The 59-meter Marala has joined the charter portfolio at Ocean Independence. Her very long and interesting story began in 1930. Montague S Napier, one of the most active yacht owners of the time, ordered her from Camper & Nichsolsons, but unfortunately did not live to see his yacht finished, dying one month prior to her launch.
The only yacht in the shipyard’s history to be launched without a name, aircraft manufacturer Richard Fairey – actually an enthusiastic regatta sailor – subsequently took her over.
After serving the British Navy in World War II as HMS Evadne, the yacht changed hands several times until Robert de Balkany finally christened her Marala, her present name. After de Balkany, who was married to the daughter of the last King of Italy, passed away, Marala came back on the market in 2017.
Her current and very experienced owner inspected her in Greece and decided to buy relatively quickly. However, after an initial family holiday, on the advice of Captain Chris Lawrence, it was decided not to modernize her while she was still in service, but to invest in a veritable refit.
Initial steel work was carried out in Malta from 2017 to 2019, before being shipped to Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth. Her interior was redone under the direction of London-based design studio Muza Lab. Carpentry, furniture, fabrics and fittings were adapted to match the 1930s art deco look Marala once had. Even US post office telephones from that era were installed.
"This yacht is an absolute gem and takes every guest on a journey back in time without sacrificing modern comforts," comments Stephanie Archer, charter broker in charge at Ocean Independence.
The 59m yacht can accommodate 12 guests across six cabins, who are looked after by 19 crew members. The equipment includes a hot tub, three brand-new tenders and countless toys.
The charter rate is from EUR220,000 per week; for the season, the Mediterranean will be Marala's cruising ground.
Credits: Ocean Independence