UK, Cornwall. Pendennis is to publish a book featuring 12 brand new concepts from eminent British designers alongside 13 iconic projects from its archives. The elegant book, produced to celebrate the Falmouth yard’ 25 years in British yachtbuilding, will be shown first at the 2013 Monaco Yacht Show but SuperyachtDesign can exclusively reveal two of the concepts to be featured, designed by Dubois Naval Architects and Claydon Reeves.

James Claydon from Hampshire-based Claydon Reeves, dreamt up a 59m concept motoryacht inspired by the American ‘ car’ for Pendennis.

“ modern yachts are described as being inspired by a particular car, yet all too often the design is too literal, attempting to resemble a four- object too closely,” reads his contribution. “ we have tried to distill the elements of design that signify ‘ car’ and apply the underlying philosophy to our design.”

Key features include a single windscreen to keep the overall profile low and sleek, a long foredeck – or bonnet – and a strong shoulder line around the bridge deck glass. Designers treated the external hull and superstructure with a taut and sinuous surfacing language, as if stretched over a muscular frame beneath.

The designers were tasked with a very simple design brief to create a motor or sailing yacht up to 100m. The idea was that the designs would showcase the ability and strength of British design, positioning Pendennis geographically and emotively at the heart of it and to show future or current clients what they could build. Each of the designs had to be a ‘ off’, produced in a unique commission to celebrate its 25th year. It is also a unique venture for the shipyard, which has produced concepts behind the scenes for clients, but never presented a catalogue of designs for general perusal.

“ we would bring a yacht to Monaco or take information about projects completed in the past and aim to assign refits. Because of the anniversary, it’ a very special thing we’ doing,” comments Toby Allies, Sales and Marketing Director at Pendennis.&nbsp

The book is a natural evolution of the strong connections Pendennis has with the selected British designers, who include LP Design UK, Andrew Winch Design, Redman Whiteley Dixon, Matthew Trustam Design, Michael Leach Design and Design Unlimited.

Ed Dubois, founder of Dubois Naval Architects and contributor of a 60m sailing ketch concept, recalls how he designed the first yacht ever built at Pendennis in 1987.

“[Founder] Peter de Savary, chairman [in the late '80s] of The Cornwall Trust – a PLC that then owned Falmouth Docks - suggested we build a superyacht in Falmouth,” says Dubois.&nbsp“ had a client for a 37m ketch who then handed the project over to Peter himself.”

Henk Weikens had just completed our largest yacht… asked him if he knew of anyone with the right experience and he said he did it was himself!&nbsp Henk met with de Savary in Falmouth at my invitation and was signed up to build that boat.&nbspPendennis Shipyard was then born. I therefore feel a fundamental involvement and a great affection with Pendennis Shipyard.”

Structural investments at the yard, including three new construction halls and a wet basin, ongoing over the next year, mean the anniversary year of which the book is just a part, is about the future as much as the past.&nbsp

&nbsp“’ investing to secure the facilities for the future and to look after the Pendennis fleet and our increasing client base,” concludes Allies.

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Pendennis Shipyard - company profile

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