Winston Churchill's former Yacht Amazone Set for Restoration

After languishing as a houseboat in France for the past two decades, the illustrious 38.9-meter yacht Amazone is poised to undergo a significant restoration at Pendennis Shipyard. Arriving from Le Havre to Falmouth and then being transported to Pendennis Shipyard on the morning of February 14th, the restoration marks a pivotal moment in the history of this storied vessel.

Originally constructed by British yard Thornycroft in 1936, Amazone holds a distinguished place in maritime history. As the property of the British government, she frequently served the needs of Winston Churchill, the First Lord of the Admiralty at the time. Notably, she played a role in Dunkirk's Operation Dynamo, a pivotal event during World War II.

This ambitious restoration project is a collaboration between Nicholas Edmiston, William Collier of G.L. Watson & Co., and Sevenstar Yacht Transport. Mike Herrebrugh of Sevenstar Yacht Transport emphasized the extensive and intricate arrangements involved in towing Amazone from France to the shipyard, underscoring the importance of preserving this historic gem.

William Collier praised the partnership with Sevenstar Yacht Transport, highlighting their dedication and support throughout the restoration process. This marks the third successful project between the two entities in the past year, underscoring their commitment to historical preservation in the maritime industry.

Despite her age, Amazone still boasts impressive features, including the capability to host up to 60 guests for parties and receptions. With accommodation for 12 guests and eight crew, she offers a luxurious experience with a spacious 40-square-meter saloon equipped with a bar, dining room, and conference room. Additionally, her top deck features a large Jacuzzi for guests to enjoy.

Powered by twin 700hp Cummins diesel engines, Amazone boasts a range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots, making her a formidable vessel even by today's standards.

The restoration of Amazone represents a significant effort to preserve maritime heritage and ensure that future generations can appreciate the splendor of this iconic yacht.

Pendennis Shipyard is one of the world's leading custom superyacht builders and refit shipyards and has become one of Cornwall's most important employers with over 430 highly skilled tradespeople based at the 14-acre prime waterfront location in Falmouth, UK. In the latter part of 2018 Pendennis secured a majority share hold in Vilanova Grand Marina, a 48-berth facility with adjacent land available for further development. The investment in Vilanova is yet another milestone in Pendennis’ international growth and offering to its global client base.