Successful superyacht yard celebrated
The successful Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth is being honoured with an exhibition to mark its 20th anniversary at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
Established in 1988, the shipyard has achieved two decades of enormous activity, handling over 100 projects, growing the workforce to a base of 280 and building a reputation as a world leader in refit, restoration and new build.
The world-renowned shipyard was initially developed by Peter de Savary as a base for his Blue Arrow project, a challenge to the Americas Cup.
De Savary soon recognised the employees’ and Falmouth’s potential for boat building excellence and Pendennis Shipyard was born.
Near disaster struck in 1994, when the yard suffered a horrific fire which consumed three hulls, including the well know classic Adela, the Dubois designed Mamamouchi and the composite sloop Ocean 23, later called Ocean Phoenix after her rise from the ashes.
A museum spokesman says: “Over the past 20 years, Falmouth has been treated to a flotilla of stunningly beautiful yachts, sailing out of Pendennis stable like highly trained race horses facing the Grand National.”
Toby Allies of Pendennis says: “It seems very fitting that we should start our 20th anniversary celebrations with an exhibition at the museum, as we have had very strong links with the organisation since it early days.
“The exhibition aims to show our growth and our impact on Falmouth and the world.
“We almost can’t believe we’ve hit two decades already; they say time flies and with us you could say it’s sailed by.”
The exhibition runs from 1 April to 27 June.
