The annual International Superyacht Society Awards are voted for by peers from within the superyacht industry, and as such it is always an honour to be recognized. Taken place at the Design Center of the Americas, this year’s ceremony saw the substantial remodelling project of the 1983-built Feadship luxury yacht A2, completed by Pendennis last year, win in the ‘Best Refit Yacht’ category. This is the second win of motor yacht A2, after taking the honours in the World Superyacht Awards earlier this year.

Pendennis-refitted superyacht A2 on Maiden Voyage

This project is one of the industry’s most impressive transformations, with just 16 months taken to create the equivalent of a custom built yacht. The brief was extensive: to modernise her shape creating larger outdoor spaces, replace her dated systems and technology improving efficiency and performance, and reconfigure the interior layout to combine practical family use with impressive spaces for entertaining.

Luxury yacht A2 - Interior

Motor yacht A2’s transformation began swiftly upon her arrival in Falmouth as Masquerade of Sole in February 2011. The yacht was stripped back to bare steel and aluminium throughout, with her stern and top deck remodelled and then extended across three levels, increasing her LOA by 5m. Not only did this improve her external social areas, but enabled Pendennis to add a new full-width Owner’s lounge and study. John Bonafoux, Managing Director at BMT Nigel Gee, structural engineers on superyacht A2, explained “We have worked with Pendennis on numerous occasions, and this project was one of the most challenging and rewarding yet. The vision of the Owner and collaboration of BMT Nigel Gee with the Pendennis project team has produced a truly amazing yacht, completely unrecognisable from her former self.”

Motor yacht A2 - Saloon

During the remodelling project all equipment and technology was replaced throughout, including new deck equipment, a complete rebuild of the engine room, installation of modern bridge technology and state-of-the-art AV equipment. The engineering team at Pendennis applied their decades of knowledge to advise on the most efficient and effective systems available. This created a more effective power management system which saw the yacht leave the yard with her cruising speed increased from 12 to 14.5 knots and her fuel consumption improved.

A2 Yacht - Dining

The interiors were given a contemporary look to complement the upgrades. New York based Peter Marino Architect was commissioned to design the luxurious Owner and Guest areas, creating an architecturally-influenced interior space integrating dramatic statement pieces. Peter Marino created a visually exciting design throughout: bleached oak bulkheads were juxtaposed by dark palmwood interiors, whilst textured leather walls were balanced by clean-lined furniture, with contemporary upholstery complemented by stylish high-art pieces.

A2 Yacht - Engine Room

Mike Carr, Managing Director of Pendennis, is delighted with the recognition the yacht has received “Although we have performed extensive yacht restorations over the years, A2 was a milestone for the yard in terms of our remodelling projects, and really showcased all elements of our in-house skills and experience from Naval Architecture through to exterior finishing. Since her launch the yacht has generated enormous interest as to the possibilities of upgrading and improving existing yachts. This type of project demonstrates a fresh approach for discerning Owners who want to rejuvenate their superyacht experience without the time and financial implications of a custom new build project.”

A2 yacht’s long-term relationship with Pendennis continues as its Yacht Support team provide advice, engineering skills and parts supply during her current cruise down the East Coast of the United States.

DIMENSIONS & SPECIFICATIONS    ORIGINAL (Masquerade of Sole)    AFTER REFIT (A2)

LOA    42.35m    47m
LWL    38.03m    42.90m
Beam (max)    8.08m    8.08m
Draught (loaded)    2.65m    2.65m
Gross Tonnage    379 tonnes    458 tonnes
Builder    Feadship (H.W. De Voogt & Zoon C.V)    Pendennis
Naval Architect    De Voogt Naval Architects    BMT Nigel Gee with Pendennis
Exterior Stylist    De Voogt Naval Architects    Peter Marino Architect with Pendennis
Original Interior designer    Puleo Inc / International Yacht Design    Peter Marino Architect
Class and LY2 compliance    Lloyds MCA    Cayman Islands & Lloyd’s 100A1 Yacht MCH
Main engines    2 x Caterpillar, D6379TA 625 HP    2 off MTU 16V2000M61 800kW (1080hp) @ 1800rpm
Speed (maximum/cruise)    Cruising Speed: 12 knots/Max: 13 knots    Cruising Speed: 14 knots/Maximum: 15.8 Knots
Range at cruising speed    3,500 nm at 12 kts    4,200  nm at 14 kts
Stabilisers (state if zero-speed)    Vospers    Quantum Zero Speed stabilisers
Bow/Stern thruster/s    Schottel 26 KW    OYS E-0500-T 110kw tunnel Bow thruster
Sewage system        None!    Hamann HL cont plus Sewage treatment plant
Electricity generation    Two 90kW Caterpillar 3304    2 x Northern Lights M1066A2 115kW 50Hz 1500rpm & load bank system
Control and monitoring systems    Trimble Galaxy INMARSAT C system
Furuno 250 watt SSB with DSC controller    Alewijnse Almacs
Air conditioning manufacturer    Condaria    Dometic Marine air system
Galley equipment    Gaggenau & Miele    MKN custom integrated Induction range, Hans Dampf steam oven, Miele dishwashers, Fosters Refrigeration
Number of owner/guest cabins    1 Owner, 1 Double, 4 Twin    4 x Guest Cabins, 1 x Full Beam width Master Cabin to accommodate 12 (+4 x guest Pullmans)
Tenders    21′ Pursuit Pursuit fishing boat 20′ Cobalt 200    2 x Cougar Custom made tenders & Rescue Boat