technically it’s been a jump. For me, it’s about finding the spirit of the place and in this case, the yacht. How the owners want to enjoy it.”

Named after Hungarian royalty, the yacht was responsible for downing German warplanes and U-Boats, but also entertained Salvador Dali and Frank Sinatra.  Courtesy Pendennis

The current owners, who purchased the yacht in the summer of 2018, are only the fifth in Marala ’s 88-year history. But the modifications made over time have “interrupted the elegance” of Marala ’s original lines, says Hutchins. The owners wanted the designer to capture the spirit of the 1930s to regain its original essence.

The authenticity of the restoration, which is being carried out at Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, UK, was aided by Hutchins’ discovery of hand drawings on the ship’s original blueprints located in the U.K.’s National Maritime Museum’s archives.

“We’ve been able to reference and reintroduce design elements using the original concepts, such as beautiful bookcases in the aft saloon,” says Hutchinson. “We discovered two original beds that had been cobbled back together that had featured softly curved corners and drawer fronts.”

Designer Hutchins had to be careful to keep the original charm and character, but also modernized the decor. During the restoration, much of the old woodwork was uncovered under old layers.  Courtesy Pendennis

Designer Hutchins had to be careful to keep the original charm and character, but also modernize the decor. During the restoration, much of the old woodwork uncovered under old layers.

Marala was built in 1931, but its would-be owner unfortunately died a month before the yacht’s delivery. This meant she was launched as number 388, the only Camper & Nicholson boat ever delivered without a name. Requisitioned by the Royal Navy in World War II, she served as HMS Evadne, successfully downing a German Heinkel III aircraft using the anti-aircraft guns mounted on her decks. Later, in the Strait of Gibraltar, she used depth charges to disable and sink a U-boat.

“When the vessel was requisitioned for war a lot of the original furniture was removed to make the boat more utilitarian,” says Hutchins. “Much of it wasn’t put back with the most love and care.” The designer said that stripping the yacht back to her bare bones has revealed original details, such as bedside tables, joinery, and a Douglas fir floor, complete with scuff marks and staple holes. “We realized straight away that we needed to keep the floor,” says Hutchins, who has complemented the existing woodwork with the introduction of American black walnut.

In 1962, Marala was bought by Hungarian businessman Robert de Balkany, who decorated the interior in a bold Savoir blue in honor of his wife Princess Maria Gabriella of the House of Savoy. He named the boat after his first two daughters, Marina and Alexandra. In her heyday Marala entertained the world’s elite, including Frank Sinatra and Salvador Dali.

Marala ‘s long, elegant profile was restored long after it served as a World War II warship, with two or three anti-aircraft guns on its bow.  Courtesy Pendennis

In a nod to the yacht’s history, Savoir-blue will run throughout the renovated exterior, paired with anthracite and white. Two custom tenders will have the new exterior palette.  Marala ’s 1940s systems have been upgraded and integrated into the authentic design.

“A lot of this boat hasn’t been seen for decades, so there were some items that needed immediate replacement,” Nick Kearton, project manager at Pendennis, told Robb Report . “A 90-year-old vessel means you’ll find things you might not want to. But the riveted steel that has survived is in very good condition, and we were able to clean it up and preserve it.”

Other sections were modernized for more practical use. Overhangs, doorways and the fashion plates outside of the owner’s suite have been reduced. The original timber decks have been fitted with steel separation plates to protect the interior. “It’s taken about 100,000 hours of steelwork fabrication alone,” says Kearton.

The yacht’s ‘Great Gatsby’ design is matched with original metalwork like the plates along the hull side.  Courtesy Pendennis

For Hutchins, one of the biggest challenges was discovering Marala ’s hull was a slightly different shape than he had originally conceived. That required a redesign while in the Pendennis dry dock. “Nothing is black and white on a boat like this, and sometimes surprises are wonderful,” says Hutchins. “You pull off a panel and you find a carpenter in 1931 left signed his name in chalk. So, some of the revelations have been really interesting and reveal the history of the boat.”

Marala is scheduled for completion and delivery this November.

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59m classic yacht Marala begins sea trials following two-year rebuild

The 59 metre classic motor yacht Marala has been spotted on sea trials in Falmouth after a "painstaking" two-year restoration project at Pendennis.

Originally built in steel by Camper and Nicholsons in 1931, Marala arrived at Pendennis' Falmouth facility in August 2019 to undergo a rigorous programme of work with the aim of restoring the yacht to her former glory.

Marala was sold in 2017, the first time in 50 years. During her lifetime, she has undergone a number of modifications, which included a conversion for naval service during the Second World War, as well as sailing beneath names such as Gaviota , Zapala and Evadne .

The focus of the restoration was to retain Marala’s original character of the 1930s era, while modernising on board systems and technology. The yard set out to restore the yacht’s profile to her original lines while carrying out a complete paint programme and refurbishment of the yacht’s teak decks.

Other work included upgrades to the yacht’s steelwork, as well as domestic and electrical systems. London design studio Muza Lab was commissioned to redesign the interior décor, as well as overhaul the guest area. Pendennis said the new interior design “respects and celebrates the 1930s spirit of the vessel”.

Speaking about the conversion, Marala’s captain said: “The extensive structural and paint works undertaken has been a major part of the project for the owners. Their passion for the yacht and this restoration project has been driven by their desire to preserve and secure Marala ’s pedigree for both themselves and future generations of classic yacht enthusiasts."

Joint managing director of Pendennis, Mike Carr, said the yard’s track record of carrying out complex restoration projects on yachts including Haida 1929 and Shamrock V has given the company “a deep respect for preserving the heritage of these yachts for generations to come.”

She was refloated in November 2021 which marked the beginning of the final phase of construction and was moved to the shipyard's wet basin facility for completion ahead of sea trials and delivery which is anticipated this summer.

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Yacht Marala Refit 2017/20

An extensive period of renovation at UK superyacht specialist Pendennis Shipyard is underway after Yacht Marala’s arrival in August 2019. Here is an intimate look at the project documenting the journey of Marala’s restoration over the past three years. 

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Photos – Jake Sugden

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Marala Sees Light of Day as Renovation Progresses

The 59m classic motor yacht  Marala,  has been successfully re-floated in the 75m dry dock that has been her home for the past two years. 

Her flood up concludes the successful completion of the yacht’s exterior structural and paint work programmes carried out at the Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth.

Designed and built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1932 she was sold to Hong Kong based interests in 2017 by a family who had owned her for over half a century.  The new owners, only the fifth in 88 years, began conducting a total refit of the vessel.

Stage one saw two years of work undertaken in Malta and that included a newly appointed crew mess, crew cabins and an extensive rebuild of the classic motor yacht’s original 1930’s M.A.N. engines.

Stage two involves a substantial period of renovation at Pendennis to upgrade the steelworks, domestic and electrical systems, a completely new guest area, and several superstructure modifications that aim to restore her original classic yacht profile. 

The project has now entered its final phase and will move to a wet basin facility for completion. Her final trials and handover are scheduled for spring 2022. 

The London based interior design company Muza Lab, have created an interior reminiscent of the Art Deco era when  Marala  was launched. Many classic woodwork features typical of the build have been sympathetically incorporated into the new design. Silk panel walls, straw parquetry, brass fittings, crystal chandeliers and a fireplace are particular features that the owners specified as important to the new design.

While she has carried the names  Zapala  and of  Gaviota IV  before she became  Marala , the classic motor yacht was originally built as Evadne at the Camper & Nicholsons shipyard in Southampton for Montague Stanley Napier who commissioned her in 1929 but he passed away before she was completed.

The attractive classic yacht has been in operation since 1931 and was when last sold largely original, however some significant alterations have been made over the years. 

In the early part of the yacht’s history her first owner, the aircraft builder Sir Richard Fairey, made changes to the original 1931 design prior to delivery and more extensively during a refit in the winter of 1936-37.

The arming of  Marala  and her conversion for naval service during World War II saw further alterations made, however these were reversed when Fairey restored her with the return of peace.

More significant changes were made in 1950 when she was acquired by Arturo Lopez-Willshaw who commissioned French interior designer Georges Geffroy to redecorate the owner’s cabin and the main deck public rooms, resulting in a combination of original and 1950s elements.

G.L. Watson who are experts in the restoration of classic yachts suggest, “Much has been added in the course of changes and renewals however we find extensively in  Marala  yacht elements originally from the 1930s which have merely been relocated and re-used: the opportunity to gain the value of these is compelling but requires specific knowledge.”

In regulatory terms,  Marala  benefits from remaining classed with Lloyd’s Register, but there are significant challenges to be overcome should a new owner require compliance with the MCA Large Yacht Code.

The stability criteria to which  Marala  was built do not meet today’s requirements and substantial added weight has only served to add to the challenge of her renovation which sees the yacht now flying the flag of the Cook Islands

Pendennis is well placed to take on this work. As a superyacht build and refit shipyards it is one of Cornwall’s important employers with over 450 highly skilled tradespeople based at the 19-acre prime waterfront location in Falmouth, UK.  The yard’s facilities include three bespoke-built construction halls alongside a 150m dry-dock, with the capacity for superyachts up to 100 metres. The 800 tonne travel hoist enables launching into the 7,564m² purpose-built non-tidal wet basin.

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Major Refit Marala from 1931

British shipyard pendennis starts the major refit of m/y marala from 1931.

Initially built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1931, the 59m MARALA receives an 18-month major restoration and technology upgrades. The yacht was in naval service during World War II and got several exterior modifications. The refit contains to remove these to keep her back close to the original look when she was launched. Although MARALA is an ancient yacht, she was 50 years under the same ownership before she appeared on the market in 2016.

Design studio Muza Lab from London creates a new interior in the style of the 1930s.

Photo by Jake Sugden

The captain of the yacht comments:

“Marala’s new Owner recognised the rare opportunity to own a Camper & Nicholsons classic motor yacht but understood that her essential engineering requirements would impact her interior. With a determination to remain sympathetic to her heritage and original design, the decision was made to bring the yacht to Pendennis to complete a restoration and preserve her spirit for many years to come.”

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Classic motor yacht Marala arrives at Pendennis for extensive restoration

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Written by Rachael Steele

Classic 1930s luxury yacht MARALA (ex.GAVIOTA, ZAPALA, EVADNE, NO 388) entered the Pendennis facilities in Falmouth, the UK, in early August where she will undergo an 18-month refit to painstakingly restore her original 1930s character while seamlessly integrating the very latest in modern entertainment, safety and navigation systems.

M/Y Marala arrives at Pendennis for restoration

Originally constructed by British shipyard Camper & Nicholsons in 1931, 59m/193ft superyacht MARALA has received countless alterations over the years, most notably when she was converted for naval service during World War II. Despite approaching nearly 90 years of age she has had relatively few Owners and only came back onto the market in 2016 after 50 years. As a result, she is one of the few yachts of her era to retain her original character, layout and even engines.

There will be extensive upgrades to her steelwork, domestic and electrical systems that will make use of modern engineering methods for the greatest efficiency and to prolong the life of the original systems.

The interiors will be given a completely new appearance in the guest areas, and London-based Muza Lab will take inspiration from the art styles and accessories available from the time.

The exteriors of M/Y MARALA will also receive alterations to the superstructure to close resemble her original silhouette, while a comprehensive repaint programme and new teak decking will freshen her appearance considerably.

“MARALA’s new Owner recognised the rare opportunity to own a Camper & Nicholsons classic motor yacht but understood that her essential engineering requirements would impact her interior,” the Captain of M/Y MARALA commented. “With a determination to remain sympathetic to her heritage and original design, the decision was made to bring the yacht to Pendennis to complete a restoration and preserve her spirit for many years to come.”

Joint Managing Director Mike Carr noted that the Pendennis shipyard has received similar iconic classics over the years and will be adding MARALA to names such as luxury yachts FAIR LADY, SHAMROCK V, MALAHNE and lastly HAIDA 1929, all of which have been respectfully restored by the shipyards while ensuring that the integration of modern technology makes them desirable in the decades to come.

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Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Classic motor yacht Marala arrives at Pendennis for extensive restoration".

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Classic motor yacht Marala completes sea trials

Another momentous milestone was reached in the restoration of 1930’s classic yacht Marala earlier this month when the 59m motor yacht, originally built by Camper and Nicholsons, successfully completed her sea trials in Cornwall. After a meticulous programme of works spanning more than two years, to see her underway once again was a thrilling moment for the whole project team. The project has been a careful blend of sympathetically renewing yet preserving original features and honouring the yacht’s fascinating history. While large parts of the steelwork of her hull was strengthened, a significant amount of her original rivetted construction was able to be preserved. As much of her original timber as possible has been kept, as were her recently rebuilt original engines. Although the power train was refurbished, original materials were used where possible, such as lignum vitae within the stern tube bearings. Meanwhile, much needed upgrades to her domestic and electrical systems have harnessed modern engineering methods. A new interior by London-based design house Muza Lab celebrates the spirit and heritage of the vessel and completes her return to former beauty and elegance. Proving her seaworthiness in this comprehensive set of sea trials means that Marala is now ready to cruise, having shown that all of her machinery has performed exactly as expected when monitored closely under test conditions. The safety and operational requirements of the vessel under extended engine trials were assessed off the coast of Falmouth and signed off by Lloyd’s surveyors. Our in-house Class and Flag team liaised closely with both Cook Islands and Lloyd’s to ensure a successful result in an extremely technical historic restoration. Preserving these historic yachts by balancing traditional craftsmanship with modern technology is a passion that has become a signature of Pendennis’. We’re proud to be able to share this video of the latest step in Marala’s journey and we hope you enjoy it too.

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Boat of the Week: How This Classic, 90-Year-Old Superyacht Was Restored to Her Former Glory

Interior designer Nathan Hutchins is more used to renovating historical buildings than classic yachts. But when the owners of the 1930s yacht Marala commissioned him to undertake the boat’s extensive renovation, he couldn’t refuse.

Co-owner of British studio Muza Labs, Hutchins’s experience of heritage interiors ranges from Spanish UNESCO world heritage sites to historic buildings in London. Hutchins was first introduced to the classic yacht’s owners 20 years ago when he completed the interior on their Dutch river barge. Two decades on, Marala is his first-ever yacht.

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“I recently worked on two canal barges in France and I’ve just completed a sleeper train in South America,” Hutchins told Robb Report . “I think a lot of elements of pure design are very relatable, but technically it’s been a jump. For me, it’s about finding the spirit of the place and in this case, the yacht. How the owners want to enjoy it.”

The current owners, who purchased the yacht in the summer of 2018, are only the fifth in Marala ’s 88-year history. But the modifications made over time have “interrupted the elegance” of Marala ’s original lines, says Hutchins. The owners wanted the designer to capture the spirit of the 1930s to regain its original essence.

The authenticity of the restoration, which is being carried out at Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, UK, was aided by Hutchins’ discovery of hand drawings on the ship’s original blueprints located in the U.K.’s National Maritime Museum’s archives.

“We’ve been able to reference and reintroduce design elements using the original concepts, such as beautiful bookcases in the aft saloon,” says Hutchinson. “We discovered two original beds that had been cobbled back together that had featured softly curved corners and drawer fronts.”

Designer Hutchins had to be careful to keep the original charm and character, but also modernize the decor. During the restoration, much of the old woodwork uncovered under old layers.

Marala was built in 1931, but its would-be owner unfortunately died a month before the yacht’s delivery. This meant she was launched as number 388, the only Camper & Nicholson boat ever delivered without a name. Requisitioned by the Royal Navy in World War II, she served as HMS Evadne, successfully downing a German Heinkel III aircraft using the anti-aircraft guns mounted on her decks. Later, in the Strait of Gibraltar, she used depth charges to disable and sink a U-boat.

“When the vessel was requisitioned for war a lot of the original furniture was removed to make the boat more utilitarian,” says Hutchins. “Much of it wasn’t put back with the most love and care.” The designer said that stripping the yacht back to her bare bones has revealed original details, such as bedside tables, joinery, and a Douglas fir floor, complete with scuff marks and staple holes. “We realized straight away that we needed to keep the floor,” says Hutchins, who has complemented the existing woodwork with the introduction of American black walnut.

In 1962, Marala was bought by Hungarian businessman Robert de Balkany, who decorated the interior in a bold Savoir blue in honor of his wife Princess Maria Gabriella of the House of Savoy. He named the boat after his first two daughters, Marina and Alexandra. In her heyday Marala entertained the world’s elite, including Frank Sinatra and Salvador Dali.

In a nod to the yacht’s history, Savoir-blue will run throughout the renovated exterior, paired with anthracite and white. Two custom tenders will have the new exterior palette. Marala ’s 1940s systems have been upgraded and integrated into the authentic design.

“A lot of this boat hasn’t been seen for decades, so there were some items that needed immediate replacement,” Nick Kearton, project manager at Pendennis, told Robb Report . “A 90-year-old vessel means you’ll find things you might not want to. But the riveted steel that has survived is in very good condition, and we were able to clean it up and preserve it.”

Other sections were modernized for more practical use. Overhangs, doorways and the fashion plates outside of the owner’s suite have been reduced. The original timber decks have been fitted with steel separation plates to protect the interior. “It’s taken about 100,000 hours of steelwork fabrication alone,” says Kearton.

For Hutchins, one of the biggest challenges was discovering Marala ’s hull was a slightly different shape than he had originally conceived. That required a redesign while in the Pendennis dry dock. “Nothing is black and white on a boat like this, and sometimes surprises are wonderful,” says Hutchins. “You pull off a panel and you find a carpenter in 1931 left signed his name in chalk. So, some of the revelations have been really interesting and reveal the history of the boat.”

Marala is scheduled for completion and delivery this November.

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Moscow Mule

Liquor.com has been serving drinks enthusiasts and industry professionals since 2009. Our writers are some of the most respected in the industry, and our recipes are contributed by bartenders who form a veritable "Who's Who" of the cocktail world.

The Moscow Mule is a classic combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime. Known for it's iconic copper mug, the drink's enduring popularity has left it as a mainstay in bars since the mid-20th century. Despite its name, the Moscow Mule was actually invented in Los Angeles as part of an early stateside marketing push for vodka, and the drink itself is considered an example of the Buck family of drinks—those that include a spirit with citrus and ginger beer.

The History of the Moscow Mule

The Moscow Mule is a mid-century classic that was born in 1941 and helped contribute to vodka’s rise in America. As the legend goes , it was concocted by two men. John Martin needed to sell Smirnoff vodka, a new and generally unknown spirit during the middle of the 20th century that his distribution company had recently purchased. Another man, bar owner Jack Morgan, wanted to deplete the stash of ginger beer taking up space at his Cock ‘n’ Bull pub. They decided to combine the two ingredients with a little lime, and the rest is history. (Though there is a conflicting origin story that says that a bartender by the name of Wes Price was the true originator of the cocktail’s recipe.)

The origin of the Moscow Mule mug is slightly less clear, though evidence points to the connection originating with a Russian woman named Sophie Berezinski, who's father owned copper factory called Moscow Copper Co. Allegedly, poor sales in their home country left the younger Berezinski to travel to the U.S. to find new buyers.

As historian David Wondrich observes, the copper mugs reached Cock 'n' Bull and were used to create a visually distinct presentation for the new cocktail, helped along by Martin who took Polaroid instant photos (then a recent invention) of Los Angeles bartenders and guests holding the copper mugs alongside bottles of Smirnoff. The photos were displayed throughout the bar and given to patrons to share, almost in the same vein as modern social media influencers. As the photos proliferated throughout the Los Angeles cocktail community, it helped to spur demand for the novel drink.

Regardless of how the drink was invented, the easygoing combination of vodka, spicy ginger and tart lime—all packaged neatly in an eye-catching mug—was a hit. More than a quarter century later, the Moscow Mule remains a star. It has even spawned variations, like the Mezcal Mule with mezcal and the Kentucky Mule with bourbon.

Why the Moscow Mule Works

The simple cocktail combines vodka with ginger beer and fresh lime juice. It’s a no-tools-required drink that is built right in that shiny copper mug. Of course, while said mug is always preferred for serving, it’s not essential and shouldn’t deter you from making a Moscow Mule. The drink tastes great no matter the receptacle. So if a highball glass or rocks glass is all you have on hand, don’t fret.

Any preferred vodka will work nicely in the mule, but high-quality ginger beer is a must. You want a top-notch option that and offers enough of a spicy bite to complement the liquor and lime. And keep that bottle cold before you employ it your Moscow Mule. Cold keeps the bubbles brisk and helps stall dilution when you mix all the drink’s ingredients.

This recipe brings the legendary drink up to date while remaining true to its refreshing roots. At its core, the Moscow Mule is deceptively simple and incredibly easy to mix, perfect for any season.

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Ingredients

2 ounces vodka

1/2 ounce lime juice , freshly squeezed

3 ounces ginger beer , chilled

Garnish: lime wheel

Fill a Moscow Mule mug (or highball glass) with ice, then add the vodka and lime juice.

Top with the ginger beer.

Garnish with a lime wheel.

What If I Don’t Have a Copper Mug?

No doubt about it: The textured copper mug is a gorgeous part of a classic Moscow Mule. Truth is, it’s less the copper that matters than the conductivity of copper as a type of metal. So, blasphemous as it may appear, a Julep cup—or any other metal container—is a delightful substitute. Because you’ll still get that frosty, deeply cold result.