Marine Industry unites to save SY Owl, a 117-year-old 20m sailing yacht
by SY Owl 31 Jul 11:45 UTC
Following the miraculous rescue of SY Owl from the beach in Palma Nova, Mallorca, earlier this year, superyacht manager Jim Passmore commits to the restoration of this incredible classic yacht.
SY Owl broke free of her mooring in a January storm, and came to rest on the beach of Palma Nova. Spotted by Jim Passmore, co-founder of superyacht management firm 8 Yachts, a remarkable salvage mission ensued, ensuring that this important piece of maritime history was not lost to the sand.
"I managed to contact the owner, who explained that with the tourist season starting, he'd been given just 48hours by the council to come up with a plan - otherwise the diggers would move in and break her up for disposal." - Jim Passmore.
With the owner's agreement, Passmore reached out to Ocean Divers in Palma and engaged Felix Bussmann - a marine surveyor. The hull was inspected and found to not be particularly damaged, and the team set about their plan.
"That's where it got complicated. Step one was to get the boat off the beach. Step two was to keep her afloat. Step three was to get her somewhere she could be lifted out, step four was successfully doing so, and then step five was finding somewhere to stand her. The problem was, we couldn't do step one until we had a plan for step five." - Jim Passmore
STP offered to help Passmore and his team get the boat out of the water, but they couldn't offer space for her. Fortunately, the President of the Port Authority stepped in. Appreciating the special nature of the mission, he kindly allowed the boat to be lifted out at STP and transported to the Port Authority dock next door.
The boat's age, wooden construction, and potentially delicate condition made moving her off the beach a challenge. Owl was only sitting in 70cm of water but has a 2.3m draft. Lines were affixed at the bow and stern, and the boat was gently pulled back and forth to loosen her before placing flotation pads beneath the keel. A team of eight specialists, two dive boats, two large anchors, and some expensive salvage equipment helped to make it all possible.
Having operated as a charter yacht out of Port Andratx in recent years, Owl was a familiar sight to many in Mallorca and Passmore's rallying cry for support in an effort to save her fielded an amazing response.
"The enthusiasm shown by the sailing community in Mallorca has been incredible. Even more notable, is the offer of product, services, and financial support to help restore this yacht to her former glory." - Jim Passmore.
As part of the restoration, AkzoNobel, a global leader in yacht coatings, conducted a detailed technical survey of Owl to evaluate the vessel's condition and determine the most appropriate coatings specification for the project. Following this assessment, the company donated a comprehensive range of products from its International® brand to protect the yacht both below and above the waterline, including the bilges and keel.
The system includes Micron 99® for the underwater areas and Toplac Plus for the topsides, for a premium, high-gloss finish. Designed to provide outstanding long-term protection, durability and aesthetic performance, the coatings system will help preserve Owl's structure and appearance as she embarks on the next chapter of her remarkable history. The work is currently being undertaken at STP Shipyard Palma in Mallorca before the yacht relocates to Pendennis Vilanova, where her interior varnish finishes will be carefully restored.
What makes SY Owl special?
SY Owl is one of the last remaining boats from the Edwardian era of British yachting. Designed by Frederick Shepherd and built by the White Brothers of Southampton.
Owl has survived two world wars, she has been raced, sailed across the Atlantic, and was stolen at one point - resurfacing in New Caledonia, without a mast!
What next?
Passmore is exploring all options in order to secure the yacht's future. Whether that's someone with the appropriate resources stepping to purchase the yacht and take on the restoration project, or a collaborative effort from industry contacts and private partners.