Reviving a Classic: Restoring the Leonardo Eagle 44, Alarm

Following an extensive refit at Berthon, the 2014 Leonardo Eagle 44 (formerly named Lily) has returned with a new name and a fresh start: Alarm. The new name is a tribute to the historic 1830 cutter built by Thomas Inman, whose original site is now home to Berthon.

Prior to her arrival, we were made aware of existing internal water damage. With this knowledge, the interior headliners were removed, and the yacht was water-tested to ensure no leaks went untreated. The engine was serviced and winterised, and with the mast unstepped, the yacht was lifted ashore and blocked off in the paint preparation shed. The majority of work was carried out there, only moving into the gloss booth for the final stages, including topcoats and varnishing.

Below the waterline, the old antifoul was stripped back entirely. The hull was carefully sanded, primed, and treated with Coppercoat to provide long-term protection. Meanwhile, the topsides were given a full high-build treatment before being primed and faired, then finished in a flag blue topcoat that brings the hull to life.

To elevate the look even further, a metallic gold cavetto line was applied, along with the new Alarm name graphic. Cream and red boot stripes were added, and the entire finish was sealed with two protective clear coats. The coachroof and cockpit also underwent a full repaint – first primed and prepared in the shed, before receiving their topcoat in the gloss booth. The cockpit handrail was stripped, re-varnished with several coats, and restored to a rich finish that contrasts beautifully with the fresh paint. Interior and deck work was carried out in tandem during the prep phase, allowing the project to progress efficiently.

Once the paint and structural work was complete, attention turned to the rig. The spars were stripped of fittings and hardware before being blasted and repainted, restoring them to as-new condition. After paint, the rig was fully rebuilt with new running rigging and hardware. To finish, a pennant flag mast was added to the top of the main mast – a classic touch that perfectly complements Alarm’s traditional lines.  To complete the rig overhaul, the hydraulic vang and winches were fully serviced.

A brand-new suit of North Sails was delivered and fitted, rounding off this package and giving Alarm a crisp and powerful sail plan for the season ahead.

Our skilled shipwrights played a vital role in restoring Alarm’s character, carrying out several important structural and cosmetic jobs. We removed the chainplates, which had been flagged as an area of concern in the pre-purchase survey, and re-bedded them to ensure a watertight fit once they had been inspected and given a clean bill of health.

On deck, damaged teak planking was carefully removed and replaced, reinstating her classic appearance.

Below deck, the headliners were removed, recovered, and reinstalled, freshening up the interior spaces and improving sound insulation. The rotten wood covering the structural bulkhead was removed and replaced with a new panel, sealed with epoxy and painted gloss white to brighten the interior. These small but important repairs ensure that Alarm is as strong as she is elegant.

As with all thorough refits, engineering and systems received equal attention. We replaced the saildrive diaphragm and confirmed the torque on the keel bolts for peace of mind while sailing.  New batteries were fitted in order to keep the winches and sailing controls working at optimum capacity ensuring the ‘push button’ sailing experience.

This has been a truly special project – bringing together the expertise of the Berthon team, from the painters and riggers to the engineers and shipwrights, all working together to deliver an exceptional restoration.