Romance of the Seas: Modern-Day Classics

Classic yachts seem to be perennially popular on the charter market, often because of their classic styling and nostalgic appeal. An ultra-modern motor yacht may have all the bells and whistles, but from a style point of view there are few boats that look as good as some of the classic sailing (and motor) yachts.

Topsails Set!

Capable of speeds of over 14 knots, the 162′ schooner ELEONORA was built in 2000 following the original lines of the legendary racing schooner WESTWARD. It is considered as one of the greatest designs by Herreshoff. Without sacrificing the luxurious comfort, her interiors display the elegance of another age and many of the fittings were specially commissioned for her.  Although she visits the Caribbean most winters, this year she will remain in Cannes, South of France, where she will charter next summer for Euros 75,000-69,000 a week plus expenses and sleeps eight guests and nine crew.

All Sails Set

Based in Grenada for charter this winter, the fine 141′ Hoek Jachtbouw schooner, THIS IS US, was built in 2005 for eight guests and charters for $79,100 a week++.   While being ideal for racing, the yacht has also been optimised for family cruises. She has an ideal layout for chartering, with an owners’ stateroom, VIP suite, two guest cabins and generous amounts of deck space. Designed by André Hoek, THIS IS US has slim low-freeboard lines, long overhangs and a modest pilothouse. Her rig follows the trend for high-aspect mainsails and roached foresails, while a lifting keel offers access to shallow waters.

A Steaming Wake!  She’s honking!

Built in 2001, the 151′ schooner WINDROSE is a yacht which evokes the style of a bygone era: from her long sleek hull to her handcrafted interior with solid-wood panelling and furniture, offset by cream ceilings and sophisticated lighting. For a sailing experience that can be both exhilarating and relaxing, few yachts will surpass WINDROSE.  Available in the Caribbean this winter for Euros 62,500 a week, and in the Mediterranean summers, she accommodates eight guests and seven crew.

A Fine Breeze and a Calm Sea

With her Royal Huisman pedigree, beautiful lines and exquisite John Munford interior, the 169′ schooner METEOR is an elegant, high-performance sailing yacht. Luxuriously appointed and extremely comfortable, she is perfect for both recreational cruising and exhilarating racing. With 9 crew serving just six guests, the level of service on board is extremely high. And with those same crew members being keen sailors, happy to share their knowledge with guests, the result is an unmatched charter experience.  She is keen to secure regatta charters, including Les Voiles de St Tropez and St Barths, Bucket.  She is available for charter in the Caribbean during winter and back to the Med in the summer – $126,000 per week++

She’s off to the Next Island

Superior sailing ability * Master stateroom with his/hers bath, private deckhouse and private cockpit * One of the staterooms will convert from twins to a king bed. Baby grand piano * Maritime art and antiques * Crows nest for 2 guests from deck to over 123 feet

Traditional craftsmanship and modern technology have created a fast, comfortable sailing yacht with a light interior and a sophisticated style. Nautical paintings, antiques, a baby grand piano and actual working cannons will take you back in time to adventure, excitement, and the romance of the sea.

The 180′ Hoek Vitters ketch MARIE is owned by famous Opera singer Marie and was built in 2010.  She is available for charter in the Caribbean this winter (includiing Christmas) for $200,000 a week++.

Sweet Lines!

This beautiful, 114′ Bruce King-designed ketch built in 1990 offers modern yachting in truly classic style. Extensively refurbished in 2004-05, SIGNE is sumptuously fitted throughout with painted panelling contrasting with satin-varnished solid-wood timbers and floors. She is the ultimate sailing charter for those wishing to enjoy style, quality and elegance, but not willing to compromise on performance.  Available in the Mediterranean next summer for Euros 36,000 per week, she accommodates six guests and five crew.

Winds on the Beam

AURELIUS, a 76′ Sloop, is a swift and elegant classical cruiser. Her fine hull design is the ideal merge between speed and pleasant motion under way. Her shallow draft gains her access to many anchorages and small ports which are normally not accessible to yachts of her size.  She is available in the Caribbean this winter for $23,500 a week inclusive for six guests – including Christmas and New Year’s.

Coming into Port

The 91′ sloop WHIRLWIND is a beautiful sailing yacht built by Holland Jachtbouw and recently refitted by the renowned interior designer Andrew Winch. Run by an outstanding crew, she sails fantastically and offers different areas inside and out for guests to relax in. But don’t take our word for it – come and spend an unforgettable holiday onboard!  She is available for charter in the Caribbean this winter and the East Med next summer for $30,000 a week++.  She accommodates seven guests and four crew.  Presently available for Christmas and New Year’s.

What happens when classic yachts get together?
They race!

Back in the 1960s, classic yachts, which were gathered in English Harbor Antigua, had begun chartering, and the captains and crews challenged each other to a race down to Guadeloupe and back after the end of the charter season. From this informal race, Antigua Race Week was formalized in 1967, and in those days all of the yachts were classics.

As the years grew on, the classic yachts were slowly outnumbered by the faster, sleeker, modern racing yachts, and 24 years later the Classic Class had diminished to a few boats and was abandoned in 1987. However, this same year seven classic yachts turned out and were placed in Cruising Class 3 with the bare boats. The class was so unmatched that it was downright dangerous, so Captain Uli Pruesse hosted a meeting onboard Aschanti of Saba with several classic skippers and in 1988 the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta was born, with 7 boats.

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2006

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For further information on chartering one of these fine, classic sailing yachts in the Caribbean or Mediterranean, please contact Sylvia Weston or Shelby Nicholson at 1-800-662-6066, or email us at Nikyacht@comcast.net

Since 1949

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