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At the end of 2008 Pendennis announced the partnership with Ron Holland Design and Palm Beach Yachts International to build a new 46m performance cruising ketch. Three staterooms and a study provide the Owners and their guests with accommodation for up to 12, with a further four cabins forward sleeping eight crew. Christopher is the largest ketch built by Pendennis to date, and was delivered Spring 2011 in time to compete in the St Barth’s Bucket Regatta.
The vessel celebrates classic traditions yet embraces new sailing technologies performing equally well as a beautiful family ‘home from home’ and a performance sailing cruiser. Despite a challenging 22 month build timeline, the strong partnership between the clients, designers and Pendennis’ project team enabled successful delivery to Pendennis’ usual uncompromising high standards, resulting in an impressive example of the very best in superyacht design and construction.
Innovative technology included twin rudders, a pivoting keel and powerful rig and carbon rigging that provided performance as well as a shallow draft, and infra-red shielding in all windows reducing heat transfer into the accommodation thereby minimizing air con requirements. Her twin balanced rudders are an obvious departure for a large cruising yacht and have been incorporated to maximise sailing performance in strong wind conditions and to allow space for a large Williams Turbojet 505D tender in the lazarette. The retractable centre board was manufactured using precise CNC systems and when lowered, ‘bomb bay’ closing doors are deployed to reduce turbulence along the keel bottom.
This is also the first Ron Holland Design Yacht to incorporate all carbon fibre rigging. Another first is the deletion of any mizzen mast jumper strut and stays. This detailing has set a benchmark for improving the sailing performance of large cruising yachts.
Since her launch, experts at Pendennis have been available to support her wherever she cruises throughout the world. Engineers visited the yacht in Cost Rica and Pendennis Pacific was on hand with logistics and parts supply whilst Christopher cruised through Bali.
The yacht returned to Falmouth in the Autumn of 2013 for a winter refit, which was completed before competing in the 2014 Pendennis Cup. Works included a Lloyd’s annual survey; rejuvenating teak cladding and deck; hydraulic system checks and minor interior adjustments.
