For centuries, Great Britain has been famous for its shipbuilding. As early as the Middle Ages, the British laid the keels of ships for trade and warfare, and in the 19th century, at the time of the Industrial Revolution, England became the world's leading nation in the construction of steamships. In doing so, the United Kingdom built a global trading empire and maritime power.
Being an island naturally strengthened this maritime tradition. Today, ship and yacht building remains an important industry, although it has changed dramatically. Modern British shipyards build some of the most technologically advanced vessels in the world, from warships to cruise liners. Despite the challenges of globalisation and competition, domestic shipyards remain a symbol of the UK's maritime heritage.
There is no way around Pendennis
When it comes to finding an address with deep British roots, there's no way around Pendennis. Located on the south west coast of England in the vibrant harbour town of Falmouth, surrounded by some of the country's most beautiful beaches and best surfing spots, the yard has been a pillar of the Cornish community since it was founded 35 years ago. Pendennis employs more than 500 people and has one of the most successful training programmes in the superyacht industry.
The importance of the shipyard for the region becomes clear on a tour of Falmouth: Pendennis workers seem to be omnipresent. A spontaneous visit to a café on the day of the site visit leads to a friendly conversation about the company with a long-serving shipyard worker, who proudly reports that three generations of his family have worked for the company.
With more than 350 refits and over 30 custom newbuilds, Pendennis is known in the industry for iconic yachts such as the 55.44 metre sailing yacht "Adela" (1995), the 44.20 metre catamaran "Hemisphere" (2011) and most recently the 39.38 metre Truly Classic 128 "Halekai", which was delivered to her owner in 2020.
Shipyard also known for refit projects
In addition to complex one-off builds, Pendennis is particularly known for its refit projects, which account for an astonishing 80 per cent of its order volume and include yachts of up to 100 metres in length. These include the 58.80 metre-long Camper & Nicholsons motor yacht "Marala", built in 1931 - whose loving details were presented last year after an extensive two-year restoration - as well as numerous conversions to the historic yacht "Mariette of 1915", which made it possible for the beautiful Herreshoff schooner to take part in the popular Pendennis Cup shipyard regatta.
Another of Pendennis' restoration projects is a 59 metre long merchant ship converted into a yacht, which arrived in Falmouth last March and is currently being refitted. Under the direction of the experienced boat builders from Falmouth, the 1957-built vessel is currently being given a new interior, a new coat of paint, a complex heat recovery system and a hybrid drive with large battery banks.
Shipyard tour at Pendennis
To get a first-hand impression of Pendennis' productivity, we made our way to England's far south-west. "I hope you're feeling fit, because there are a lot of stairs to climb on our tour," said Sales Manager Paul Griffiths, smiling as he welcomed us to the big shipyard tour. He was proved right: As many of the historic buildings are listed, the numerous, sometimes steep steps have also been preserved. What was a challenge for our fitness was a benefit for the shipyard ambience: the atmosphere is impressive! In addition to two fully enclosed dry docks 75 metres long and 24 metres wide - they can also be used as a 150-metre dock for larger projects - the shipyard has two 90-metre halls and a 45-metre hall as well as a lift with a capacity of 800 tonnes. There is also a 1400 square metre refit complex, which houses painting, carpentry and steel construction workshops as well as project management offices. The facilities are completed by a 200 square metre workshop for the final finish and the 80 metre long mast hall, which strengthens the expertise in the sailing yacht segment.
The shipyard team not only looks after the ships it builds, refits and restores, but also the crews who work and live on board. With an in-house gym, offices, a training centre, a 420 square metre hospitality suite and regular yoga and fitness classes, crews have an ideal retreat to recover from their strenuous time on board. The management team around Pendennis boss Toby Allies obviously also knows the truth of the well-known yachting wisdom: only a happy crew is a good crew.
Projects are subject to confidentiality agreements
As is customary in the industry, many of Pendennis' current projects are subject to confidentiality agreements. The owners do not wish to publicise or even inspect them. One notable exception is the 35-metre newbuild "Project Fox", which we were allowed to explore from keel to bridge deck. The hull lines were calculated by the Dutch designers at Diana Yacht Design, while Studio Q London was responsible for the exterior and interior styling. Looking at the shell, it is hard to believe that delivery is already scheduled for 2024. To boost the motivation and team spirit of the employees, a digital display hangs near the hull, allowing the shipyard workers to follow the construction progress in real time.
"Project Fox" is for sale at Burgess for 17 million euros, has a transatlantic range of 3600 nautical miles and offers space for up to eight guests on board. Behind the striking explorer façade with its vertical, voluminous stem, Pendennis carpenters have created a clear, minimalist interior design that can be easily customised by potential owners. Customers also have a choice of teak alternatives for the deck covering.
Together at Pendennis
Walking through the various halls and offices of the shipyard, it is noticeable that the employees in the different departments are exceptionally friendly and warm-hearted despite the considerable size of the workforce. The success of Pendennis' training programme, which is unique in the superyacht world, could be one explanation for this. A third of current employees have completed this programme and 17 members of the current management team are former apprentices. "I've worked my way up here too," explains Sales Director Griffiths, "I started in project management and completed the management development programme before I got my current job. I've been working here for ten years now and I still feel like a newbie!"
Is the crew catered for? Yes. Happy employees? Absolutely. But how do owners perceive the shipyard? Pendennis' Managing Director Toby Allies explains: "Our customers enjoy personalised yard visits and are often overwhelmed when they see Cornwall's picturesque landscapes for the first time. Some use Falmouth as a base for travelling to northern Europe, Scotland or even further north. We also have US owners flying in via our heliport." Although Pendennis benefits from the advantages of its unusual and secluded location at the very tip of the country, the shipyard is also opening up to the outside world and orientating itself further south, towards the yachting hubs of the Mediterranean. The technical service centre for superyachts in the Vilanova Grand Marina in Barcelona was only opened in autumn 2019, and Toby Allies is keeping the option open to expand further in Mare Nostrum.
Further development of the shipyard secured
However, the basis for Pendennis' current and future success is obvious: the strength and experience of the workforce. The Managing Director has the last word on this subject: "I am fascinated by the fact that the average age of our workforce is in its thirties. This allows us to plan our growth and clearly determine how we will develop the company in the coming years. In short, I am convinced that we have a bright and secure future ahead of us, whether here in Falmouth, in Vilanova or even further afield."
- Further information: www.pendennis.com
