MY Shemara: A Classic Yacht’s Journey Through History
With Courtesy of Erica Lay & The Mallorca Bulletin. #25/1010.
Erica Lay owner of EL CREW International Yacht Crew Agency http://www.elcrewco.com/ erica@elcrewco.com
Yachting Culture – Classics Reborn
Following on with my crush on the classics, there’s a true gem currently residing in our very own STP boatyard here in Palma. Another yacht with a rich and storied history that spans over eight decades. Built in 1938 by the renowned John I. Thornycroft & Company, the 65m motor yacht Shemara has undergone significant transformations—from her early days as a luxury vessel to her wartime service in the Royal Navy, and ultimately her revival as a modern-day icon of classic yacht design.
A Legendary Beginning
The story of MY Shemara begins with English industrialist Bernard Docker, who commissioned the yacht from Thornycroft’s Southampton yard. Delivered in 1938, Shemara was built to reflect Docker’s refined taste and social stature. With a length of 64.09 metres (210.3 feet) and a beam of 9.19 metres (30.2 feet), Shemara was an imposing presence on the water.
Her sleek design blended luxury and practicality, boasting lavish interiors and state-of-the-art amenities for the era. In her early years, Shemara was a symbol of elegance and sophistication, frequently hosting extravagant parties under Docker’s patronage. But her glamorous existence was soon to be interrupted by the outbreak of World War II.
Service in the Royal Navy
In 1939, as global tensions mounted, the Royal Navy requisitioned Shemara for military service. Converted into a training vessel, she played a crucial role in anti-submarine warfare exercises. Notably, she was involved in a tragic exercise that resulted in the loss of the submarine HMS Untamed and all her crew.
Shemara remained in naval service until 1946. After the war, she was returned to Bernard Docker, resuming her role as a private luxury yacht. Despite wartime interruptions, her legacy as a symbol of wealth and grandeur remained intact. Once again, Shemara became the setting for high-society gatherings, hosting distinguished guests such as King Farouk of Egypt.
A New Era and the Decline
By 1965, Docker’s personal finances had begun to unravel, and Shemara was listed for sale at £600,000. She was ultimately purchased by property developer Harry Hyams for less than half that figure. Hyams used her for Mediterranean cruises, continuing her tradition of luxury afloat. However, over time, Shemara fell into disuse.
By the 1980s, she was mostly laid up in Lowestoft, England, marking a low point in her once-glorious existence. Shemara had become a forgotten relic—her former grandeur slowly fading under the weight of neglect.
The Resurgence: Refitting for the Future
Everything changed in 2010, when entrepreneur Sir Charles Dunstone recognised the yacht’s historical value and untapped potential. With a vision to restore her to former glory, Dunstone founded Shemara Refit LLP to oversee a meticulous restoration.
The refit, completed in 2014, was nothing short of transformational. Her machinery was entirely replaced with a state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce diesel-electric system, including five generators and a bow thruster for improved efficiency and manoeuvrability.
Crucially, the refit was not just about technology—it was about preservation. Her original steel and teak construction was retained, and many of her historic design features were carefully restored. The result? A yacht that balances vintage charm with cutting-edge performance.
The Legacy Continues
Today, MY Shemara is the perfect blend of classic and contemporary. Her interiors fuse vintage opulence with modern sophistication. With accommodations for 12 guests and a crew of 16, she is now available for charter, offering an experience steeped in history and wrapped in luxury.
More than 80 years since her launch, Shemara remains a towering example of classic yacht design. Her journey—from private splendour to wartime service, decline, and full renaissance—reflects a legacy of resilience and reinvention.
Under the careful stewardship of Sir Charles Dunstone, Shemara continues to turn heads. She is a reminder that true craftsmanship never ages—and that some yachts don’t just survive the years, they define them.
As she sails into the future, MY Shemara isn’t just a yacht.
She’s a living story. A floating museum. A tribute to timeless elegance.