marala yacht owner

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Photo – Camper & Nicholson

Yacht Marala - Now & The Future

The new owners of Yacht Marala, only the fifth in 88 years, are currently conducting a total refit of the vessel. Stage one saw two years of work undertaken in Malta and 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 is underway and involves a substantial period of renovation at UK superyacht specialist Pendennis Shipyard. The comprehensive restoration includes upgrades to the steelworks, domestic and electrical systems, a completely new guest area, and a number of superstructure modifications that aim to restore her original classic yacht profile. The Yacht Marala owners hope to see her cruising once again in 2021. 

Builder                  Camper & Nicholsons Ltd Built in                  Southampton, UK Launched in          1931 Beam                     8.08m Draft                      3.8m Material                 Steel hull Super structure      Aluminium Engine                   2 x 750 horsepower M.A.N Fuel capacity         89,000L Fresh water            32,000L Cruising speed       12 knots GT                         499 LOA                      58.5m

Photos – Muza Lab

Leading London based Interior Design company Muza Lab, were chosen by the Yacht Marala owners for the guest area refit design. Muza Lab work very closely with the owners and have created an exquisite design reminiscent of the Art Deco era when Marala was launched. Many classic wood work features typical of the Camper & Nicholson 1931 build have been sympathetically incorporated into the new design. Silk panel walls, straw parquetry, brass fittings, crystal chandeliers and a fire place are particular features that the owners specified as important to the new design.

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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, here’s where all the sanctioned russians superyachts stand today.

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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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Inside the refit restoring 59m classic superyacht Marala to her 1930s glory

Refit yard Pendennis is halfway through restoring the 59-metre classic Marala to her 1930s glory. Caroline White delves into a labour of love undertaken with respect and imagination...

It’s only halfway through, but the major refit of the classic 58.8-metre superyacht Marala has already uncovered a hidden gem. “We removed the carpet in the saloon and we found this beautiful old fir flooring,” says her captain, Chris Lawrence. “We’ve been told that the wood was 200 years old when the tree was cut down, and it’s been on board for 90 years.” With a beautiful patina, the timber is being split (to reduce weight and make it go further) and re-laid throughout the main deck and owner’s cabin. This is a project where the aim is to feel the original yacht, right down to the soles of your feet – because Marala is a very special boat.

Commissioned by car and aircraft manufacturer Montague Napier, who died before her 1931 launch by Camper & Nicholsons , Marala was bought by Charles Fairey, another aircraft-maker, who loaned her to the military for the Second World War. “She went to Gibraltar, where one of the depth charges she dropped disabled a German U-boat, which surrendered a day and a half later,” says Captain Lawrence. The U-boat captain said they hadn’t picked her up on their sonar because she was so quiet – a compliment that was unintentionally backhanded ( Marala happened to have the same German MAN engines).

After the yacht was returned to civilian service, the owners who followed Fairey were rather more colourful than the British Navy. The American tobacco magnate RJ Reynolds owned her briefly while his own boat was being built, but particularly notable was the Chilean Arturo López-Willshaw. Known as the “guano king”, he had made his fortune selling bird droppings for fertiliser and explosives. He had, improbably, risen to the top of Parisian society and lived on board in a ménage à trois with his wife (who was also his cousin) and his gay lover. The last owner, before the current one, was Robert de Balkany and his wife, Princess Maria Gabriella of Savoy, daughter of Italy’s last king. Celebrity guests over the years ran from Salvador Dalí to Amelia Earhart and Princess Grace of Monaco. The current owner had long been a fan of classic yachts and had considered buying several before finding Marala lying in Greece and, says Captain Lawrence, “this one just stuck”.

When they took possession, she was “like a time capsule”, says Pendennis project manager Nick Kearton. The yacht was moved from Greece to Malta, where those silent engines were rebuilt, and then on to the UK for a major refit at Pendennis. Lawrence had realised that they needed “a very specific yard” to undertake this delicate operation and Pendennis has form, with the major refits – or rebuilds – of classics Malahne , Fair Lady and Haida . There was also something fitting about a British yard. “We liked the idea of bringing the boat back to the UK – back to her roots – and imbuing her with a British style,” says Lawrence.

While her last owner, de Balkany, had kept Marala for 52 years and during that time did very little to change her, the yacht had undergone two interior refits since her 1930s heyday – the most significant by flamboyant Parisian designer Georges Geffroy in the 1950s. So before Pendennis got to work, the 1950s interior was removed in Malta by the crew and a team of workers assembled by Captain Lawrence. “We managed to salvage quite a lot of historic items,” he says. “Some of the Georges Geffroy items were sold at Sotheby’s in Paris.”

With the interior removed and Pendennis given advance access to Marala for planning and budgeting, as soon as the yacht arrived in Cornwall the yard team could get to the meat of the project. They upgraded the riveted hull and, where possible, took the structure back to Charles Nicholson’s original design. “During her 1950s refit, the side fashion plates and an aft extension were added,” says Captain Lawrence. There are even traces of Marala ’s war service. “We still have evidence of where the gun turret was positioned though the deck. In the lower crew mess deckhead the cover plate can still be seen. We still have the larger beam knees in place that were positioned fore and aft of the gun’s location.”

While the aft extension and remains of the gun stayed, the fashion plates went. “All of the solid bulwarks added mid-century were removed and are being replaced with open stanchions and rails as per launch condition,” says Kearton. On the technical side, the stacked ingot ballast was swapped out for lead poured into keel tanks to reduce the centre of gravity of the vessel. All of these changes have, says Kearton, “improved the stability dramatically”.

The systems on board also required attention. “They were changed and adjusted over the years, so it was a range of historical systems through the ages of yachting in the last half century or so,” says Kearton. “The first thing you noticed was that the black and grey systems running from the cabins were just hoses that weren’t fixed and secured, and you could see they’d leaked in places.”

They also found lead-sheathed cables and wooden cable trays. It all came out. In went brand new sewage treatment, fan coil units and watermakers – “everything that you would need to domestically serve a cabin”, says Kearton. And while the original engines have been kept, the power train is being replaced, “so the actual propulsion down through into the water is being upgraded”, he says.

The interior that will lie on top of this will be almost entirely new, but utterly in keeping with the original spirit of the yacht. Muza Lab, a young design studio based in Notting Hill, London, was engaged for the ambitious job. The team scoured the archives of the National Maritime Museum for the yacht’s original plans and referred to them at every stage of the design to ensure an authentic vision. While this was the studio’s first yacht, the team has a range of relevant experience in historical luxury hotels and residences, plus the Belmond Andean Explorer (the South American sister train to the Orient Express).

“For us, it’s about finding what’s unique; what makes each individual project special. Marala immediately fit that bill because it’s such an extraordinary vessel with so much history, so many stories to tell, so many layers, so many details. That’s the kind of thing we love to play with,” says Nathan Hutchins, founder of Muza Lab.

In terms of what they had to play with, cutting back the steel fashion plates on many of the decks will allow more light to flow inside for a brighter, airier feel, while down in the lower decks the atmosphere they will create is warm. “The client just said, ‘I want it to feel like it was original, I want it to completely capture the essence of the 1930s – I don’t want to erase the heritage of the vessel,’” says Hutchins.

To that end, while the overall design is distinctly 1930s, the guest cabins will contain references to various different periods (and owners) of the yacht’s storied past: for example, one cabin goes right back to the beginning, with waxed linen wall panels and a 1930s pattern in the carpet; another is inspired by the Palace of Savoy (in honour of Princess Maria Gabriella) with lavish Rubelli fabrics with a savoy blue trim. There will even be a cabin that references Marala ’s military service, with graphic print upholstery in blue, purple and white.

There will also be plenty of 1930s touches throughout the yacht as a whole, from monochrome tiled floors to stepped high-gloss ceilings and timber panelling illuminated by art deco-style lighting. That influence steps up a gear in the upper deck owner’s cabin, which was inspired by the owner’s love of the famously stylish 1930s ocean liner SS Normandie . There are lacquered woods, brass, contemporary marquetry and a feature wall of peacock Chinoiserie wallpaper by de Gournay.

The main saloon, which sticks closely to the original design, will feature a working fireplace, as well as a good dose of what Muza Lab describes as “Gatsbyesque glamour”. The woodwork, it should be noted, will be done to the original Camper & Nicholsons design. Outside on deck, the watchword is versatility – particularly notable is the daybed that will open to reveal a copper spa pool. There’ll be plenty of informal banquet seating, and for evening an outdoor cinema and a cocktail bar disguised as a teak treasure chest. And for the exterior design? “It’s anthracite [charcoal grey] and white, with pops of savoy blue; and then the original funnel will be straw coloured,” says Hutchins. “So it’ll be a very clean, classic looking, crisp exterior.”

But all this is to look forward to. With completion expected in winter 2021, it’s not long until we’ll be able to see what other treasures the team has uncovered – and created – aboard this fascinating yacht.

This feature is taken from the June 2021 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.

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59m classic motor yacht Marala, one of relatively few surviving yachts from her era, has a fascinating story of 1930’s elegance, German U-boats, and Hollywood glamour. Built by Camper and Nicholsons in 1931, she has had unusually few owners for her age, meaning her character, basic layout and original engines have all been preserved. However, many modifications have been made to her superstructure and interior throughout her life, most notably when she was converted for naval service during World War II. Beloved by several notable Owners, guardian of wartime naval crew and host to distinguished guests such as Salvador Dali, Frank Sinatra, and international royalty, she is now a historical icon infused with character from each era of her life.

When she came onto the market in 2016, it was for the first time in over 50 years, and her new Owner sought to have her meticulously restored. Her Captain remarked “Marala’s new Owner recognised the rare opportunity to own a Camper & Nicholsons classic motor yacht but understood that her essential structural requirements would impact her interior, meaning it would be wise to address engineering updates at the same time. 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.”

Marala represents one of many historic restoration projects that have taken place at Pendennis. She arrived at Pendennis in mid-August 2019 on a yacht transport ship direct from Malta, having started her project there. By this stage her Captain and his team had already stripped out much of the yacht’s interior and started some engineering works.

On arrival at Pendennis the yacht was taken straight into the inner dry dock, her home for the next two and a half years, for de-storing, investigation work on her steel hull and superstructure and to start her Lloyd’s special survey. In conjunction with this activity, it was also vital for the Pendennis team to finalise the technical specification for the new systems and calculate the net space on board to sign off the yacht’s new interior with Muza Lab.

The investigation work into her steel hull and superstructure identified a significant number of areas that needed urgent attention. A comprehensive programme of fabrication, blasting and repainting commenced that resulted in the renewal of over 100 tonnes of steel, predominantly on her hull. The decision was taken to leave the hull un-faired, providing an authentic look synonymous with her heritage.

Other key external modifications included the removal of the exterior hard topped shelter and tender storage on the Owner’s aft deck to make way for an external entertainments area complete with a cinema space and Jacuzzi. In addition, it was decided that the yacht’s lines should be restored to their 1930s roots, which required the removal of the bulwarks and side deck structures that had been added in the 1950s and 60s.

A comprehensive programme of replacing all services on board was carried out, including the HVAC, air conditioning, piping and ducting, cabling power and distribution, lighting and hardware. Her auxiliary generators were fully rebuilt, whilst her emergency generator was replaced with an emergency battery system to remove the need for an emergency generator to be located on the upper decks. Marala also underwent a full rebuild of the hydraulic and original manual steering systems on board, which included a full restoration of the manual emergency steering (in place since build) on the aft main deck.

London based design house Muza Lab were commissioned to bring a new look to the décor that both respects and celebrates the 1930s spirit of the vessel. Beginning with the original design spec and blueprints from the National Maritime Museum archives, they extensively researched Marala’s history, developing an understanding of her heritage and character which they would reference throughout the design process. The designs for the guest cabins are a journey through different periods of Marala’s life, with 1930’s style waxed linen panels, nods to her time in military service, and savoy blue accents symbolising the Palace of Savoy in homage to a former Owner. The Owner’s area rich with art deco glamour, inspired by the 1930’s ocean liner, the SS Normandie.

Muza Lab explained “In her 89 years of illustrious history, several performances have graced the stage that is this grand dame, each with its curious cast of characters. It is this rich heritage, specifically the times full of optimism, of heady glamour, that we have sought to honour in our new design direction for Marala. Far from an interior restoration project, this has been about reinvigorating her 1930s spirit, preserving her aura for years to come.” And it is important to note that this restoration project was not to conceal but to enhance Marala’s features; as Muza Lab suggested “In Marala, we already had a diamond – it has been a case of repolishing it to reveal its brilliance.”

BUILDER Camper & Nicholsons

YEAR OF BUILD 1931

FORMER NAME No. 388, Evadne, HMS Evadne, Zapala, Gaviota IV

TYPE Motor Yacht

EXTERIOR DESIGN Charles E. Nicholson (original)

INTERIOR DESIGN Muza Lab (restoration)

CONSTRUCTION Steel hull, steel, aluminium and wood superstructure

LOA 58.83m (193.1ft)

BEAM 8.08m (26.51ft)

DRAFT 3.96m (12.99ft)

PENDENNIS RESTORATION YEAR 2022

PENDENNIS RESTORATION LOCATION Pendennis Falmouth

AWARDS Winner: Rebuilt Yacht, World Superyacht Awards 2023

Marala following her restoration at Pendennis. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

The original Camper and Nicholsons shelter has been carefully restored and refreshed (rendering by Muza Lab)

London-based Muza Lab created designs for the exterior and interior (exterior rendering by Muza Lab)

Marala in Pendennis' 150m covered dry dock (photography credit Andrew Wright)

Pendennis tradespeople working in Marala's guest area (photography Andrew Wright)

Marala's Interiors - Owners bathroom. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala's Interiors - Owner's bathroom. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala's Interiors - Owners Cabin. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala's Interiors - Owner's Cabin. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala's Interiors. Photography Stuart Pearce / Yacht Shot

Marala's outdoor space. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala's Interiors - Guest cabin. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala's Interiors - Guest bathroom. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala's Interiors - Guest bedroom. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala's Interiors - Dining room. Photography Stuart Pearce / Yacht Shot

Marala's Interiors - Dining room. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala's Interiors. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala's Interiors - Lounge area. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

Marala's outdoor dining space. Photography Stuart Pearce / YachtShot

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All About M/Y Marala: Winner Of The Rebuilt Yacht Category 2023

The 18th edition of the World Superyacht Awards took place in Istanbul, Turkey on May 20th. The annual ceremony recognises and celebrates the world’s most notable and impressive Superyachts. There were numerous awards handed out, but one of the most spectacular vessels was certainly Marala – which won the category for Rebuilt Yachts.

Find out more about the vessel, her rich heritage, and the amazing makeover she received for a 21st-century lifestyle!

The History

Camper and Nicholsons built Marala in 1931.

Since then, her layout, original engines, and character have all remained. However, her superstructure and interior have been modified throughout her life, particularly when she was converted for a stint in the navy during World War II. Many guests (including Amelia Earhart, Salvador Dali, Frank Sinatra, and international royalty) have stepped onboard too.

That’s not the only transformation the vessel has gone through. Originally Evadne , she was then renamed  Zapala, and before she became  Marala , she was  Gaviota IV .

“The goal was to respect Marala’s heritage whilst granting a new spirit”

21st Century Update

The goal was to respect Marala’s heritage whilst granting a new spirit.

When she entered the market in 2016, it was the first time in over half a century. It became her new owner’s goal to restore her to glory. It was important to preserve her heritage and original design, so those involved approached any engineering updates cautiously.

The yacht was brought to Pendennis for her restoration to determine her legacy for years to come.

Design & Inspiration

Marala’s interior shows reverence for historical authenticity and innovation.

• The inspiration stemmed from the original Nicholson details
• The joinery includes Elegant soft pillowed deco edges. En-suites have an anthracite and white palette, and the offset with chrome fittings implement a strong deco feel
• On the cinema deck, there is a jacuzzi with a copper basin to suit the antique aesthetic
• The ‘Evadne’ Cabin pays homage to the ship’s military days. It is decorated with blue, purple, white and graphic print upholstery. Also, the ‘Gaviota’ Cabin’s pleated walls imitate a seagull’s quills. This hints to Marala’s time as La Gaviota IV

The restoration effort preserved some of Marala’s original materials, such as the solid timber flooring and carved handrails. Original brass hardware was also repurposed for the handles of a sideboard in the dining area.

• Top speed: 13.0 kn
• Cruising speed: 11.0 kn
• 247-foot (75.2-metre)
• Maximum cruising range: 4500.0 nm at 13.0 kn
• Can accommodate up to 12 guests (and 19 crew members)
• Gross tonnage of 499.0 GT and a 8.08 m beam

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