PENDENNIS Shipyard’s newly-built wet dock complex had a real baptism of fire on Monday when one of the world’s largest superyachts, the 85.6-metre Aquila, docked.

The 3,000-ton yacht entered the dock stern first to berth outside the impressive building halls.

As is customary in the superyacht world, commercial confidentiality is of paramount importance. Pendennis Shipyard will be making no announcement about the vessel or any contract it may have with a customer.

Launched in 2010 by Direcktor Shipyards as the Cakewalk and renamed last year, the Aquila ranks 79th in the world’s top 100 yachts. At the time of her building she was the largest vessel of her type built in America.

Denver-based investor Charles Gallagher had the Cakewalk built. He is reported to be worth more than £320 million. He sold the yacht in 2011. Last December she was on the market again for £87 million.

Accommodation comprises: seven staterooms sleeping 14 guests, a master suite, four VIP staterooms, and two twin cabins. She can carry 26 crew onboard.

Aquila generates a maximum speed of 17 knots from her MTU 2000 series engines and has a transatlantic range of 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots.