marala yacht owner

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Photo – Camper & Nicholson

Yacht Marala - Now & The Future

The new owners of Yacht Marala, only the fifth in 88 years, are currently conducting a total refit of the vessel. Stage one saw two years of work undertaken in Malta and included a newly appointed crew mess, crew cabins and an extensive rebuild of the classic motor yacht’s original 1930’s M.A.N. engines. 

Stage two is underway and involves a substantial period of renovation at UK superyacht specialist Pendennis Shipyard. The comprehensive restoration includes upgrades to the steelworks, domestic and electrical systems, a completely new guest area, and a number of superstructure modifications that aim to restore her original classic yacht profile. The Yacht Marala owners hope to see her cruising once again in 2021. 

Builder                  Camper & Nicholsons Ltd Built in                  Southampton, UK Launched in          1931 Beam                     8.08m Draft                      3.8m Material                 Steel hull Super structure      Aluminium Engine                   2 x 750 horsepower M.A.N Fuel capacity         89,000L Fresh water            32,000L Cruising speed       12 knots GT                         499 LOA                      58.5m

Photos – Muza Lab

Leading London based Interior Design company Muza Lab, were chosen by the Yacht Marala owners for the guest area refit design. Muza Lab work very closely with the owners and have created an exquisite design reminiscent of the Art Deco era when Marala was launched. Many classic wood work features typical of the Camper & Nicholson 1931 build have been sympathetically incorporated into the new design. Silk panel walls, straw parquetry, brass fittings, crystal chandeliers and a fire place are particular features that the owners specified as important to the new design.

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Boat of the Week: How This Classic, 90-Year-Old Superyacht Was Restored to Her Former Glory

"marala" served as both family yacht and wwii warship. a london designer has modernized her, without changing her fundamental character., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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Interior designer Nathan Hutchins is more used to renovating historical buildings than classic yachts. But when the owners of the 1930s yacht Marala commissioned him to undertake the boat’s extensive renovation, he couldn’t refuse.

Co-owner of British studio Muza Labs, Hutchins’s experience of heritage interiors ranges from Spanish UNESCO world heritage sites to historic buildings in London. Hutchins was first introduced to the classic yacht’s owners 20 years ago when he completed the interior on their Dutch river barge. Two decades on, Marala is his first-ever yacht.

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“I recently worked on two canal barges in France and I’ve just completed a sleeper train in South America,” Hutchins told Robb Report . “I think a lot of elements of pure design are very relatable, but technically it’s been a jump. For me, it’s about finding the spirit of the place and in this case, the yacht. How the owners want to enjoy it.”

Named after Hungarian royalty, the yacht was responsible for downing German warplanes and U-Boats, but also entertained Salvador Dali and Frank Sinatra.  Courtesy Pendennis

The current owners, who purchased the yacht in the summer of 2018, are only the fifth in Marala ’s 88-year history. But the modifications made over time have “interrupted the elegance” of Marala ’s original lines, says Hutchins. The owners wanted the designer to capture the spirit of the 1930s to regain its original essence.

The authenticity of the restoration, which is being carried out at Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, UK, was aided by Hutchins’ discovery of hand drawings on the ship’s original blueprints located in the U.K.’s National Maritime Museum’s archives.

“We’ve been able to reference and reintroduce design elements using the original concepts, such as beautiful bookcases in the aft saloon,” says Hutchinson. “We discovered two original beds that had been cobbled back together that had featured softly curved corners and drawer fronts.”

Designer Hutchins had to be careful to keep the original charm and character, but also modernized the decor. During the restoration, much of the old woodwork was uncovered under old layers.  Courtesy Pendennis

Designer Hutchins had to be careful to keep the original charm and character, but also modernize the decor. During the restoration, much of the old woodwork uncovered under old layers.

Marala was built in 1931, but its would-be owner unfortunately died a month before the yacht’s delivery. This meant she was launched as number 388, the only Camper & Nicholson boat ever delivered without a name. Requisitioned by the Royal Navy in World War II, she served as HMS Evadne, successfully downing a German Heinkel III aircraft using the anti-aircraft guns mounted on her decks. Later, in the Strait of Gibraltar, she used depth charges to disable and sink a U-boat.

“When the vessel was requisitioned for war a lot of the original furniture was removed to make the boat more utilitarian,” says Hutchins. “Much of it wasn’t put back with the most love and care.” The designer said that stripping the yacht back to her bare bones has revealed original details, such as bedside tables, joinery, and a Douglas fir floor, complete with scuff marks and staple holes. “We realized straight away that we needed to keep the floor,” says Hutchins, who has complemented the existing woodwork with the introduction of American black walnut.

In 1962, Marala was bought by Hungarian businessman Robert de Balkany, who decorated the interior in a bold Savoir blue in honor of his wife Princess Maria Gabriella of the House of Savoy. He named the boat after his first two daughters, Marina and Alexandra. In her heyday Marala entertained the world’s elite, including Frank Sinatra and Salvador Dali.

Marala ‘s long, elegant profile was restored long after it served as a World War II warship, with two or three anti-aircraft guns on its bow.  Courtesy Pendennis

In a nod to the yacht’s history, Savoir-blue will run throughout the renovated exterior, paired with anthracite and white. Two custom tenders will have the new exterior palette.  Marala ’s 1940s systems have been upgraded and integrated into the authentic design.

“A lot of this boat hasn’t been seen for decades, so there were some items that needed immediate replacement,” Nick Kearton, project manager at Pendennis, told Robb Report . “A 90-year-old vessel means you’ll find things you might not want to. But the riveted steel that has survived is in very good condition, and we were able to clean it up and preserve it.”

Other sections were modernized for more practical use. Overhangs, doorways and the fashion plates outside of the owner’s suite have been reduced. The original timber decks have been fitted with steel separation plates to protect the interior. “It’s taken about 100,000 hours of steelwork fabrication alone,” says Kearton.

The yacht’s ‘Great Gatsby’ design is matched with original metalwork like the plates along the hull side.  Courtesy Pendennis

For Hutchins, one of the biggest challenges was discovering Marala ’s hull was a slightly different shape than he had originally conceived. That required a redesign while in the Pendennis dry dock. “Nothing is black and white on a boat like this, and sometimes surprises are wonderful,” says Hutchins. “You pull off a panel and you find a carpenter in 1931 left signed his name in chalk. So, some of the revelations have been really interesting and reveal the history of the boat.”

Marala is scheduled for completion and delivery this November.

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It seems hard to believe, but this stunning yacht from 1931 had only five owners in 88 years. The fifth and current owner decided to honor the extensive history of this 193-footer (59 meters) by appointing an acclaimed shipyard for its refit. Three years later, the beautiful Marala recently completed sea trials in Falmouth.

The UK Pendennis shipyard restored the vessel’s original classic profile. The steelworks and the electrical systems were upgraded, and a brand-new guest area was added. One of the goals was to keep as much of the original woodwork as possible, and, thankfully, Marala’s hull was still intact when the refit process began. Pendennis was able to rebuild the ship’s twin 1930s-era 750 hp MAN engines.

The historic yacht’s interior also had to reflect the unique spirit of that era. The acclaimed Muza Lab, a London-based design company, was in charge of that. Working closely with the owners, the design team recreated an Art Deco interior through sophisticated elements such as silk panel walls and crystal chandeliers. A cozy fireplace, brass fittings, and straw parquetry completed the elegant look.

The three-year refit process was followed by extensive sea trials. According to Megayacht News, surveyors from Lloyds (the world’s first and largest ship-classification society) were also present during the tests that were carried out off the coast of Falmouth, UK.

Built in Southampton, UK, Marala is a classic Camper & Nicholsons yacht. Although not yet confirmed, the freshly-upgraded vessel will most likely become available for yachting enthusiasts as a luxury classic charter yacht.

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All About M/Y Marala: Winner Of The Rebuilt Yacht Category 2023

The 18th edition of the World Superyacht Awards took place in Istanbul, Turkey on May 20th. The annual ceremony recognises and celebrates the world’s most notable and impressive Superyachts. There were numerous awards handed out, but one of the most spectacular vessels was certainly Marala – which won the category for Rebuilt Yachts.

Find out more about the vessel, her rich heritage, and the amazing makeover she received for a 21st-century lifestyle!

The History

Camper and Nicholsons built Marala in 1931.

Since then, her layout, original engines, and character have all remained. However, her superstructure and interior have been modified throughout her life, particularly when she was converted for a stint in the navy during World War II. Many guests (including Amelia Earhart, Salvador Dali, Frank Sinatra, and international royalty) have stepped onboard too.

That’s not the only transformation the vessel has gone through. Originally Evadne , she was then renamed  Zapala, and before she became  Marala , she was  Gaviota IV .

“The goal was to respect Marala’s heritage whilst granting a new spirit”

21st Century Update

The goal was to respect Marala’s heritage whilst granting a new spirit.

When she entered the market in 2016, it was the first time in over half a century. It became her new owner’s goal to restore her to glory. It was important to preserve her heritage and original design, so those involved approached any engineering updates cautiously.

The yacht was brought to Pendennis for her restoration to determine her legacy for years to come.

Design & Inspiration

Marala’s interior shows reverence for historical authenticity and innovation.

• The inspiration stemmed from the original Nicholson details
• The joinery includes Elegant soft pillowed deco edges. En-suites have an anthracite and white palette, and the offset with chrome fittings implement a strong deco feel
• On the cinema deck, there is a jacuzzi with a copper basin to suit the antique aesthetic
• The ‘Evadne’ Cabin pays homage to the ship’s military days. It is decorated with blue, purple, white and graphic print upholstery. Also, the ‘Gaviota’ Cabin’s pleated walls imitate a seagull’s quills. This hints to Marala’s time as La Gaviota IV

The restoration effort preserved some of Marala’s original materials, such as the solid timber flooring and carved handrails. Original brass hardware was also repurposed for the handles of a sideboard in the dining area.

• Top speed: 13.0 kn
• Cruising speed: 11.0 kn
• 247-foot (75.2-metre)
• Maximum cruising range: 4500.0 nm at 13.0 kn
• Can accommodate up to 12 guests (and 19 crew members)
• Gross tonnage of 499.0 GT and a 8.08 m beam

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Pendennis Undertakes Major Refit of 59m Marala

By Jenna Mehdi

Today we welcomed exciting news from the south of England, as Cornwall-based build and refit yard Pendennis announced its latest project: the major restoration of 59m Camper & Nicholsons’ build M/Y Marala .

Marala (formerly Gaviota, Zapala, Evadne, No 388) arrived at the Falmouth facility in early August, where she will spend the next year and a half undergoing scrupulous restoration. The project will see Marala fitted with high-grade equipment, systems and tech in line with the demands of modern day yachting, all while retaining her very distinct and original character instilled upon her build in 1931.

Marala ’s colourful history includes a conversion during World War II, where she was used for a period of naval service. Despite having been in action for over 8 decades, the yacht has had surprisingly few Owners, and in fact only came to the market for the first time in over 50 years in 2016. As such she has undergone very little modification since build, retaining her original layout and engines, making her a highly rare and unique vessel in the modern market.

The restoration project will see Marala ’s steelwork, domestic and electrical systems upgraded to modern standards, while her interior design will be fitted with a new guest area at the hands of London-based studio Muza Lab. Her décor will predictably be one that celebrates her rich history and 1930s origin, but brought in line with contemporary design. Her exterior will be restored in line with original lines, but a number of superstructure modifications added. Finally, Marala will be completely repainted, and her teak decks replaced and refurbished.

In a statement, her Captain commented that, “ Marala’s new Owner recognised the rare opportunity to own a Camper & Nicholsons classic motor yacht but understood that her essential engineering requirements would impact her interior. With a determination to remain sympathetic to her heritage and original design, the decision was made to bring the yacht to Pendennis to complete a restoration and preserve her spirit for many years to come.”

Mike Carr, Joint Managing Director of Pendennis, similarly commented, " Pendennis is renowned the world over as the premier destination to complete a complex restoration project like Marala… We pride ourselves on being able to sympathetically balance traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, breathing new life into these historic yachts.”

Marala is the latest project in an already impressive refit roster for Pendennis, including such award-winning projects on Fair Lady, Shamrock V, Malahne and most recently Haida 1929 . The Pendennis team has already proven itself well capable of refitting builds in such a manner as to bring them in line with the competitive standards of the modern day, all while preserving their rich heritage and character.

"We pride ourselves on being able to sympathetically balance traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, breathing new life into these historic yachts." Mike Carr, Joint Managing Director of Pendennis

"We pride ourselves on being able to sympathetically balance traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, breathing new life into these historic yachts."

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Step Onboard a Historic Superyacht Visited by Amelia Earhart, Salvador Dalí, and Frank Sinatra

By Katherine McLaughlin

When Nathan Hutchins was tapped to restore and redesign Marala, a historic superyacht first launched in the 1930s, the client’s design brief was simple: to respect the history of the ship. Though deceptively simple, with a past like that of  Marala ’s , it was a big ask. After her original commissioner passed away prior to the vessel’s launch, the ship was bought by Charles Richard Fairey, an aviation tycoon, and embarked on her maiden voyage in 1931. In the years following, Marala was briefly used by the Royal Navy in World War II, was passed through the hands of multiple high-profile owners—including royalty, at one point—and was frequently visited by notable guests like Amelia Earhart, Salvador Dalí, King Juan Carlos of Spain, Princess Alexandra of Kent, and Frank Sinatra. “There aren’t many classic yachts of this era that have such a rich heritage…which is why it was worthy of such an extensive restoration,” says Hutchins, who co-founded  Muza Lab , a London-based design firm specializing in hotels, superyachts , luxury developments, and private residential projects. 

During the refit, the designers wanted to open up the exteriors more, offering greater ease to take in the surrounding views. 

While the goal was clear, the details were up for interpretation. “It was a really lovely route to explore—the brief being a lot less specific than usual—it allowed us a lot of creative freedom from a design point of view,” says Hutchins. To kick things off, Muza Lab visited the National Maritime Museum to take a peek at the ship’s blueprints and better understand the original design, which was crafted by Dr. Charles Nicholson, a prominent shipbuilder of the era. “It was genuinely interesting to see the design in a way that was so authentic to its era,” Hutchins says. “There were also typewritten specs outlining the original interior fit and finish, including everything from the original fabrics and carpets used in the cabins to joinery drawings of some of the original pieces of furniture that were onboard.” 

Pops of savoy blue reference Princess Maria Gabriella of Savoy who previously owned the yacht with her husband, Robert de Balkany.

In her updated form, there are multiple nods to these origins, including waxed fabric on the walls in one of the cabins (a common feature of ships from the era), new furniture rebuilt as true to the original as possible, and timber detailing inspired by the Nicolson’s earlier design. “When discovering this incredible insight into its original features, we tried to reference those items as much as we could,” Hutching says. Of course, there are other more poetic interpretations of Marala’s history including the pops of savoy blue that define the Art Deco –inspired interiors, which reference one of the ship’s most prominent owners: Princess Maria Gabriella of Savoy and her husband Robert de Balkany . 

The dining cabin in the Marala . 

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Naturally, there were other practical details that Hutchins and the team had to incorporate to welcome the ship into this new age. Marala was upgraded with modern services and conveniences, which Hutchins says are “all very well hidden behind its beautiful authentic features.” The designers also hoped to put a greater emphasis on indoor-outdoor living, which prompted them to cut back some of the exterior’s steel and replace it with open railing. Not only did this stabilize the historic superyacht, but also removed some dated bulkiness.

The Art Deco interiors are reminiscent of the ship’s 1930s origin.

However, perhaps the most intriguing element of her design are the cabins. “ Marala has gone through so many transformations throughout the years, repeatedly reinventing herself,” Hutchins explains. “A goal of ours was to tell the story of each of these transformations through the design.” Each cabin offers a glimpse into the ship’s winding story. In room No 388, you’ll find waxed linen upholstered wall panels and a 1930s pattern woven into the carpet, a pure iteration of a cabin used when Marala was first launched. “The Evadne Cabin salutes the ship’s days in the military service when she was requisitioned for the war effort, with statement blue, purple, white and graphic print upholstery,” Hutchins says. Pleated walls inspired by seagull quills dominate The Gaviota Cabin, a reference to one of the ship’s previous owners, Arturo Lopez-Willshaw, who registered her under the name Gaviota IV ( gaviota meaning “seagull” in Spanish).

The Japan Cabin. 

The Evadne Cabin.

“For us, each individual element of the Marala is a window for those onboard to see glimpses of her past,” Hutchins concludes. “That said, like a brush stroke in a painting that builds to a whole picture, the Marala is ever-evolving and we were so happy to have a chance to create a design that not only honors the past but also nods to the current and possible future stories of the ship.” 

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MARALA YACHT CHARTER

58.8m  /  192'11   camper & nicholsons   1931 / 2022.

• Previous Yacht

Cabin Configuration

Special Features:

• Impressive 4,146nm range
• Multi-award winning
• Recent refit in 2022
• Sleeps 12 guests
• 6.4m/21' Cockwells Duchy Tender

Luxury charter yacht 'Marala' is the prime candidate for anyone looking for a taste of the superyacht lifestyle

The multi-award winning 58.83m/193' motor yacht 'Marala' by the British shipyard Camper & Nicholsons offers flexible accommodation for up to 12 guests in 6 cabins.

Offering an abundance of social and dining options, as well as a highly attentive crew, luxury charters aboard motor yacht Marala are set to be truly magical whatever the destination.

Guest Accommodation

Built in 1931, Marala offers guest accommodation for up to 12 guests in 6 suites comprising a master suite located on the main deck, one VIP cabin, two double cabins and two twin cabins. There are up to nineteen crew members on board to provide outstanding service on your charter.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

On your charter, you'll find plenty to keep you busy and entertained including a deck jacuzzi, perfect to enjoy the scenery with your favourite drink in hand.

Marala benefits from some excellent features to improve your charter including Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stay connected at all times, should you wish. You can stay comfortable on board whatever the weather, with air conditioning during your charter.

Performance & Range

Built with a steel hull and steel superstructure, she offers greater on-board space and is more stable when at anchor thanks to her full-displacement hull. Marala comfortably cruises at 11 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 13 knots with a range of up to 4,146 nautical miles from her 69,000 litre fuel tanks at 13 knots.

Set against the backdrop of your chosen cruising ground, you and your guests can enjoy fun on the water with the collection of water toys and accessories aboard Marala. Principle among these are two Flyboards, experience flying in and out of the water with the latest in high adrenaline watersport. Additionally, there are Jobe towable toys offering fun and adventure. In addition there are two waterskis that are hugely entertaining whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. If that isn't enough Marala also features wakeboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling equipment. Marala features three tenders, but leading the pack is a 6.4m/21' Cockwells Duchy Tender to transport you in style.

Marala and her crew are available for charter this summer for cruising within the Mediterranean. She is also accepting bookings this winter on request.

Experience the magical places, food and experiences of the Mediterranean this summer from the luxury of your own motor yacht. Marala, her captain and talented crew are ready to make sure that your yachting experience is like nothing else.

TESTIMONIALS

There are currently no testimonials for Marala, please provide .

Marala Photos

Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Marala has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

Marala is reported to be available to Charter with the following recreation facilities:

• 1 x 6.4m  /  21' Cockwells Duchy Tender Nanni 19 HP engine
• 1 x 6m  /  19'8 Ribeye Tender Yamaha 115 HP engine
• 1 x 5.18m  /  17' Dinghy

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

Marala Awards & Nominations

• The World Superyacht Awards 2023 Refitted / Rebuilt / Converted Yachts Winner
• The International Yacht & Aviation Awards 2023 Deck Design Winner
• International Superyacht Society Awards 2023 Best Refit Finalist
• + shortlist

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

'Marala' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

€220,000 p/week + expenses Approx $239,500

High Season

€230,000 p/week + expenses Approx $250,500

Cruising Regions

Mediterranean Croatia, Greece, Italy, Malta, Montenegro

HOT SPOTS:   Amalfi Coast, Mykonos, Sardinia

Winter Season

October - April

Please enquire .

Charter Marala

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker , or we can help you.

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This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3617 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and catamarans to choose from including superyachts and megayachts, the world is your oyster. Why search for your ideal yacht charter vacation anywhere else?

446ft | Lurssen

from $4,358,000 p/week ♦︎

378ft | Lurssen

from $2,833,000 p/week ♦︎

279ft | Golden Yachts

from $980,000 p/week ♦︎

289ft | Golden Yachts

from $1,198,000 p/week ♦︎

274ft | Feadship

from $1,089,000 p/week ♦︎

305ft | Feadship

from $1,525,000 p/week ♦︎

Maltese Falcon

289ft | Perini Navi

from $490,000 p/week

400ft | Lurssen

from $3,000,000 p/week

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MARALA For Charter

World Superyacht Awards 2023 winner.

At the hands of remarkably talented craftsmen & a devoted Owner determined to work sympathetically with her original design and retain every ounce of MARALA's spirit & character.

Following a highly successful first charter season, MARALA is ready to receive summer bookings for 2024 & 2025. Offering five double and one twin guest staterooms, guests will find themselves transported back in time to the wistful world of the 1930s, surrounded by soft art deco design and cradled in an ambience of nostalgia.

MARALA on the water is a breath-taking sight and is simply a taste of things to come, with descriptive adjectives never adequate to truly do her justice.

The best of MARALA

• Wine storage for approximately 200 bottles (chilled wine storage for 72 bottles).
• Luxury & elegance on a whole new level, superyacht winner for best rebuild 2023.
• An intriguing history from naval service to hosting distinguished guests such as Frank Sinatra and Salvador Dali.
• Swimming Pool / Deck Jacuzzi

All below new Autumn 2022:

RIBEYE 6m RIB WITH YAMAHA 115HP O/B COCKWELLS DUCHY 6.4m OPEN CLASSIC LAUNCH WITH 19HP NANNI I/B 17ft WOODEN CLINKER SAIL/ROWING DINGHY 4 INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARDS 2 FLITEBOARDS 5'8" 100L 2 CANOE OCEAN C2/AIR 2 JOBE CRUSHER TOWABLE 1 PERSON 1 JOBE LUNAR TOWABLE 3 PERSON 1 JOBE TOWABLE ROPE 2 PERSON 1 JOBE MODE COMBO WATERSKIS 1 JOBE HEMI TRAINER WATERSKIS 6 JOBE BASE WAKEBOARD HELMETS (2x S / 2x M / 2x L) 20 JOBE 4 BUCKLE LIFE VEST BLUE (5x S / 5x M / 5x L / 5x XL) 1 JOBE PROLIX WAKEBOARD 134 JUNIOR 2 AQUAGLIDE - NAVARRO 130 KAYAK 2022 SNORKELLING GEAR

2 FREESTANDING DECKCHAIRS, NEW 2024

The staterooms are themselves complete works of art. The main deck master stateroom has its own private access on starboard into a delightful lounge area. Walk forward into the bedroom and then forward again into the large en suite. The lower guest deck offers 5 guest staterooms with the full beam aft VIP. Forward from here on port is a twin of which the original sleigh bed has been beautifully restored and carefully lengthened, with a mirror image twin impeccably constructed by expert craftsmen and proving a perfect match. On starboard you have a double and forward again two more doubles, all en suite.

• Length: 59m/193ft
• Gross Tonnage: 499
• Beam: 8.05m
• Hull construction: Steel
• Superstructure construction: Steel
• Interior Designer: Muza Lab
• Naval Architect: Charles E. Nicholson
• Engines: MAN Twin Diesel
• Range: 4500nm
• Flag: Cook Islands
• Classification Society: Without classification

Location and rates

Mediterranean

EUR 220,000

EUR 230,000

I was sincerely impressed by the passion and enthusiasm oozing from the Captains and their crew when touring MARALA.

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It sure looks like Mark Zuckerberg is taking a brand new superyacht out to celebrate his 40th birthday

• It seems as if Mark Zuckerberg will celebrate his 40th birthday on the  megayacht, Launchpad .
• The yachting world has speculated for months that the Meta CEO is the owner of the vessel.
• Now, both the boat and Zuckerberg's private jet have landed in Panama.

All signs point to Mark Zuckerberg celebrating his 40th birthday on what many speculate is his brand-new superyacht Launchpad .

The boating world has been buzzing about Launchpad — a 118-meter yacht built by the Dutch shipyard Feadship — for months, with rumors swirling that her owner is none other than the Meta CEO. But in the yachting world, where privacy is paramount , no party would confirm her owner.

"It is Feadship's standard policy to never divulge any information about our yachts with reference to ownership, costs, or delivery, etc," Feadship, the ship's builder, wrote to Business Insider in March. "Whether it is an 18-meter Feadship from the 1960s or a 118-meter Feadship from the 21st century, we do not share private information."

Related stories

Representatives for Zuckerberg did not respond to requests for comment from BI.

Now there's even more evidence: The megayacht arrived in Panama on Monday, making her way there from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she's predominantly been moored since she made her maiden voyage across the Atlantic in March, according to public ship-tracking data. Wingman, the support superyacht that he is suspected to have purchased with Launchpad, made the journey with her.

Zuckerberg's plane also landed in Panama on Monday, per a private jet tracker, and if his Instagram is any indication, he was on board.

Putting two and two together — along with the many other clues linking Zuckerberg to the yacht — we can surmise that the Meta CEO is likely kicking off his new decade aboard his new toy.

Little is known about the luxury vessel, which was said to have been built for a sanctioned Russian businessman before it was handed over to the Dutch government, which served as a middleman for the purchase. Her final purchase price is unknown, but it's safe to say a yacht of that size from that shipyard would cost nine figures upfront and six figures a year to maintain.

The few photos of Launchpad available on the industry site SuperYacht Times show there appears to be a helipad and a swimming pool on her main deck.

A vessel of her size can typically sleep dozens of guests and crewmembers and likely has an expansive gym (where Zuckerberg could practice his jiu-jitsu), a spa, a movie room, and a garage to fit plenty of toys like his viral hydrofoil .

Zuckerberg's name was first connected to Launchpad in December when reports swirled that he visited Feadship's shipyard in the Netherlands. By March, yachting blogs like eSysman SuperYachts and Autoevolution suggested he officially snagged the boat at a $300 million price tag. Launchpad also bears the flag of the Marshall Islands, a US territory that is commonplace for American buyers to register their ships.

We will never know for sure whose name is on her title, so unless Zuckerberg confirms he's Launchpad's owner, we will have to wait for an invitation to Zuck's birthday party to confirm.

Watch: The scariest things OceanGate's CEO said about deep-sea diving

• Main content

FWC identifies boater in Key Biscayne hit-and-run that killed Florida teen ballerina

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission has identified the person behind the wheel in the South Florida hit-and-run boating death of 15-year-old Ella Adler on Saturday.

Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 78, of Coral Gables was piloting a 42-foot Boston Whaler in Key Biscayne when officials say his boat struck Ella Riley Adler, 15, a ballerina with the Miami Ballet and granddaughter of U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Michael M. Adler. The teen had been wakeboarding behind another boat and was floating in the water, according to an FWC incident report released Wednesday.

The man piloting the boat that hit the girl sped off to the west without stopping, witnesses said. Adler was retrieved by the other boat but died of her injuries.

The vessel is in custody and Alonso is cooperating with the investigation, the FWC said in a release Tuesday .

Investigators said Tuesday it was unclear if Alonso knew Adler was there or was hit. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor. In a statement from Alonso's attorney Lauren Krasnoff, shared by Local10.com , Krasnoff said Alonso was unaware he hit anybody and does not drink.

"I will tell you that Bill, who has been boating for 50 years and is a very experienced boater who knows these waters, was out boating by himself on Saturday," Krasnoff said in the statement. "He has no knowledge whatsoever of having been involved in this accident. If he hit Ella that day, he certainly did not know it. Had Bill thought he hit anything, he absolutely would have stopped. But he did not at any point think that he had hit anything, let alone a person.

"He docked his boat in plain sight right behind his house," she said, "and did not even know there was an accident on the water that day until officers showed up at his door."

Witnesses or anyone with video footage or information should contact the FWC at 888-404-FWCC or 888-404-3922 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS or 305-471-8477.

A total reward of up to $20,000 — $10,000 from Adler's family and a combined $10,000 from FWC and Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers — is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and successful prosecution of the driver of the hit-and-run boat incident.

What happened in the boating death of Ella Adler?

At about 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11 (the day before Mother's Day), Adler and several others had been enjoying some recreational boating near the Nixon Beach Sandbar in Biscayne Bay, according to the incident report. Adler was wakeboarding behind a 42-foot 2017 Hanse Fjord yacht at the same time as an unidentified female on a wake surfboard.

The two people being towed fell into the water at different times and locations, the incident report said. Adler was wearing a life jacket and had the wakeboard still attached to her feet, an FWC official told NBC6 in Miami , when she was struck by a 42-foot 2020 Boston Whaler.

A witness said the boat did not appear to swerve or slow down when it hit the girl. The yacht towing her immediately spun around back to where she was and began broadcasting distress calls, the witness told NBC6.

Where was Ella Adler killed? Where is Nixon Beach Sandbar in Florida?

The Nixon Beach Sandbar is located in Biscayne Bay, Florida, west of Hurricane Harbor near Miami.

It's a popular destination for recreational boaters and fishing for its white sands and clear shallow waters, and it "turns into a wild party spot every weekend" full of yachts and catamarans, according to the boating site sail.me .

The area was named for former president Richard M. Nixon, who owned a home overlooking the water nearby.

Who is Ella Riley Adler of Florida?

Ella Adler was a freshman at Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove and a ballerina with the Miami City Ballet. She is the granddaughter of Michael M. Adler, the current U.S. Ambassador to Belgium , according to the Miami Herald .

"We are heartbroken," the school said in a Facebook post Monday morning. "Ella Adler '27 shined in our classrooms and on our stages, and she embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School. We wish peace and comfort to her family."

Adler appeared in more than 100 performances with the Miami Ballet, including "The Nutcracker," according to her Legacy.com obituary . In school, she performed on the dance team, acted in the school play "Chicago" and was a member of the Ransom Everglades Jewish Students Association.

"You were taken from us way too soon, and the world has been robbed of all the things you could have achieved," her father, Matthew, wrote in a letter read during a funeral service at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach on Monday, the Miami Herald reported . "But you will always be here with us and your friends and family will carry your energy and spirit forever.”

First Lady Jill Biden paid her condolences in person Tuesday, according to a statement from the family.

"We are honored that the First Lady paid a shiva call to our family during this time of immense pain. We are touched by their support and love and we are proud to call the President and First Lady our friends for over 40 years," they said.

The girl's great-aunt Karen Adler started working in President Joe Biden's D.C. office in 1973 when he was still a junior senator from Delaware, according to Jewish Insider , and served as his national finance chair in 2008. Her brother Michael was confirmed as Ambassador to Belgium in 2021 .

Adler is survived by her parents Amanda and Matthew, her brother Jaden, and her sister Adalynn, grandparents Judy and Michael, and Susan and Michael Klaiman, along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, contributed to this story.

Watch CBS News

Authorities ID boat operator who fatally struck 15-year-old Ella Adler

By CBS Miami Team

Updated on: May 15, 2024 / 6:46 PM EDT / CBS/CNN

MIAMI - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission identified the boat operator in connection to the death of 15-year-old Ella Adler, who was struck while water skiing in Biscayne Bay on Saturday.

Authorities say Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 78, of Coral Gables, was the boat's operator.

They say he was the only occupant of the vessel on that day, according to the one-page incident report.  

FWC24ON0038760_updated-2 by sergio.candido on Scribd

The boat was discovered behind a home in the Hammocks Oaks neighborhood in Coral Gables. Neighbors described the man who lives in the home as a family man and an experienced boater. They said he was devastated by what happened.

Rodney Barreto, the Chairman of the FWC,  said this about Ella's death, "It's touched our community in a way." 

"When you're 15 years old you don't expect to go out on a boat and not come home." 

The new preliminary FWC report says she had been on a boat with 12 other people and was being towed while on a wakeboard. 

Records show Alonso owns the house where the vessel was seized.

"The gentleman who was driving the boat who is cooperating with us is Mr. Alonso," said Barreto.

"We have some physical evidence that we have recovered that we have sent to our state lab for testing." 

Barreto says officers used witness descriptions to find the boat.

"It was good old-fashioned police work by our officers. 
We asked them to go up and down the canals from Coconut Grove to South Miami. They went up and down the canals with the physical description they had and recognized the boat." 

Batteto said there was no evidence pointing to reckless or drunk driving.

It's not known if the driver will be cited or charged.

"Our job is to gather information and present it to the State Attorney, so they can do their job." 

The loss of Ella Adler prompts this warning from Barreto: "Make sure you pay attention to the water and always look around because things can happen on the water and they can happen very quickly."

"We encourage people to use a lot of caution and go to boating safety schools." 

"Florida has the most registered boats in the country and Miami-Dade has the most registered boats than any county in Florida."

Ella, the granddaughter of US Ambassador to Belgium Michael M. Adler, was water skiing with friends Saturday near the Nixon Beach sandbar when she fell in the water while being towed and was struck by another boat. The operator of that boat never stopped.

An all out search was then launched to find the boat and driver.

On Wednesday, Florida Fish and Wildlife believed they had found it. 

"I am pleased to report that we have a vessel in custody that matches the description given by witnesses," said FWC's George Reynaud. "The boat is in our custody and the owner is cooperating with us."

On Monday morning, hundreds of people attended services for Adler at Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach.

On Tuesday, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden stopped by in person to offer her condolences and be with the family.

"We are honored that the First Lady paid a shiva call to our family during this time of immense pain. We are touched by their support and love and we are proud to call the President and First Lady our friends for over 40 years," according to a statement from the family.

Adler was a freshman at Ransom Everglades High School and a ballerina with the Miami City Ballet.

"We are heartbroken," Ransom Everglades posted on Facebook. "Ella Adler '27 shined in our classrooms and on our stages, and she embodied the mission of Ransom Everglades School. We wish peace and comfort to her family."

"We at Miami City Ballet and the Miami City Ballet School are utterly devastated by the heartbreaking news of this tragic accident," said the organization which described Adler as a beloved student and a magnificent dancer who graced their stage. "Our hearts go out to Ella's family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and adoring her. As we come together, we will profoundly grieve the loss of Ella, and hold dear the precious memories we were fortunate enough to create with her."

"We extend our deepest condolences to the Adler family at this difficult time," the US Embassy to Belgium said in a statement. "Out of respect for their privacy, we have nothing further."

Anyone who saw the accident or anyone who might have video footage or information about it is urged to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).

The CBS Miami team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSMiami.com.

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Classic motor yacht Marala sold

The 58.3 metre classic motor yacht Marala, listed for sale by Jean-Marie Recamier at Camper & Nicholsons , has been sold with Miles Clark at Seanergy introducing the buyer.

Built in steel and aluminium by British yard Camper & Nicholsons to a design by Charles E Nicholson , she was delivered in 1931 and has had just three owners in 85 years. Her well preserved interior in an Art Deco design accommodates 13 guests in seven cabins consisting of a master suite with a dressing room, two doubles, two twins and three singles, all with en-suite bathroom facilities.

Boasting four decks, she has plenty of spaces for relaxation and fine dining. A formal dining room lies forward on the main deck while the semi-covered main aft deck offers luxurious al fresco entertaining and dining, which also feature on the upper aft deck.

The main saloon aft of the dining room is a study in sumptuous living, with overstuffed furniture upholstered in blue fabrics and with seating areas arranged to create intimate conversation areas.

The sun deck has more outdoor seating areas and is used to store the tenders. Amazingly, she still retains her original 750hp MAN diesel engines giving her a cruising speed of 12 knots and a range of 3,600 nautical miles.

Her broker, Jean-Marie Recamier, comments: “Her new owner, with a sensitive approach, can maximise all her unique charm and make her one of the greatest surviving classic motor yachts.”

Marala was asking €10 million.

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The boat-sinking orcas are back.

Around 9 a.m. Sunday near the Strait of Gibraltar, two people on board the roughly 50-foot Alboran Cognac reported blows to the vessel’s hull and saw damage to the rudder as water flowed into the ship, Spain’s maritime rescue agency said.

An unknown number of killer whales had struck again, after hundreds of such encounters in recent years.

Over the radio, responders told the two individuals to put on their life jackets, make sure their GPS locaters were turned on and prepare for emergency evacuation. In the meantime, Spanish and Moroccan rescue agencies began urgently working to save them, locating a nearby oil tanker and electing not to dispatch a helicopter.

After about an hour, that tanker rescued the pair 14 miles off Cape Spartel in northern Morocco, the Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Agency (SASEMAR) said in a news release. The boat was left adrift and soon sank.

Spain-based Alboran Charter confirmed its ownership of the sunken vessel and said the individuals were customers. The company declined to say more about what happened or who the clients were.

Iberian orcas sinking a ship is not new. Over the past four years, at least 15 orcas have interacted with hundreds of boats sailing in the waters off Portugal, Spain and Morocco, sinking a handful of vessels in seemingly coordinated ambushes. Some ships have been found with teeth marks; others appear to have been rammed by an orca’s head or body.

On average, there have been 168 interactions each year since 2020, according to Grupo de Trabajo Orca Atlántica, or GTOA, a research group studying the region’s killer whales. GTOA has tracked 26 interactions so far this year, down from 61 through a similar time frame in 2023.

It’s not clear why the orcas have recently bumped, bitten and sank vessels. Some scientists say they are simply being playful, or maybe are curious, or perhaps are coming after boats because of a loss of prey. A handful say the actions could actually be gratifying to the whales.

A leading theory, though, is one of vengeance.

This idea, advanced by a scientist who has studied the encounters, posits that a female orca suffered a traumatic run-in with a boat that led her to start attacking the vessels. And because orcas are intelligent marine mammals that learn behaviors like hunting together, others followed.

But there is disagreement over this theory.

Some scientists argue that the incidents shouldn’t be called “attacks” without knowing the whales’ motives. They fear that label could prompt retaliation by boaters, calling it potentially “harmful” to the critically endangered species with just a few dozen members.

“Science cannot yet explain why the Iberian orcas are doing this, although we repeat that it is more likely related to play/socialising than aggression,” a group of more than 30 scientists wrote in an open letter last summer. “ … When we are at sea, we are in the realm of marine life. We should not punish wildlife for being wild.”

The letter explained that orcas have been observed developing “cultural ‘fads,’” including carrying dead fish on their heads, and the incidents with the boats may be nothing more than a “fashion trend.”

SASEMAR warned that the risk of the encounters is highest between May and August, recommending that boats avoid the area between the Strait of Gibraltar to the Gulf of Cádiz to its west. It added that if a boat comes across orcas, it should not stop moving, and instead should head toward the coast and shallower waters. People should not approach the side of the boat and are barred from using measures that could injure or kill the whales.

“It is possible the behaviour, as previous fads have,” the scientists wrote, “will disappear as suddenly as it appeared.”