UK superyacht builders to pool resources?

Devonport Yachts, the former Babcock Marine superyacht newbuild brand, continues its task to find a new location to construct such vessels. In trying to achieve this objective, three-way discussions involving Devonport Yachts, Pendennis Shipyard and its neighbour A&P Group have been held. Pendennis is a successful newbuild and refit company while A&P carries out commercial ship repair using three dry docks next to the 150m (492ft) dock owned by Pendennis. Devonport Yachts had planned a press briefing at Monaco but this was cancelled as plans have not progressed as far as was hoped for.

In a statement, Toby Allies, sales and marketing director at Pendennis said: "The Devonport brand has been acquired by its previous management and they naturally approached Pendennis, as well as a number of other businesses we suspect, to house the brand and continue large yacht building. We have no further announcement to make at this stage but we are certainly pleased with the interest and focus generated on Falmouth as the UK's premier superyacht building and refit base - something which we remain fully committed to seeing succeed."

Pendennis for its part is busy with both newbuild and refit work plus further expansion. In build is a Barracuda 32m (105ft) sailing yacht and a Ron Holland 46m (150ft) ketch. Refit work is underway or planned on five yachts including a 50m (164ft) Feadship and a 55m (180ft) yacht. The expansion includes a 75m (246ft) cover for the portion of its 150m (492ft) dry dock not yet covered and a 55m x 17m x 16m (180ft x 56ft x 52ft) shed which is suitable for both refits and newbuild completion. Pendennis also has waterfront space that is has acquired to use as a hard standing.

The involvement of A&P is interesting in that much of the Pendennis site is being used for its own current workload. If Devonport came to Falmouth, then more space and an additional drydock might be needed.


Superyacht Business / David Robinson, 30 September 2009