An Award-Winning Makeover: M/Y Haida 1929’s Before & After

M/Y Haida 1929, the Krupp Germaniawerft build who has gone by many names in her storied history, made her debut 18 months after beginning the refit process at Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, Cornwall.

The 71.1-meter (with bowsprit) beauty is also fresh off winning “Best Rebuilt Yacht” at Boat International Media’s 2019 World Superyacht Awards. “Yachts like Haida 1929 are a piece of history that require a passion and commitment that goes over and above,” says Adam Lay, chief designer of Adam Lay Studio, whose main charge was the interior. Although not easy to do while staying true to the history and era of the vessel, Lay says he is absolutely certain the owners feel it was worthwhile.

Nothing was left untouched during the refit, which saw Edmiston Yacht Management, Pendennis Shipyard, and Adam Lay Studio working in partnership on the project. Among the extensive changes was the addition of a new massage room/hairdressing salon and hammam at the lower deck’s aft end; restored owner’s deck lounge with new fireplace, bar, desk/study area, sofa and blinds; and a restored main deck library with the addition of a drop-down movie screen and overhead projector, new sofa, coffee table, games table and blinds.

For Lay, his favorite update was the addition of three working fireplaces, which “add an atmosphere of romance and warmth to the interior,” he says. They used gel fireplaces, “which give out a surprising amount of warmth and real flames,” he explains.  

For the owners, Lay says it was how they achieved “a feeling of lightness and freshness on board with the ability to create different atmospheres — from super relaxed during the day to evening formality with romance and ambiance.”

The owners were extremely involved — having spent a year prior to purchasing the vessel, putting together ideas, mood boards, and plans themselves — and knew exactly what they wanted. “This was incredibly helpful for us as refit designers, given the short design timeframe,” Lay says.  

(Below) The designer: “The guest cabin typifies the owners’ approach to Haida 1929’s restoration, balancing out beautifully her heritage and evoking the style of the 1920s with modern technology and comforts.”

Photos: Courtesy of Adam Lay Studio