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Welcome to Leonardo Yachts. In close collaboration with the leading designers in the yachting world such as Hoek Design and Dykstra Naval Architects, we build daysailers that embody the true essence of a modern classic yacht. Our modern classic sailing yachts combine the timeless appeal of a classic yacht with the cutting edge technology of a modern cruiser. Enjoy the exceptional comfort and unrivaled performance or our Spirit of Tradition yachts, without making compromises on beauty and elegance. Our modern classic sailing yachts truly are the ideal combination of old and new…

Like a true modern classic yacht, our Eagles all have a classic look with the characteristic long overhangs, classic yacht lines and high gloss mahogany varnished exterior woodwork. The looks are completed by the Edson classic steering pedestal with Ritchie stainless steel compass and the stainless steel 7 spoke steering wheel with high gloss varnished mahogany rim. The interior of our modern classic sailboats can be made in different styles from matt varnished mahogany for a truly classic look or a classic styled white interior with mahogany or teak finish. But also light oak is possible or full teak wood, whatever your preference would be.

The classic lines and looks are integrated in a modern sailing yacht. The designs are made with the latest technology giving the yachts very good and easy to handle sailing characteristics. The modern keels in fin shape can be even upgraded for more performance to a bulb shaped deep draft keel making them fast and easily manouvrable. The modern technology can also be found in the electric package for the winches by which adjusting the sails becomes as easy as pushing a button. The sails from North Sails also hold the latest technology with the 3Di design, making the sails very shape stable to increase the sailing performance. To complete a race set-up, a carbon mast and boom can be added to get the most out of the speed. Standard, our modern classic yachts are delivered with Volvo Penta engines, but off course electric propulsion is available for all models.If you share our passion for modern classic sailing, we would be honoured to help fulfil your aspirations. Together we build the most beautiful Spirit of Tradition boats ever seen.

Get in touch and explore all our options.

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Aquarius: Modern classic masterpiece makes for a surprisingly sensible superyacht

• August 27, 2020

Named for the sign of astrological quality, this stunning 186ft world-cruising ketch is the result of serious sailors challenging the best of the best to produce something elegant, fast and seaworthy. Rupert Holmes reports

A demanding brief for Aquarius from experienced sailors has produced a masterpiece from some of the most experienced and talented brains in the superyacht world. Within five months of handover she had already clocked up 11,000 miles.

It’s often tempting to sum up new yachts with a short phrase describing their key characteristics. The brief for Aquarius included that she should be, ‘an elegant, muscular sailing yacht with a classic profile for family enjoyment’. But that barely scratches the surface of the main requirements for this giant ketch.

The owners also wanted a yacht that would combine good seakeeping characteristics with performance, reliability and quality. Essential features included relative simplicity, robustness of systems and a contemporary interpretation of elegant, classic lines, with a clean and uncomplicated appearance.

Aquarius ’s graceful lines and timeless shape belie a rugged world cruiser configured to be self-sufficient for extended periods when voyaging well beyond the popular Med and Caribbean circuits. In addition, the yacht is welcoming for family and friends, while providing sufficient performance to compete in superyacht regattas .

Designed to perform

“The owner loves sailing, so top performance was important,” says Dykstra’s Erik Wassen, who led the design team. “Not to the level of a racing yacht, but having the feeling of sailing well and being responsive like a smaller yacht.” A further stipulation was that the boat should not be experimental. The result is a sensible superyacht interpretation of a performance yacht.

With a whopping 50ft of bow and stern overhangs, there’s far less internal volume than might be expected for a yacht of this length. Also maximum beam is less than one-sixth of the overall length. Even so, any temptation to spoil the lines by raising the black-painted freeboard to provide more space for systems was successfully resisted.

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Considerable work and talent was therefore needed to fit all the requirements into the slender hull. The design team repeatedly honed the arrangements until everything would fit, including adequate space for crew accommodation and servicing of systems.

A fixed 4.8m draught keel fits with the theme of simplicity, while also freeing up the internal space that a lifting or telescopic keel would otherwise occupy. Wassen says: “If it was for optimum performance, you go to seven, eight, nine, ten metres.” The problem is that quickly stops being practical, so his aim was to: “try to get her in the same sort of harbours as the J Class yachts – you can still enter St Barth’s Bucket , for instance.”

Computational Flow Dynamics (CFD) work informed the final hull shape. “In our first hull design we noticed the centre of effort shifted when going from close-hauled to a beam reach to running,” says Wassen. “By optimising the hull shape in the CFD we could minimise that effect, giving much more equal rudder pressure on different points of sail.”

A sense of scale as the seemingly tiny figures prepare the mizzen staysail

The response and feel of a smaller boat was achieved “through having an ample sail plan – the boat has lots of sail – and giving her lots of stability,” he adds.  “We kept her as light as possible, which is always difficult because of the weight of the systems and of the ballast needed to provide stability.”

Aquarius ’s skipper James Turner has been very impressed with the handling so far: “With the correct sail plan Aquarius is a delight on the helm, responsive with weight to the wheel,” he reports. “Contrary to what her length and volume might suggest, she feels lively yet forgiving, almost playful on the wheel.”

A clean and uncluttered deck layout was a key priority, but was rendered more difficult by the lack of bulwarks. The profiles of both deckhouses were kept as low as possible, while individual sails are sheeted to similar points, which concentrates deck gear in discrete locations.

Despite her significant sail area, push-button controls mean Aquarius can be sailed by three

Clustering several different items into a single feature also helped to achieve this goal. For example, the boxes for vents and skylights ahead of the main deckhouse also form the backrests for the cushions when this area is used for sun lounging. In addition they house discrete B&G units that provide headsail and spinnaker trimmers with the key data needed for racing.

Project manager Godfrey Cray was keen to use halyard locks to reduce the number of winches around the mast base – the final arrangement has just two winches here instead of the usual four. Attention to detail extends to the cowl vents that have a protection ring of black composite below the polished stainless steel caps so that there is no chance of lines snagging.

The large mizzen was a feature from the inception of the project and provides a powerful configuration for fast reaching and downwind sailing with the mizzen staysail set. A further advantage of this sail plan is that no compromises were needed to keep air draught below the Panamax limit.

Optimised hull shape and big sail area means Aquarius has the response and feel of a smaller yacht

Doyle Sails New Zealand was involved in the project from an early stage, which gave time to tweak the sail plan and for aerodynamic and finite element analysis work to optimise the deck layout and improve overall load predictions. Aquarius is a fast enough boat for the apparent wind to often be forward of the beam.

A 1,580m2 running asymmetric spinnaker is included in the inventory and is clearly important when racing. However, optimisation of the reaching sails was also a priority to enable Aquarius to realise her enormous potential. In addition to the main and mizzen a 460m2 mizzen staysail and 770m2 Code 0 boost the sail area to an impressive 2,200m2 when reaching.

Rondal performance furling booms are a key means of simplifying sail handling , without compromising performance. They allow control of the foot tension of the sail, while providing a very practical means of reefing and stowing the sails.

“Typically, these systems are getting more and more reliable,” says Wassen. “There are hardly any boats that are not specifying them, except for some that go all the way to more racy slab reefing systems to reduce weight aloft.”

Square-top sails were shunned because of the difficulties of handling the top batten. However, the large roach main and mizzen still require running backstays, which are handled by captive winches. “They take more space and are heavier,” says Wassen, “but the captive winches mean you always have the opportunity to ease the runners under load if you have to make an unexpected tack or gybe.”

The twin wheels are positioned far enough outboard to give good sight lines to the bow and the rig. Key sail controls are also located at each helm station to facilitate easy handling. A drawback to this, though, is that you can’t always see the function you’re adjusting.  “It’s something we don’t often do,” says Wassen, “and making it look inconspicuous and classic is difficult.”

The solution was a more modern style console with a lot of controls that are fully concealed by hinged teak covers when not in use. This enables the boat to be sailed with only three people on deck.

Key challenges

While the brief for Aquarius deliberately avoided pushing hard against the boundaries of engineering and materials technology, there were still many challenges to overcome before the owners’ vision and dream could be realised.

In particular, a huge effort was needed to fit the accommodation and systems into the low-volume hull. This involved an iterative process between four parties – naval architect, interior designer, the engineers at Royal Huisman, and the owners – to ensure systems and adequate crew quarters could be accommodated, while leaving enough space for the owner and guest accommodation to meet the brief.

There is plenty of relaxation space split across Aquarius’s three cockpits

Interior designer Mark Whiteley initially presented two concepts – one for a relatively dark panelled interior, the other with mahogany furniture and trim balanced by white wall spaces. After the two had been mocked up at full scale for a section of the boat, the owners chose the lighter option. Whiteley subsequently described his challenge as creating, “a light and contemporary classic feel, rather than a more sombre and historically referenced one”.

While this early decision informed the big picture, he says the finer details needed careful judgement to give the boat its unique feel. The final coat of white paint on the wall panels, for instance, was brushed by hand to provide additional character and interest. He says: “This added to the relaxed informality and chic, understated quality you might associate with a house in the Hamptons.”

The main cockpit is the primary social hub of the boat, so considerable effort was put into refining it. This extended to the folding arrangements for the tables and to the design of the additional fold-away seats that face the main U-shape seating areas.

Mahogany joinery is balanced by white trim

The owner wanted a single floor level in the deckhouse, without a higher level for the seating areas, while retaining a view through the windows when sitting down. The lower edge of the windows therefore needed to be brought down as far as possible, which in turn provides a lot of natural light. The skylights also help to flood the interior with natural light.

Two versions of the magnificent owner’s suite were mocked up full-size to ensure every aspect was optimised to the maximum extent possible. There’s ample natural light from the large oval fan light around the mizzen mast, plus four port lights.

The bed is positioned to give a view towards the stairs to the private aft deckhouse, which opens onto its own cockpit. Attention to detail extends to secure stowage for water carafes and personal items.

Natural light floods into the owner’s suite from large fanlights around masts

Guest accommodation includes two double suites, plus a further flexible cabin that’s primarily configured as a twin. Two extra berths can be provided here to accommodate a larger number of children, via a Pullman on the inboard side and a recessed bed that drops down from the deckhead on the outboard side. A great deal of effort was expended to ensure there is no evidence of these extra beds when the cabin is in its normal mode.

There’s also a fully equipped gym, plus a lower saloon, with a huge cinema screen and top end concealed sound system. Quarters for up to 10 crew are provided in five cabins forward. This area has its own access from the foredeck, while guest areas can also be reached from the galley.

What does Whitely like most about the accommodation? “The relaxed feel and the balance between the classic and the contemporary, it really works. I also like the owner’s suite a lot: it’s a fantastic living space.”

The owner’s suite includes private aft deckhouse

Aquarius is the latest addition to a very distinguished lineage of modern classics produced in the past decade by a collaboration between Dykstra and Royal Huisman, including Kamixitha , Meteor and Pumula .

It’s a stunningly successful partnership that, with Aquarius , has produced another beautiful new superyacht that combines the ultimate in elegance with superlative comfort, style and performance.

Specification

LOA: 56.18m (184ft 4in) LWL: 41.17m (135ft 1in) Beam: 9.51m (31ft 2in) Draught: 4.80m (15ft 9in) Displacement: 264 tonnes Mainsail: 520m2 (5,597ft2) Mizzen: 440m2 (4,736ft2) Blade: 430m2 (4,628ft2) Air draught: 58.50m (192ft 11in) Spars: Rondal carbon with Rondal/Carbo-Link continuous standing rigging

First published in the July 2019 issue of Supersail World.

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Nero: Inside the MB92 Refit of a 90m Modern Classic

It started with a paint job. The 90.1 metre modern classic motor yacht Nero was in the hands of a new owner and in need of a refresh. She headed into MB92 in Barcelona with a humble brief but wound up becoming one of the largest superyacht refits the yard had ever undertaken.

In fact, this was the biggest refit MB92 had ever done by the number of jobs alone, according to Nero ’s captain, Adrian Roche. The refit required the yard to rewrite its software in order to allocate job numbers — the system only went up to 999, and the project had close to 1,400 items. As a testament to how efficiently this work progressed, Nero was out in eight months while another yacht alongside spent 18 months and didn’t even break 1,000 jobs.

The tenacity to take on the work came down to the passion of Nero ’s new owners, who wanted to do something special to bring the yacht up to European standards. Though they could have gone for the bare minimum and just painted the boat as planned, once the refit began they realised it was important to do something more for her. The results, and the timeframe in which the project was completed, are truly impressive.

Nero was inspired by JP Morgan’s Corsair IV , commissioned and designed by Neil Taylor and launched in 2008. Taylor originally wanted to restore a true classic but when an acceptable donor yacht couldn’t be found he set out to build a replica. The builder, Corsair Yachts , was created uniquely for the purpose, with construction taking place at the Yantai Raffles Shipyard in China and some finishing in Turkey.

Naval architecture was by IMT Marine Consultants . The result was an all-steel, full-displacement black-hulled beauty with a sweeping sheer, pleasantly proportioned off-white superstructure and a bright yellow smokestack.

Nero ’s beauty won industry recognition — she claimed Best Motor Yacht Over 75 Metres at the 2009 ShowBoats Design Awards (now the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards ) — and plenty of charter clients.

Her new owners had experience with motor yachts but on a lesser scale. They took some time, along with their captain, to get to know Nero before diving into a refit. Beyond the paintwork and the five-year survey, just a refresh was initially planned. When it appeared that some steelwork would be necessary within the scope of the painting project, ideas began to flow — ideas geared towards improving the yacht’s liveability, functionality and charter potential.

While the subcontractors that the captain had lined up at MB92 had a handle on the structural and mechanical work, Laura Pomponi of Luxury Projects was brought in to advise on potential updates for Nero ’s interior. What followed was an eight-month sprint to be ready for the yacht’s debut at the Antigua Charter Show of 2016 and a winter season in the Caribbean.

With the owners, crew and project team embracing the idea of “whatever was best for the boat” as the main driver in the decision-making matrix, Nero ’s refit has improved on the original design and quality of the vessel.

The owner’s brief for the 2016 refit was “contemporary, classic, elegance”. Nero already had two of those attributes. All that was missing was the “contemporary”. Combining the traditional, elegant looks of this stately yacht with a new contemporary interior motif was a task that fell to Pomponi.

“Balancing classic lines with modern art, accessories and lighting was the most challenging aspect of this project,” she says. Previously, every fitting and fixture was gold or brass, the wood was a dark high gloss and the colour accent a royal purple. “Now it’s all in the tones of the sea: green, blue — ocean colours.”

Most of the furniture and joinery was retained but modernised with a multi-step varnish removal and lime-washing process. One change would start a domino effect. With the choice to lime wash the interior, the lighting had to change as well, with LEDs creating a warming feel. “The selected LED colour temperature helps because it takes out all of the yellow effect of the old wood,” says Pomponi.

The brass fittings were all painstakingly turned to silver. This meant stripping 4,000 pieces of hardware, from light fixtures to hinges, bolts and key locks. Some were dipped to resemble chrome, and those that couldn’t be treated were replaced.

Nero ’s brass portholes proved a particular challenge as they couldn’t be removed and were difficult to paint. Six products were tried before the right result was achieved. The final look gives a patina of age, which is arguably nicer than shiny and new.

The time constraints meant a race to the finish for the interiors. Pomponi was very strategic, showing the owner only fabric options that she knew could be available by June of that year, when the upholstery job was beginning. Luckily, Nero ’s owner was decisive and efficient under the threat of a looming deadline.

“In one meeting, we selected almost 90 per cent of the décor,” says Pomponi, “and in two weeks we provided 1.9 kilometres of fabrics.” That’s just counting the upholstery and curtains, not even considering the pillows. The total amount of fabric on board Nero is 2.48 kilometres.

Fashionable accessories in a variety of textures and a silver palette bring that contemporary feel. There are 70 kinds of lamps on board; all of the shades are designed by Luxury Projects and custom made. Modern art is highlighted by antique frames. A stunning set of sculptures made to look like old books was Pomponi’s gift to the owners.

In some ways, the refit to make Nero more contemporary actually made her more authentic — and certainly more usable, which fits the next part of the brief: to make her more functional as a charter yacht . The main-deck library, for instance, had faux bookshelves flanking the fireplace.

They were stripped back to reveal that there were real shelves in place all along. They now contain a beautiful set of colourfully decorated classics. This formerly dark space is now light and welcoming, inviting guests to wander in for a daytime read or an evening nightcap.

Nero ’s refit also revitalised the unused identical bars on the main and upper aft decks, which were in bad condition. The marble was 10 years old and had started to break down, the icemakers and refrigerators were freestanding rather than built-in, and the cabinetry was poorly designed.

Captain Roche says: “We put in functional cabinetry, brought in new chairs and upped the standard of the appliances.” The teak bar stools and outdoor dining chairs are Pomponi’s design. The chairs are as functional as they are good looking, designed to fold like pages in a book when being stored away.

Feedback from previous charter clients was considered in order to improve Nero . She was already popular on the charter scene, particularly among Americans who like the retro look. Some of her clients are older, and the captain sought to make changes that could improve their comfort.

A few guests did trip in places such as the steps leading into the dining room and those near the bed in the master suite . The small steps to the dining room were removed and the floor was given a gradual incline to make the transition from the saloon easier.

Nero’s refit also addressed charterers’ requests for more outdoor seating — the aft deck table has been enlarged — and more shade on the superyacht sundeck . But it also did away with some of the six dining areas. With a formal dining room on the main deck and multiple outdoor options, having a small dining table in the upper saloon seemed unnecessary.

The room was redesigned with a glamorous superyacht bar as the focal point. The owners had one request: make sure that it looks as if it has always been there. The bar’s lush green marble inspired a green theme throughout this deck. Pomponi also designed the bar stools on the upper deck and had them made by Fendi.

“It’s worked nicely for charters, because the principal will just tell the guests to meet at the bar before dinner,” says Captain Roche. “It adds an element of elegance.” The bar was made by the German company F List, which was able to match the wood perfectly to what was already on board Nero — the upper lounge being one of the few areas, along with the cinema, that was already panelled and furnished in a lime-washed oak.

Having a crew member adept at woodworking helped to speed up the refit, as did having two crew members who were upholsterers. They did all the new upholstery visible on _Nero’_s exterior decks. The biggest crew project was when everyone pitched in to refurbish the deckheads, which were originally held in place with hook-and-loop strapping. The new system, called Fast Mounts, is really the superyacht way of doing things.

Sometimes a superyacht refit includes happy surprises, and the work on Nero was no exception. The first of these occurred in the foyer, where the dark, black and yellow floor design needed to be redone. Stripping the wood to see what came up, the team was rewarded by finding a beautiful ash, walnut and oak compass rose.

Another welcome surprise was the presence of extra storage throughout Nero . “There was so much space that was unused, or just things stuffed in there from the original build,” says the captain.

Nero was finished just in time for the Antigua show, cutting it so tight that crew members were finishing sewing cushion covers on the crossing. “The day before the show, we had a fully functional upholstery shop on the boat,” says Captain Roche.

Pomponi flew over to dress the yacht just in time for Nero ’s reintroduction, which attracted rave reviews. “We like to say she went from being a gentleman’s yacht to a lady of the sea,” she says.

First published in the November 2017 edition of Boat International .

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10 Classic Yachts with Incredibly Glamorous Histories

Each of the classic yachts featured here defined the glamor of her respective era.

By Miriam Cain

Admired for their elegance and desired wherever they go, classic yachts attract a large number of owners and charterers. For those wanting a genuine sailing experience or who want to capture the real romance and thrill of yachting, these historic beauties have an enduring appeal. Every classic has a unique story to tell — whether it’s racing with royalty or hosting the Hollywood elite, or perhaps even serving in the war effort.

And each of the yachts featured here defined the glamor of her respective era. But what is it about these storied vessels that makes every generation of owners prepared to sink time and financial resources into their restoration? Here, Miriam Cain presents 10 of the most exquisite classic yachts afloat today, a handful of which are available for the yacht aficionado to charter or even own.

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Key facts Builder: Ramage & Ferguson Built: 1906 Refit: 1955, 1991, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2020 LOA: 150.1 ft Number of guests: 10 Crew: 10

One of the finest vintage yachts afloat, Kalizma (pictured top) has an iconic past with a tale steeped in history. Originally commissioned by Robert Stewart, vice commodore of the Royal Eastern Yacht Club (whose wealth came from his Scotch whisky distillery and estate), Minona , as she was named upon her launch, was the first steam-powered yacht to have electric lighting.

Designed by naval architect GL Watson & Co, leading designers of their day, and built by Ramage & Ferguson in Scotland, she is a testament to expert craftsmanship — and has stood the test of time with her classic Edwardian looks and fresh contemporary updates.

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As Minona , she served in the British Royal Navy in both World War I and World War II, serving as an Auxiliary Patrol Vessel between 1914 and 1920, and in 1939 as HMS Minona. During her time as the flagship and base for His Majesty’s Deep Sea Rescue Tug Services in Scotland, she was responsible for saving the lives of crewmen from over 1,100 vessels.

On being relieved from her wartime duty, Minona went on to have a couple of different owners during the 1940s and ’50s, and during that period she also underwent a significant refit converting her from steam to diesel. It was during the 1960s that the then-named Odysseia made headlines when chartered by Richard Burton and his wife Elizabeth Taylor, and thus began her dalliance with glitz and glamour.

As a frequent guest of Aristotle Onassis aboard his yacht Christina O , Burton was inspired to purchase the classic yacht as a congratulatory gift for Taylor after she earned an Academy Award for her performance in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ? The yacht was subsequently renamed Kalizma , after the stars’ children Kate, Liza and Maria, and refurbished with all new interiors said to have cost more than twice her asking price. Adorned with an art collection with works by Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso, and an extensive library, she became their floating home for the next decade.

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It was on board Kalizma while berthed on the River Thames that Burton presented Taylor with the 33-carat Krupp Diamond, also known as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. Then, while berthed in Monaco, he gave her the record-breaking $1.5m 69-carat Cartier diamond, which arrived under police escort. Taylor wore the jewel, which became known as the Taylor-Burton Diamond, for the first time on a necklace at Princess Grace’s 40th birthday party.

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A number of royalty, including Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Rainier III, and distinguished personalities such as Rex Harrison and Tennessee Williams, were later guests of the most famous Hollywood couple during their high-profile ownership.

Kalizma has gone on to have a number of owners since then, including serial classic yacht owner Peter de Savary. Kalizma was de Savary’s flagship and floating headquarters for the British team at the 1983 America’s Cup challenge, hosting several spectators in Newport.

Acquired by Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya in 2006, and then by philanthropist Shirish Saraf in 2019, she has since been fully restored, rejuvenating her old-world charm with all the luxuries and amenities expected of a modern superyacht. Today she is available to charter in the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific with accommodation for 10 guests in five staterooms, including a stunning master suite, two doubles and two twins.

From €90,000 to €100,000 (approx. $101,800 to $113,100) per week. Contact Tim Morley, founder, [email protected], +33 680 863 091, morley-yachts.com

Shenandoah of Sark

Key facts Builder: Townsend & Downey Built: 1902 Refit: 1972, 1996, 2018 LOA: 178 ft Number of guests: 10 Crew: 12

Built at the turn of a century for American banker Charles Fahnestock, Shenandoah , as she was then known, was one of the most high-profile yachts of her age and a symbol of one the most glamorous eras in yachting. Delivered in 1902 by the Townsend & Downey Shipyard in New York, she quickly gained a reputation not only for her celebrated design but for the parties held on board.

During these formative years Shenandoah played host to some of the world’s most powerful families and international royalty while in her homeport of Newport, Rhode Island. A few years later, Fahnestock retired and sailed her to the Mediterranean, where her reputation as one of the most elegant sailing yachts on the circuit was solidified, with parties held along the Côte d’Azur and Amalfi Coast becoming the most sought-after ticket for the yachting fraternity.

While cruising the Mediterranean, Shenandoah turned the head of German aristocrat Landrat Walter von Bruining, who went on to purchase the three-masted schooner and rechristened her Lasca II. Under Bruining’s ownership, Lasca II spent time in Germany and England, where he enjoyed just one summer in Cowes on the Isle of Wight before World War I broke out.

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Commandeered by the British, she subsequently became the property of British shipbuilder Sir John Esplen, who reinstated her previous name and installed two engines on board. Shenandoah then went through a number of different names and owners, including an Italian prince and the Danish sculpture philanthropist, Viggo Jarl, between the wars. Jarl endowed a substantial part of his fortune on the renamed Atlantide, updating her with new diesel engines and an electricity plant, and embarking on a series of long passages to the West Indies and through the Panama Canal to South America.

At the onset of World War II, Jarl returned to Europe and hid Atlantide from the Nazis, removing her masts and engines to render her useless to either side. Surviving the war, and with her engines and masts reinstated on board, Atlantide continued to turn heads wherever she cruised, and also welcomed European royalty on board, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

After surviving two World Wars, Atlantide’s run of good fortune was apparently over. During the next few decades she went ‘underground’ and is rumored to have seen her fair share of smugglers and gamblers, cruising throughout the Americas and Caribbean, before ending up in the Mediterranean, where she was seized by the French government in a tax scandal.

Following many years of neglect, she was rescued in 1972 by the inventor of the Bic ballpoint pen, Baron Marcel Bich. Restored to her former splendor and christened Shenandoah once again, Bich sailed the yacht back to America as a spectator boat for the America’s Cup — the first time she had been back to her original homeport of Newport for over 70 years.

Shenandoah spent several years under Bich’s ownership, immaculately maintained, before being purchased by industrialist Philip Bommer. Having witnessed Shenandoah sailing when he was just 13, Bommer had spent the ensuing two decades dreaming about owning her, and in 1986 his ambition was fulfilled. Extensively refit and restored once again, Shenandoah became a renowned charter yacht, before once again entering years of neglect.

Rescued once again, refit and refurbished, Shenandoah was an America’s Cup spectator for the second time, this time in New Zealand in 2000, before competing in the Millennium Cup superyacht regatta. Five circumnavigations later, with a number of successful transatlantic races and classic regattas under her belt, and via a number of owners and award-winning refits, the rechristened Shenandoah of Sark is today a perfectly preserved piece of sailing history.

From €110,000 (approx. $124,400) per week. Contact Burgess Yachts, +44 20 7766 4300,  burgessyachts.com

Christina O

Key facts Builder: Canadian Vickers Built: 1943 Refit: 1954, 2001, 2015, 2018 LOA: 325.3 ft Number of guests: 34 Crew: 3

Christina O is a part of yachting legend. Arguably the most famous classic yacht still afloat, the fabled yacht of Aristotle Socrates Onassis has regularly entertained some of the world’s most powerful and famous people. She may not be a classic beauty like Delphine and Talitha but, thanks to the lavish parties hosted aboard by Onassis, with guest lists full of some of the most well-known names of the time, including Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Christina (as she was then known) regularly featured in newspapers and on the cover of glossy magazines.

Becoming a part of the zeitgeist of her era — and as famous as some of the Hollywood stars who came aboard — she remains today a visible symbol of the glamorous lifestyle enjoyed by the yachting crowd from the late 1950s throughout the ’60s.

Originally built in 1943 as a Canadian naval frigate, Christina O remains the largest North American-built yacht still afloat. Purchased by well-known yacht owner and Greek shipping magnate Onassis in 1954, she was converted into the yacht that she is today. It is rumored that Onassis purchased the then-named HMCS Stormont for its scrap value of $34,000, and then spent over $4m converting the surplus anti-submarine frigate into the luxury yacht Christina, named after his firstborn child.

In those days this was a vast sum of money, but the investment paid off. Not only did Christina hugely enhance his status and fortune — as a venue for hosting businessmen and politicians, as well as film stars — but she also served as the backdrop for his famous romantic relationships, including his love affair with the renowned soprano Maria Callas. It was on board the converted frigate that John F. Kennedy met his idol Winston Churchill during a dinner hosted by Onassis, and a decade later where Onassis began his courtship of the widowed Jackie Kennedy. The yacht was even their wedding venue.

Despite seeing some deterioration under the ownership of the Greek government, Christina O has been refurbished and refitted; today she retains the fantastic opulence Onassis so extravagantly bestowed on her. In fact, she positively oozes ’50s Hollywood glamor; it could even be said she has only improved with age. As an in-demand charter yacht, her eternal appeal to a modern clientele is proven.

[See also: The Best Luxury Yacht Builders in the World]

All the modern comforts and luxuries that are expected on a luxury yacht seamlessly blend with her original features. All of the 17 guest suites have been refurbished, yet maintain the pastel decor selected by style icon Jackie O. The original, mosaic-tiled pool that transforms into a dance floor has also been restored, while the famous Ari’s barstools retain their original upholstery, believed to be sperm-whale foreskin — now there’s a conversation starter when you are perched at the bar.

Christina O is currently cruising the Caribbean and will be available for charter throughout the summer in the Mediterranean. The perfect yacht for large family groups or event charters, her SOLAS status allows up to 34 guests to cruise in total comfort in 17 double staterooms, 14 of which can be converted into twin staterooms.

From €620,000 to €700,000 (approx. $692,000 to $790,000) per week. Contact Morley Yachts, [email protected] , +33 680 863 091, morley-yachts.com

Key facts Builder: Camper & Nicholsons Built: 1928 Refit: 1947, 2009, 2013, 2018 LOA: 147 ft Number of guests: 16 Crew: 12

With a unique and historic pedigree, the Camper & Nicholsons-built Grace has led many lives during almost a century afloat. Built as a luxury yacht in 1928 and originally christened Monica, she was used by the British as part of the war effort. While serving in the Royal Navy as HMS Rion, she sadly suffered serious damage as part of the Dunkirk evacuation fleet.

Rescued by Aristotle Onassis in 1951 and renamed Arion , she played host to iconic figures like Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor. On hearing of Prince Rainier’s engagement to Grace Kelly in 1955, Onassis presented the classic motor yacht to them as a gift for their forthcoming 1956 nuptials.

She was renamed Deo Juvante II , and the couple honeymooned aboard her, cruising Corsica and Sardinia. Acquired by the current owners in 2007, she spent more than two years in the shipyard being restored to her former glory and having additional superyacht luxuries installed, including air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.

Rechristened Grace , she is available for charter in the Galápagos Islands for up to 16 guests and 12 crew. Great attention to detail has been given to restoring her original features, including the original brass ship’s wheel from 1927, which is still inscribed with the yacht’s original name. The master suite, known as the Grace Kelly Suite, is in the original location, while two further master suites and two twin-bedded cabins are all decorated to the highest standards.

Her communal guest areas feature period-style, custom furniture in keeping with her elegant build. In addition to her alfresco dining and lounging areas and hot tub, the toybox is geared towards exploring the Galápagos National Park and includes kayaks, snorkeling equipment and two Zodiac tenders.

From $129,000 to $139,000 per week. Dominic Meredith Hardy, director, [email protected] , +44 781 840 3524, classic-charters.com

Key facts Builder: Great Lakes Engineering Works Refit yard: Scheepswerf Zeebrugge Built: 1921 Refit: 1926, 1997, 2003, 2016 LOA: 258 ft Number of guests: 26, 150 day guests Crew: 26

Commissioned by auto magnate Horace Dodge and named after his only daughter, Delphine is the largest steam-powered yacht ever to be built in the US. Sadly, Horace never got to see the launch of this third private yacht he built, as he passed away just a year before her delivery. However, his wife Anna and their family loved and cherished Delphine , cruising on board her in the Great Lakes and along the East Coast, hosting cocktail parties on board.

With all her luxuries, including 10 magnificent staterooms, a music room, card room, dining room and smoking room, and a crew of 55, she positively defined 1920s East Coast glamor. In 1926, while she was docked on the Hudson River in Manhattan, two cabins caught fire, and with too much water poured in by the fire department, Delphine sank. Unwilling to live without her, the Dodge family salvaged her from the deep and restored her faithfully, with some additional renovations to her interior.

She suffered further, minor damage when she ran aground in the Great Lakes, before being repaired and acquired by the United States Navy at the start of the war to become the flagship for Admiral Ernest King, commander-in-chief of the US Fleet and chief of US Naval Operations during World War II. While still in service as USS Dauntless, she reputedly hosted Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Viatcheslav Molotov as they met with Admiral King to discuss war strategies and prepare the Yalta Convention.

Reacquired by the Dodge family after the war, she was restored to a private yacht and rechristened Delphine once again. Over the next three decades Delphine sailed under numerous ownerships and different names, including almost 20 years spent as a training ship for merchant seamen, until finally being sold (for scrap metal prices) in 1997.

Having crossed the Atlantic for the first time and berthed in the Mediterranean, she was towed to Bruges, Belgium, where she underwent a six-year, $60m restoration. Her new Belgian owner scoured museums and archives for Delphine’s original blueprints, in an effort to ensure that the engineering and architectural refit was faithful to her original design, right down to the 20-ft-tall quadruple steam engines, six-person Turkish bath and hairdressing salon. Even her bespoke tenders, handmade from Honduran mahogany, remain exactly as they were when she was brand new.

Rechristened in 2003 as Delphine by HSH Princess Stéphanie of Monaco , she is today the largest luxury yacht of her era with her original steam engines still in service. To put that into context, her 6-ft-tall propellers are powered by water converted into vapor pressure by diesel fuel. She consumes 600 liters an hour at cruising speeds. When you consider that many modern motor yachts of a similar size use more than 1,000 liters of fuel an hour, Delphine could almost be considered environmentally friendly. Full steam ahead.

$400,000 per week. Contact Lionel Lebugle, manager, [email protected] , +33 621 282 496, ss-delphine.cruises

Key facts Builder: Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft Refit yard: Pendennis Built: 1929 Refit: 2018 LOA: 233 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 18

At the time of her launch in 1929, this clipper-bow yacht was christened Haida , after the native people of Alaska and British Columbia. It is the name for which she is best known, and to which she has recently reverted following a comprehensive refit. However, the iconic Haida has sailed through a succession of adventures and has had many different names during her storied life.

Haida’s original commissioning owner spent over a decade cruising the west coast of America, pursuing his interests in marine science and fishing. In 1940, the oceangoing yacht was commandeered for service in World War II by the US Navy. She had a heroic naval career, saving many lives and protecting key installations while patrolling San Francisco Bay.

In 1946, post war, she returned to her role as a private yacht and moved to Alexandria in Egypt, where she cruised for five years before moving to the French Riviera in 1952 — just in time for the birth of the Mediterranean yachting scene.

She has resided in the Mediterranean ever since, under various ownerships of dedicated, high-profile owners, including Löel Guinness, becoming one of the world’s most famous superyachts.

Haida’s recent, award-winning refit by the renowned Pendennis Shipyard has combined the grandeur and elegance of 1930s yachting with state-of-the-art superyacht luxuries. Despite replacing over 100 tons of steel within her hull structure, Haida 1929 (as she is now known) retains the sophisticated and timeless exterior lines originally designed by Cox & Stevens.

Even the original Krupp engines remain, thought to be the oldest working engines of their type. Deck spaces are generous, especially on the recently extended sun deck, which has been split around her iconic funnel. Period furniture and artworks re-create the charm and ambience of her heritage, while a light color palette and modern amenities have been integrated.

Her notable features include a barber shop, spa, hammam, biofuel fireplace, indoor and outdoor cinemas, and stepped pool. Elegant and refined, Haida 1929 is a truly original classic. Refit project management by Edmiston Yachts.

Contact [email protected] , edmiston.com

Key facts Builder: Georgi Dimitrov Built: 1962 Refit: 2018 LOA: 213ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 17

She may not hail from the golden era of yachting like other classic yachts her size, but this former Soviet spy ship is certainly not short on history. A true gentleman’s yacht, La Sultana has led many lives during her 50-plus years afloat. Originally built in 1962 in Bulgaria for use as a passenger ferry, Aji-Petri (as she was then known) was the fifth of a series of 12 ships that carried passengers and cargo through the Black Sea between the ports of Istanbul and Yalta.

She became a Soviet spy ship in the early 1970s when the Soviet Union took over the entire fleet of passenger ferries operating in the Black Sea to use for military purposes. Officially, she was in service in the North Atlantic for the International Telecommunication Union; however, in reality she was being used to eavesdrop and intercept radio telecommunications between the US and the UK. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Aji-Petri resumed her position as a passenger ferry before being used, in her original form, as a pleasure yacht in Tunisia.

Some 50 years after her build, she was discovered by a French gentleman. It was during a colossal seven-year, multimillion-dollar restoration in Casablanca that the yard unearthed several espionage instruments, including a radioactivity detector and several electronic devices from the Cold War. With the addition of her raised bow, touch-and-go helipad, machinery, piping and wiring, commercial engine and a huge keel, the rechristened La Sultana emerged from the shipyard as a majestic cruising yacht.

Today, her striking interior features Art Deco touches that draw inspiration from the stylish vessels of the 1920s, while the Arabian Nights-inspired decor is both eccentric and exotic. The new layout features an indoor 16-ft counter-current swimming pool and hammam, and seven luxurious staterooms, including a vast master suite on the upper deck, two VIP staterooms on the main deck, and four staterooms on the lower deck, all with en suites — quite a difference from the original build with its 102 cabins.

Her large deck areas include lots of relaxation and entertainment areas, as well as a classically styled spa pool on the foredeck, located forward of the new helipad. With more than a nod to the golden age of yachting, the rebuilt La Sultana is a classic motor yacht for modern times.

€12,500,000 (approx. $14,095,937). Contact Charles Ehrardt, senior sales broker, [email protected] , camperandnicholsons.com

Builder: Camper & Nicholsons Refit: Pendennis Built: 1937 Refit: 2015 LOA: 164 ft Number of guests: 10 Crew: 11

Designed by Charles E Nicholson and built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1937, Malahne is one of just a handful of British-built, pre-war motor yachts to have survived into the 21st century. Originally commissioned by William Stephenson, head of the British arm of the Woolworth store chain and a passionate yachtsman, this classic 1930s gentleman’s yacht has led a glamorous and colorful life, with many ups and downs. Stephenson owned both the J-Class yacht Velsheda and Malahne , and named them after his daughters Velma, Sheila and Daphne, with the first few letters of their names forming ‘Velsheda’ and the last few letters ‘ Malahne .’

She spent her first few years cruising the Mediterranean, and crossed the Atlantic a number of times before being handed over for military needs during World War II. During her time serving as a patrol cruiser in the English Channel, Malahne also participated in the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk.

Post war, Malahne passed through a few different hands before being acquired by the legendary Hollywood producer Sam Spiegel, who anchored her off Jordan to be used as a floating office while shooting Lawrence of Arabia. On retiring from her filming duties, Malahne became a fixture along the glittering Côte d’Azur, where Spiegel entertained Hollywood A-listers including Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly and Jack Nicholson. She also starred in the 1973 murder mystery The Last of Sheila , starring Raquel Welch.

A decade later, she was sold to a Saudi sheikh who renamed her Adel XII and changed her beyond recognition, with an almost sacrilegious angular new superstructure and modern interior quite out of keeping with her classic past. Twenty years later, she passed into more sympathetic hands, and underwent a hugely ambitious restoration at the British shipyard Pendennis. The restoration experts there sought to bring her back to her original classic yacht form, but with the addition of a few 21st-century comforts.

While Pendennis worked on recreating her original hull form and undoing the damage wrought by the previous owner, classic yacht experts GL Watson & Co were drafted to rework her exterior lines; meanwhile, design experts from Oliver Laws — who designed the Art Deco interiors of the Connaught hotel and Claridge’s — set to work on her interior, producing a design more faithful to the original, including a number of original antique 1930s pieces but with a modern Art Deco twist.

Today, thanks to such a comprehensive and sympathetic refit by her devoted British owner, Malahne is a tribute to modern engineering and British craftsmanship. One of the finest classic yachts for charter , she features state-of-the-art equipment and Art Deco interior styling. Were he still alive, there’s no doubt that Sinatra would be delighted to tap his dancing shoes once again on board her stunningly restored teak decks.

From €145,000 to €165,000 (approx. $164,000 to $186,6500) per week. Contact Michaela Beitz-Biggi, head of charter fleet management, [email protected] , +44 207 495 5151, edmiston.com

Key facts Builder: Friedrich Krupp Germaniawerft Refit: Devonport Yachts Built: 1930 Refit: 1993, 2009 LOA: 262 ft Number of guests: 12 Crew: 20

With her flared clipper bow, impressive funnels and traditional counter stern, there couldn’t be a more classic-looking yacht reflecting the golden age of yachting than Talitha . Originally commissioned by Russell Algar of the Packard Motor Car Company, the originally named Reveler was sadly not yet delivered by the German shipyard F. Krupp in Kiel when Algar died.

Sold to Charles McCann of the Woolworth family and renamed Chalena, she was later requisitioned by the US Maritime Commission in 1942, and entered service as a gunboat with new armaments mounted fore and aft. Operating under her new military name of USS Beaumont in the waters between Midway Island and Pearl Harbor, she survived the war without serious incident, and in 1946 was decommissioned and returned to private ownership.

Post war, like many of her classic cousins, she spent many years lying abandoned — in her case on the Greek island of Petali, before being rescued by the Australian film producer Robert Stigwood and renamed Jezebel. Stigwood spent millions restoring much of her original elegance, with the addition of modern comforts including air conditioning and satellite communications systems.

Described by The New York Times as a “floating fantasy,” she featured a re-design of the distinctive clipper bow and new teak decks but, sadly, it wasn’t to last and, following some engine problems, she was laid up once again in the late 1980s. In 1993 she was brought to the attention of her next and current owner Sir John Paul Getty Jr.

Under the guidance of legendary designer Jon Bannenberg, she was painstakingly restored to her former glory, with both exterior and interior redesign and brand new engines. The addition of a pair of funnels and an extended wheelhouse was at the time criticized by many, but Bannenberg’s vision proved them wrong when the renamed Talitha G (named after Getty’s second wife) was relaunched to great acclaim, with more than a nod to her 1930s design.

One of the most detailed, distinctive and beautiful classic motor yachts to be relaunched in recent times, Talitha is suitably reflective of an incredibly glamorous era of yachting. Featuring an all-new Art Deco interior with all of the trappings of a modern classic, she is a real head-turner, not only for the Hollywood celebrities spotted on board, but for her own stunning looks.

Builder: Brooke Marine Built: 1939 Refit: 1999, 2016, 2019 LOA : 115 ft Number of guests: 8 Crew: 5

Delivered in 1939 by British shipyard Brooks Motor Craft, the classic sailing yacht Eros has led a colorful past, with lords, ladies and royalty all captivated by her charm and beautiful lines over her eight decades afloat. Originally christened Jeanry , she was commissioned for the daughter and son-in-law of a British lord who unfortunately spent very little time on board her before she was requisitioned by the Royal Navy to participate in the evacuation efforts at Dunkirk during World War II.

Following the end of her wartime service she went on to be owned by Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos, second only to Aristotle Onassis in the shipping magnate stakes and also the first man to be called a billionaire. Niarchos rechristened her Eros in honor of the Greek god of love and passion, and under his ownership the wooden schooner became a fixture on the Mediterranean yachting circuit, hosting the cream of European society, including King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain.

Niarchos gifted the newlyweds the use of Eros along with his private Greek island, Spetsopoula, for their honeymoon in 1962. The island also hosted Prince Charles and Princess Diana for the latter part of their honeymoon while they cruised through the Mediterranean and Aegean on board the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Eros went on to change ownership just one more time before being rescued by her current owner in 1992. Meticulously restored to her original grandeur over the course of 18 years, she was relaunched in 2016 and now offers the refinement of a bygone era combined with the latest superyacht luxuries. Retaining many original details, including the Admiralty bronze fittings of the ship’s bell and restored Burmese teak planks, her complete overhaul involved repairs and replacements to her steel structure, and over 20,000 new bronze bolts, among many other things.

Today, Eros offers charter guests the chance to experience genuine sailing on a stunning classic yacht, either cruising in the Caribbean or Mediterranean or racing in classic regattas in the Caribbean and New England. Boasting state-of-the-art technology, 22 hydraulically assisted winches and 9,000 sq ft of sail, Eros can reach speeds of up to 10 knots under sail.

And for those looking to simply sit back and relax, her four guest cabins include a master stateroom with private en suite featuring a Jacuzzi bath, a double stateroom with en suite, and two twin cabins with shared bathroom. Out on deck, she boasts numerous seating and lounging areas for socializing, relaxing and alfresco dining.

Eros also offers plenty of on-the-water entertainment, with a great selection of water toys for her more active guests to enjoy.

From $44,000 to $48,000 per week. Contact Dominic Meredith Hardy, director, [email protected] , +44 781 840 3524, classic-charters.com

[See also: What Do We Know About Jeff Bezos and his Yacht?]

This article appears in the 04 Mar 2022 issue of the New Statesman, Spring 2022

Miriam Cain

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Modern classic.

Sailing Simplicity at its Finest

Long time single handed sailors love the M36 because within 5 minutes they can be off the dock and sailing. Beginners are equally as enthralled because the M36 is simple to sail, simple to learn on and immediately rewarding with her straightforward sail handling and control lines that are lead under deck to electric winches at the helmsman’s fingertips. In addition, all instruments are intelligently arrayed to quickly provide all the information you need.

More Than a Daysailer

Take her overnight! The elegantly appointed optional V-berth, standard fridge and enclosed head make her far more versatile than a mere daysailer. The M36 also has a deep, safe and comfortable cockpit which accommodates six adults allowing you to safely entertain your guests.

Beautifully Appointed Interior

No detail inside her cabin is overlooked. Large safety glass windows and a huge foredeck hatch flood the interior with natural light. The Herreshoff style interior is finished elegantly with white bulkheads, solid cherry trim and marvelously varnished hull sheathing. Twin port and starboard settees are ergonomically designed for comfortable lounging (or sleeping), and well placed reading lights invite you to enjoy the morning paper or catch up on some afternoon reading. Generous storage can be found in the forepeak. An alternative layout converts the forepeak space into a beautiful and functional V-Berth for overnight stays.

Remarkably Simple to Dock

The M36 does exactly what you tell her to do. She backs straight (no prop walk), turns on a dime and docks like a pro. In short, she maneuvers under power as responsively as she does under sail making her a pleasure to both sail and to bring back to port. Even the fenders are just a ‘clip’ away; pad eyes and stainless steel rub rails are placed on deck for ‘clip-on’ polar-fleece-covered fenders. What could be easier!

Perfectly Engineered

At Morris Yachts we’re not just boat builders; we’re sailors and boat owners too. Perhaps this is the reason the M36 is so intuitively designed with the owner in mind. Often overlooked by other builders, access to the engine, through-hulls and electrical systems is superb.

As with all sailing boats built by Morris Yachts, the M36 offers peace of mind. You are onboard one of the most seaworthy boats in the world. Setting the industry standard, Morris Yachts’ level of engineering, fit and finish sets the benchmark by which other builders measure themselves. Morris craftsmen and engineers demand only the finest equipment and use the most modern techniques and technology during the boat building process, proving that the beauty of a Morris is not only skin deep but integrated throughout all facets of the vessel.

Images and media on this page may represent optional equipment or previous specifications. Specifications and equipment are subject to change.

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Classic Yachts

Find the perfect classic yacht.

Owning a piece of yachting history can only be achieved through a truc classic yacht. Whether you are looking for a motor yacht or a classic sailing yacht, FGI can assist you in finding the ideal classic superyacht for sale. While most classics today’s feature modern equipment, with state of the art navigation systems and electronics, they are still some retaining there out of time feeling. Classic yacht ownership also brings a privileged status among yachtsman and commands respects, especially among sailors racing in the Mediterranean. 

Our website features all of the classic yachts for sale around the world.

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Spirit Yachts unveils flagship P70 modern classic motor yacht

• August 10, 2020

The Spirit P70 is designed for fuel-efficient cruising over long distances

Spirit Yachts has unveiled its largest modern classic motor yacht to date: the Spirit P70. The 21.7m P70 was designed and built by Spirit Yachts for an experienced motor yacht customer who requested an owner-driven yacht capable of cruising 1,000nm at an average of 18 knots across the North Sea without having to refuel. As with all Spirit yachts, the P70 has been completely customised to suit the owner’s itinerary and criteria.

Spirit Yachts managing director Nigel Stuart commented,

The launch of the P70 represents a significant step forward for the Spirit Yachts power range. Whilst the company’s core business remains sailing yachts, we are seeing increasing demand for larger motor yachts tailored to suit an owner’s cruising plans. We are responding to that demand by investing in innovation and expertise devoted to delivering beautiful modern classic motor yachts that perform on the water.

With regards to the design of the yacht, Spirit Yachts founder and chief designer Sean McMillan explained:

The owner will keep the P70 in the UK and cruise to Scandinavia in the summer, so the yacht had to be capable of undertaking long passages in comfort but aesthetically stay true to Spirit’s timeless style and classical elegance. He liked the design of our existing motor yachts, so we combined the flared bow and tumblehome stern from the P40 with the 1930s-style of our sailing yachts and applied it to a larger design. We added deep bulwarks to allow guests to move around the decks safely, particularly when underway out at sea.

Constructed using sapele ring frames to which Douglas fir longitudinal strips were bonded, the P70 build followed the same core processes of Spirit’s sailing yacht hulls. Once the initial structure was complete, diagonal layers of kaya wood planking were laid down, sanded and vacuum infused with a thin layer of epoxy resin. This lightweight method of construction means that at 24tonnes (light) the P70 is almost half the weight of its GRP counterparts. Twin MAN i6 800hp engines generate a cruising speed of 18 knots and a maximum of 25 knots.

Nigel Stuart added:

The owner is very knowledgeable when it comes to motor yacht engineering and he was keen to keep noise and maintenance to a minimum. He requested Seatorque oil-filled BOSS shafts, which are mounted to the hull structure using low noise fittings. The connection to the propulsion engine is flexible in order to reduce shaft-line noise and vibrations. The yacht has an easy-access, spacious engine room and a lithium-ion battery bank in the stern that will power the air conditioning and Sleipner curved fin stabilisers overnight without having to run the generator.

On the top deck of the P70 is a flybridge with two double Stidd helm seats and additional seating for six guests. A hydraulic operated 750kg crane is included for up to a 3.7m rib.

Nigel Stuart continued,

The owner also had very specific criteria when it came to an interior layout tailored for his guests. The master cabin is at a separate end of the boat to the guest accommodation and the dining saloon is open plan next to the galley as there will be no crew onboard.

The wheelhouse sits midships on the main deck and has double and single Stidd seats located in front of the navigational equipment and engine controls. An additional raised sofa is to port, with a chart table and stowage to starboard. A few steps down and forward of the wheelhouse is the main saloon, complete with a ‘rise and fall’ TV, a bar and panoramic views from the forward windows.

The lower deck houses the accommodation and living area. Stairs from the main saloon lead down to a forward ensuite owner’s cabin, complete with a bath, and an ensuite single cabin, which doubles up as an office.

A separate stair case down from the wheelhouse provides access to a single day head and the open plan dining saloon and galley. The saloon dining table has a U-shaped port side sofa, with additional seating to starboard, wine storage and a TV. The well-equipped galley includes an American style fridge-freezer with built in ice-maker, below floor chest fridge, dishwasher, twin sinks, four burner induction hob, a fan oven and a microwave. Aft of the dining area are two twin guest cabins, which share a head and shower.

Nigel Stuart added,

Spirit Yachts is renowned for elegant design, build quality and engineering expertise. With the launch of the P70, the company has proven it can successfully deliver world-class motor yachts alongside its portfolio of sailing yachts.

Other Stories

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6 Beautiful Classic Boats for Sale: Wooden Boats on the Market

Keen to buy a wooden boat in top condition? Here’s six beautiful classic boats for sale, take a look…

Classics on the market.

Whether you’re a serious buyer or ‘just looking’ these classic boats are too beautiful to miss. From Bermudan Fractional rigged sloop cruiser-racers to Dale Classics , these boats are in top condition and won’t be on the market for long…

Classic Boat Buyer’s Advice

Are you a first time buyer, or in need of some expert buyer’s advice? Why not take a look at:

• Our guide to planing craft designs , to help you navigate your way through the ever evolving the motorboat market…
• Dave Selby’s advice on how to actually make money from buying wooden boats .
• Our Editor’s top tips on how to buy a classic or wooden boat …

Vertue No 28 built by Cardnells Bros. Maylandsea Essex in 1948.

Price £12,500

Specs and more info on this classic boat

07762017204

[email protected]

Bermudan Fractional rigged sloop cruiser-racer designed by Alfred Milne, built and launched in 1950.

Price £25,000

Specs and more info on this classic boat 

020 7389 1900

[email protected]

24′ Gaff Cutter built by Elkins of Christchurch circa 1934. 

Price £14,995

01243 512101

[email protected]

DALE Classic 37 – virtually as new. 

Price £815,000

Specs and more info about this classic boat

07879481717

[email protected]

32ft wooden motor cruiser built in 1965 at Conwy.

Price £29,500

Specs and more info on this classic boat  

07866705181

[email protected]

Morning Wood 

Mahogany Hoskins Barrelback 19, built in 2020.

Price: £69,950 ono

07501 954 949

[email protected]

Classic Boats for Sale: Still Looking?

Take a look at more classic boats on the Market .

Show Me More:

• Classic Yachts for Sale: Two Remarkable Boats on the Market
• ‘True’ Vs Technology: Adrian Morgan on Sailing Gadgets
• Dave Selby’s Confession: Secret Blackwater Sloop

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Classic Boat is the magazine for the world’s most beautiful boats. Packed with stunning images, we have the inside stories of the great classic yachts and motorboats afloat today, as well as fascinating tales from yesteryear and the latest from the wooden boat building scene around the world.

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