A SIX year restoration dream has today finally been realised after Ipswich's Haven Marina bid a fond farewell to Harmony II.The 189ft mega-yacht has been a labour of love for its owners who plan to take the mighty vessel on a round the world tour.
A SIX year restoration dream has today finally been realised after Ipswich's Haven Marina bid a fond farewell to Harmony II.
The 189ft mega-yacht has been a labour of love for its owners who plan to take the mighty vessel on a round the world tour.
Alan and Martin Pedley bought the boat as a wreck six years ago but following an entire refit have restored the ship to its former glory.
The brothers were inspired to invest in the ruin by childhood sailing memories.
Alan, 44, said: “Martin and I had always discussed the idea and wanted to name the ship after our father's dinghy, Harmony.”
The Pedleys, who co-own an Essex based furniture company, originally planned for Harmony II to become a floating showroom.
But after completion of the impressive rebuild, it was decided to use the ship for international private charter and luxury corporate hospitality.
Marketing Manager Sarah Brockwell said: “Our first port of call is London Docklands then we're off to the Mediterranean and possibly the Caribbean. It's been a real rags to riches story and everyone around here has said how much they're going to miss us.”
The Harmony II was originally built and registered as a passenger and cargo ferry in Split, Croatia.
After changing hands several times and eventually falling into disrepair, the ship was rescued by coastguards in the Mersey and sold to the Pedley brothers.
Mr Pedley estimated that Harmony II is now worth in the region of $15m but it hasn't always been plain sailing for the team.
After five years and 250,000 man hours of restoration work, the ship was relaunched only last summer.
The vessel underwent several sea trials and was recently in London, moored off HMS Belfast, for her official launch party. She then returned to Ipswich, for the finishing touches of the project.
Have you helped with Harmony II's restoration? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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