The motor yacht Dona Amélia has recently undergone a refit at Pendennis Plus yard in the UK, according to MegaYacht News. Originally launched in 1928 as the Haidia G, the 233-foot vessel is the largest to be serviced in the Pendennis yard. Now known as Dona Amélia, the yacht has had a very interesting history since her early days.

Built by Krupp Germania in Germany to a design by Cox & Stevens in the USA, the megayacht was commissioned by manufacturer Max Fleishman (bakers will recognize the name from Fleishman's yeast). The name Haidia was taken from an ethnic group indigenous to islands off the coast of British Columbia. The Haidia was then taken into service for World War II. After her stint in the army, she then had a series of owners, including movie producer Robert Stigwood and the late yacht-charter expert Andreas Liveras, the latter naming her Rosenkavalier. The boat has also spent time onscreen, as part of the cast of Mama Mia!


Despite being so old, Dona Amélia still has her original twin Krupp steam engines, a feature that the Pendennis crew also retained. The megayacht has been well cared for by vigilant owners and crew and so much of her original features are still in good working order. For the refit, Pendennis performed regular maintenance and overhauled some equipment including gensets and hydraulics. Expert craftsmen restored the teak decks and outside brightwork. In addition, she got an upgraded entertainment system and a brand-new hot tub.

Dona Amélia is currently wintering in the Caribbean, where lucky guests may be getting to try out her new features. The classic superyacht is available for both corporate and private charter and can be found at CharterWorld.com.