Designed and built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1932 the classic motor yacht Marala has been sold with Jean-Marie Recamier of Camper and Nicholsons International representing the seller. Miles Clark of Seanergy Ltd, Hong Kong was an advisor to the new owners
This classic motor yacht originally built as Evadne at the Camper & Nicholsons shipyard in Southampton, was sold to the previous owning family by George Nicholson in 1964 and has remained under the same ownership until last week, for over half a century.
She was renamed Zapala and subsequently carried the name of Gaviota IV before she became Marala
The attractive classic yacht remains in operation and is largely original, however some significant alterations have been made over the years. She has been offered for sale for some time now appearing on the Web site of G.L. Watson & Co., a company recognised as experts in the restoration of classic yachts.
Uniquely placed to assist prospective owners in a yacht restoration project the firm suggests that the yacht presents her next owner with a complex mosaic of historical material.
In the early part of Marala’s history her first owner, Richard Fairey, made changes to the original 1931 design prior to delivery and more extensively during a refit in the winter of 1936-37.
The arming of Marala and her conversion for naval service during World War II saw further alterations made, however these were reversed when Fairey restored her with the return of peace.
More significant changes were made in 1950 when Marala was acquired by Arturo Lopez-Willshaw who commissioned French interior designer Georges Geffroy to redecorate the owner’s cabin and the main deck public rooms, resulting in a combination of original and 1950s elements. On deck there is a similar situation.
G.L. Watson suggest, “Much has been added in the course of changes and renewals, however we find extensively in Marala yacht elements originally from the 1930s which have merely been relocated and re-used: the opportunity to gain the value of these is compelling but requires specific knowledge.”
In regulatory terms, Marala benefits from remaining classed with Lloyd’s Register, but there are significant challenges to be overcome should a new owner require compliance with the MCA Large Yacht Code.
The stability criteria to which Marala was built do not meet today’s requirements and substantial added weight has only served to add to the challenge.
Similarly, the incorporation of modern systems into a classic yacht that has little coordination space, presents situations that are not usual in modern yacht construction.
G.L. Watson’s classic yacht experience in the restoration of similar 1930s motor yachts such as Blue Bird, Nahlin and Malahne has provided them with the expertise to resolve these challenges utilising high quality and award-winning solutions.
A successful restoration under the auspices of G. L. Watson would be underpinned by knowledge of the working practices during her original design and construction.