Rigging specialists Marine Results has been handling a major rig project on the world’s largest sailing sloop, Mirabella V (now renamed m5). The project is part of a substantial one-year refit being undertaken by Pendennis Plus, the division of Pendennis which specializes in 60m+ refits and new builds.
Marine Results unstepped the mast in April, with the support of local riggers, Pendennis, Macsalvors and Ainscough cranes. The team then stripped the mast down ready for Pendennis to paint.
“Unstepping the rig is no small job,” comments Marine Results Director Ed Danby. “The rig is a giant 89 metres weighing 46 tonnes. To give you an idea of the size of the job, when we remove the boom vang, this alone is 9.5 metres long and weighs 900 kg and is capable of pulling 112 tonnes.”
The team will check all the components and then re-step the mast at the end of her 13 month refit. Marine Results has regularly been involved in m5’s rig since the yacht was built, and have done service work on her every year since, so the company was a natural choice for this task.
The full extent of the engineering commission on m5 involves Pendennis replacing the main engines, generators, switchboards and sewage treatment plant along with an upgrade of the air conditioning system, electrics and entertainment system, and a 10 year DNV survey. The interior aspects of the refit will see the main and lower decks undergo a complete restyle. m5’s main deck in particular will be completely transformed once all joinery is replaced to complement RWD’s new design.
Redman Whiteley Dixon (RWD) have been commissioned as the interior design team, and naval architect Ron Holland, Mirabella V’s original designer, will steer the structural improvements, including a 3m stern extension.
