Yachting World
- Digital Edition
M5 exclusive pictures: Ron Holland, an airplane and the largest ever sloop
- Alexandra Groom
- October 11, 2023
Exclusive pictures of M5, the largest single-mast sailing yacht in the world, getting ready for an ocean crossing with a seaplane on her stern.
The incredible M5 (ex-Mirabella V) is about to embark on a Pacific crossing, and seen here with her designer and naval architect Ron Holland.
Photo: Ron Holland
This 77.6-metre underwent an extensive two year refit at Pendennis in 2012 which saw three metres added to her stern, as well as the removal and re-stepping of her groundbreaking rig. This extra space has enabled her new owners to keep a private Carbon Cub sea plane on her stern.
Built at VT Shipbuilding and launched in 2003, she is the largest single-mast superyacht ever built, with an astonishing 90m mast. What was at the time considered to be a very daring yacht is now seen as one of the most iconic and recognised superyachts of the 21st Century.
She accommodates up to 14 guests across seven cabins and has 15 crew, as well as plenty of entertaining space not often seen on typical sailing yachts.
Originally published on SuperYachtWorld.com on April 16, 2015
If you enjoyed this….
Yachting World is the world’s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams. Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.
- Ordered by Shipyards & Yacht Brands
- Ordered by Date
- Yacht Designers
- About and Contact
- Yacht Support Vessels
- Tenders & Toys
- Some interesting other sites in the superyacht world
M5 (ex Mirabella V) restyled by Pendennis Shipyard
M5 's stern was remodeled at the pendennis shipyard in falmouth, uk and completed her sail trials successful..
M5 was originally built in 2004 as Mirabella V . Until she is still the largest sloop with over 75 meters (length of the hull) and an almost 90 meters long mast.
Designed and manufactured by Carbo-Link with OYS making the fittings, the 34 new carbon fiber stays, and titanium fittings with built-in dynamic fiber optics have decreased the weight of the rig by 18 tons. The sail trials not only established the M5 ‘s potential speed but tested the new system and balance of the yacht under sail for the first time. During several hours on the water with challenging sea conditions, the remodeled boat performed well, reaching 17.7 knots in 18-23 knots of wind.
The project, due to be completed over the next month, has seen a collaboration between Pendennis and the original designer Ron Holland , to achieve the Owners idea of extending the stern by 3m which has created a new sleeker profile providing an impressive aft deck area. During the refit, Pendennis has completed extensive engineering works and the interiors have been redesigned by UK company Redman Whiteley Dixon .
M5 carries now a water plane on aft deck
Stepping the huge mast
Close to the wind when she was MIRABELLA V
Main Specifications of Sailing Yacht M5
| Vosper Thornycroft | |
| 75.22 m (pre-remodel) / 77.6m (post-remodel) | |
| 14.82 | |
| 10 m | |
| Ron Holland | |
| Ron Holland | |
| Redman Whitely Dixon | |
| Composite - Eglass | |
| 2004 |
SHARING IS CARING - THANK YOU!
Nomad iv // maxi dolphin (fc 100), jongert 3200p, vijonara // pendennis shipyard, sailing yacht vs motor yacht: say goodbye to sailboat compromise, 100m sailer vento // nuvolari lenard, pink gin vi // baltic yachts, dahm 120 by beiderbeck designs – a 36m accessibly sailing yacht, baltic 80 custom.
About Publisher
Using a minimum of third party cookies for YouTube, Vimeo and Analytics.
Privacy Preference Center
Privacy preferences.
Google Analytics
The global authority in superyachting
- NEWSLETTERS
- Yachts Home
- The Superyacht Directory
- Yacht Reports
- Brokerage News
- The largest yachts in the world
- The Register
- Yacht Advice
- Yacht Design
- 12m to 24m yachts
- Monaco Yacht Show
- Builder Directory
- Designer Directory
- Interior Design Directory
- Naval Architect Directory
- Yachts for sale home
- Motor yachts
- Sailing yachts
- Explorer yachts
- Classic yachts
- Sale Broker Directory
- Charter Home
- Yachts for Charter
- Charter Destinations
- Charter Broker Directory
- Destinations Home
- Mediterranean
- South Pacific
- Rest of the World
- Boat Life Home
- Owners' Experiences
- Conservation and Philanthropy
- Interiors Suppliers
- Owners' Club
- Captains' Club
- BOAT Showcase
- BOAT Presents
- Events Home
- World Superyacht Awards
- Superyacht Design Festival
- Design and Innovation Awards
- Young Designer of the Year Award
- Artistry and Craft Awards
- Explorer Yachts Summit
- Ocean Talks
- The Ocean Awards
- BOAT Connect
- Between the bays
- Golf Invitational
- BOATPro Home
- Superyacht Insight
- Global Order Book
- Premium Content
- Product Features
- Testimonials
- Pricing Plan
- Tenders & Equipment
Mirabella V sailing yacht becomes M5 and checks in for major refit
Mirabella V , the largest sailing sloop in the world - and fifth largest sailing yacht - has arrived at the Pendennis Plus yard in Falmouth, UK to start a year-long refit. Now renamed M5 by her new owner, who bought the yacht from Joe Vittoria last June, the 75.2m yacht is being adapted inside and out to suit his needs.
M5 will have a 3 metre stern extension, giving her a larger bathing platform, and a side boarding platform installed. The structural fabrication of the composite stern will be undertaken by Green Marine with support from structural engineers High Modulus, while her original naval architect Ron Holland will be steering all the structural improvements.
Her interior will also undergo a transformation with original interior designers Redman Whiteley Dixon involved in the redesign of the main and lower decks in a contemporary style.
The refit will also see the main engines, generators, switchboards and sewage treatment plant replaced and the air-conditioning system, electrics and entertainment system upgraded. A 10 year DNV survey will complement these works. The yacht's 90m mast, which is being removed ahead of the structural work, will be overhauled along with the rig, and she will also have a full hull repaint.
The yacht’s captain, Rocka Romke, has explained the process behind the selection of the British-based team: 'The team assembled for the works are testament to the quality of the workforce and facilities available in the UK. Of course Ron Holland is very familiar with the yacht and is perfectly positioned enhance its appearance whilst remaining sympathetic to the original design. Both Pendennis Plus and Redman Whiteley Dixon have established reputations as being amongst the best in their fields with experience in both the large yacht and sailing yacht sectors. I believe the collaboration between these parties will elevate M5 to be one of the most impressive and original sailing yachts in the world both in structure and style.'
Once her refit has been completed in 2013, M5 's new owner plans to cruise her extensively, but she may yet return to the charter market.
Sign up to BOAT Briefing email
Latest news, brokerage headlines and yacht exclusives, every weekday
By signing up for BOAT newsletters, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy .
More about this yacht
More stories, most popular, from our partners, sponsored listings.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Fresh from a refit, step on board the 78 metre sailing yacht M5, delivered by VT Shipbuilding and re-designed by Ron Holland, Rob Doyle and RWD.
Get an inside look into the SY M5 Yacht, the world's largest single-masted superyacht with groundbreaking design and superior performance. Discover its remarkable features, history, and ownership.
M5 is a sloop-rigged super yacht launched in 2003 as Mirabella V. She is the largest single-masted yacht ever built.
Exclusive pictures of M5, the largest single-mast sailing yacht in the world, getting ready for an ocean crossing with a seaplane on her stern.
Discover the sheer elegance and power of the M5 sailing yacht. With her towering masts and sleek design, the M5 is the epitome of luxury and performance on t...
M5's stern was remodeled at the Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, UK and completed her sail trials successful. M5 was originally built in 2004 as Mirabella V. Until she is still the largest sloop with over 75 meters (length of the hull) and an almost 90 meters long mast.
M5 at anchor in Bedwell Harbour , BC Canada . Learn More: https://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/editorial-features/sailing-yacht-m5.
(CTV News) According to Boat International magazine, the Cayman-flagged vessel is the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world. The M5 sailed into the Saanich Inlet marina on...
Mirabella V, the largest sailing sloop in the world - and fifth largest sailing yacht - has arrived at the Pendennis Plus yard in Falmouth, UK to start a year-long refit. Now renamed M5 by her new owner, who bought the yacht from Joe Vittoria last June, the 75.2m yacht is being adapted inside and out to suit his needs.
The M5, formerly called Mirabella V, pulled into Stock Island Marina Village, Key West, on Christmas Eve. She is the largest, single masted sailboat in the world. The stats are impressive. She's 294 feet long with 48' beam, and a 290' mast. She's a BEAST!