m5, formerly Mirabella V, the world’s largest sloop-rigged sailing yacht is undergoing a substantial one year refit by Pendennis Plus in Falmouth. Works include a major technical and engineering overhaul and full interior redesign by Redman Whiteley Dixon plus 3m stern extension which will be managed by Naval Architects Ron Holland Design, who were the original designers when the vessel was built in the UK in 2004.
BBC News featured a piece following a team of 40 experts using four cranes to de-step the world’s largest mast from m5. The massive mast, weighing over 45 tonnes and with a length of 89m, took over 8 hours to detach and place on the hard at A&P Falmouth’s Queen’s wharf in Falmouth. The complex operation was coordinated by Marine Results, who installed the mast when the yacht was originally built in 2004.
A video of the news piece can be viewed here.
The yacht’s visit to Pendennis will see exterior restyling work including the installation of a side boarding platform. The full extent of the engineering commission will involve replacing the main engines, generators, switchboards and sewage treatment plant along with an upgrade of the air conditioning system, electrics and entertainment system, and a 10 year DNV survey.
The interior aspects of the refit will see the main and lower decks undergo a complete restyle. m5’s main deck in particular will be completely transformed once all joinery is replaced to complement the new design.