About Defoe Shipbuilding Co.

United States

Defoe Shipbuilding Co.

It has to be said, sometimes older is better and there are many in the industry who would say that sailing on a vintage yacht gives an unbeatable feeling which cannot be matched by today's high-tech vessels. For a select few owners, taking on a restoration project is extremely rewarding, as proven by the cases outlined in this list of classic yacht refits where vessels were brought back to their full potential after decades or even centuries of use.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vagrant39.0m (127'11&quot;)Herreshoff1913">Vagrant</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Herreshoff (Company)">Herreshoff</a>, 39m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/11648/image/large-9aa98906108d975407c2227f6a7d0615.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/11648">The 39-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Herreshoff (Company)">Herreshoff</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vagrant39.0m (127'11&quot;)Herreshoff1913">Vagrant</a>, built in 1913, was refitted in 2017 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman shipyard</a>, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra</a> revisiting her naval architecture. The refit included the reinstallation of her engineering systems and classic interior and the restoration of the deckhouse as well as brand new crew quarters. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SS Delphine78.55m (257'9&quot;)Great Lakes Engineering Works1921">SS Delphine</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Great Lakes Engineering Works (Company)">Great Lakes Engineering Works</a>, 78.55m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/98408/image/large-8591bd7113e7347c85b0275ea8eaf516.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98408">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SS Delphine78.55m (257'9&quot;)Great Lakes Engineering Works1921">SS Delphine</a>, built in 1921 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Great Lakes Engineering Works (Company)">Great Lakes Engineering Works</a> and first known as Dauntless, has had several refits, the most recent of which was carried out in Zeebrugge, Belgium, in 2003. The original owner's daughter conducted extensive research for the various refits, and the yacht currently calls back the roaring '20s, combining a classic feel with today's amenities and communication means. &nbsp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1929">Haida 1929</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/263" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Krupp Germania Werft (Company)">Krupp Germania Werft</a>, 71.1m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/53800/image/large-9de3c91ccf04e5fa4c4c1be73450a02c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53800">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a>-class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1929">Haida 1929</a> has sailed under many previous names including Dona Amelia and has undergone several refit works, including in 2011, 2016 and 2018. This involved rebuilding the ship’s structural integrity, an extension of the sundeck and several alterations to the interior, such as the addition of a Hammam spa. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Over the rainbow of London35.0m (114'10&quot;)Dickie & Sons1930">Over the Rainbow of London</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/174" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dickie & Sons (Company)">Dickie &amp; Sons</a>, 35m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/30280/image/large-0e673654460e26aac388bafa74db8b6c.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/30280">The 35-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Over the rainbow of London35.0m (114'10&quot;)Dickie & Sons1930">Over the Rainbow of London</a>, a mono-hull displacement yacht built in 1930 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/174" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dickie & Sons (Company)">Dickie &amp; Sons</a>, was restored to glory in 1991 and had another refit in 2004 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mondomarine SpA (Company)">Mondo Marine</a>, being held to the highest standards throughout her lifespan.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a>, 91.44m (Credit: Giovanni Romero)<img src="/uploads/store/photo/39878/image/large-a5132adc2bc9e7f3c2b82929d9230185.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39878"> This <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a> build from 1930 is 91 metres in length and has a volume of 1,356 GT. She underwent a refit from 2006 to 2007 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a>, and was then brought over to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> from 2007 to 2009 where her old steam turbines were replaced by diesel engines. She has gone through a total of five years of restoration since being purchased by her current owner.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a>, 135.94m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/75270/image/large-67263cca37648ff4adad4b1c093ed31e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/75270"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>, the 136-metre built in 1931 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a>, featured original naval architecture and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/94" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cox & Stevens (Company)">Cox &amp; Stevens</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a> revisited her naval architecture and her latest interior comes from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/41" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald Starkey Designs (Company)">Donald Starkey Designs.</a> The yacht is currently used as the presidential yacht for Turkey and once belonged to Atatürk.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Malahne</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard</a>, 50.29m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/41798/image/large-315d2c5f2192782eea621e046e52400d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41798">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Malahne</a>,&nbsp;measuring 50.29 metres and built in 1937, has had several refits, the latest of which happened in 2017. This refit brought her design back to the original and upgraded her to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd’s Register</a> class.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft1938">Shemara</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a>, 64.68 <img src="/uploads/store/photo/22695/image/large-78e60326a7ca9a9cf1512dffc5461e75.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22695">The 64.68-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft1938">Shemara</a> has changed owners only twice since she was built in 1938. It was under the ownership of her most recent owner that she received maintenance works in 2016. The owner created a company for the extensive refit, Shemara Refit LLP. She was given a contemporary interior while keeping a lot of her original attributes, and she now runs on a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a> diesel-electric system.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alicia51.0m (167'4&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1930">Alicia</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Defoe Shipbuilding Co. (Company)">Defoe Shipbuilding Co</a>., 51m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/68657/image/large-c6eaf8e16deceb4b854d39b7f5886f19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/68657"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alicia51.0m (167'4&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1930">Alicia</a>, built in 1930 and known under many names including Janidore when she was built, has received a rebuild in 2015-2018 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5098" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southampton Marine Services Group (SMS) (Company)">Southampton Marine Services group</a>, during which she was given an almost entirely new steel hull and a completely new aluminium superstructure, with all of her onboard systems also being replaced.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard, 39.56m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/94600/image/large-9a16e10d12e128a753a97a032b6ed91c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94600"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a> is a 39.56-metre J-class sailing yacht from Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Charles E. Nicholson (Company)">Charles E. Nicholson,</a> who also designed the yacht’s exterior. She was restored to her full glory in the 1980s in a trailblazing restoration project which you can read all about <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/the-j-class-endeavour-and-royal-huisman" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here.</a>

10 classic yacht refits and restorations

SYT has compiled a list of 10 yacht refits of iconic yachts that have been restored to their full glory. 

10 remarkable refits and restorations of classic yachts

As part of our history series from the revered in-house yacht historian Malcolm Wood, SuperYacht Times takes a closer look at yacht builders and their yachts that are no longer in existence for one reason or another. Here, he takes a closer look at the Cruisemaster series from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Defoe Shipbuilding Co. (Company)">Defoe Shipbuilding Company</a> of Bay City, Michigan, USA.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/64831/image/large-f11e6f4283fe977e9f3a218aadf24464.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/64831"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Defoe Shipbuilding Co. (Company)"></a><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Defoe Shipbuilding Co. (Company)">Defoe</a> started production in 1905 and built a large number of yachts around 30 units greater than 30 metres, plus many commercial vessels and naval craft, such as sub chasers, patrol craft, landing craft, and even three destroyers for the Australian Navy. The yard eventually closed in 1976.The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Defoe Shipbuilding Co. (Company)">Defoe</a> Cruisemaster series of motor yachts were completed during the period of 1947 to 1948 and comprised of six large (for that time) motor yachts. Basic details of the series were a length overall of 36 metres x 5.64 metres breadth x 1.83 metres draught. Hull and superstructure were made from steel. Engines were <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="General Motors (Company)">General Motors</a> 6 cyl. diesel engines - 4 x 200 hp each, placed in tandem. Maximum speed was 15 knots and cruising at 11 knots. These yachts normally carried eight guests with six or seven crew. Sabor-A-Mi&nbsp;(ex: Chanticleer, Enchantress)Now let's look at each of these six yachts in detail. First to be delivered was Chanticleer, hull number 404, built for John C. Pace in 1947. The yacht was based in Pensacola, Florida until it was sold a few years later to the Miami-based Cuban, Sr. Aleman. He was a Cuban presidential candidate and planned to return to Cuba by sea on the yacht if he won. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/64833/image/large-6ff0847e049af532c6b3824639218a95.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/64833"> Well, he didn’t win as you’ve probably guessed, and Chanticleer once again changed hands, this time to a Mr Carpenter, who only kept the yacht for a short period before parting with her. She was then taken over by Ralph Evinrude of Outboard Motor Fame. He married Frances Langford, the Hollywood actress, and they invariably spent some time cruising on Chanticleer on the US coasts until Evinrude died in 1986. Frances Langford would later acquire another Chanticleer, a 33.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/145" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burger Boat Company (Company)">Burger</a> - but that’s another story.The next owner of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Defoe Shipbuilding Co. (Company)">Defoe</a> Chanticleer was Samuel DuPont of the prominent American DuPont family who renamed the yacht Enchantress. The yacht then passed to Jack W. Morey without change of name, and finally, the yacht changed hands again and was renamed Sabor-A-Mi in the 2000s. She is still believed to be in existence.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/64832/image/large-a462c9a809e1059263fd670bfe17f6af.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/64832">Golden Fleece&nbsp;(ex: Walmar, Joseph Conrad, Cramac II )Hull number 405 Walmar was also delivered in 1947 to the Walmar Corporation in the United States. The yacht then appeared in Cannes as Joseph Conrad in the 1950s. The next owner was the American John H. Macmillan of the Cargill grain business. He renamed the yacht Carmac&nbsp;II&nbsp;in the mid-1950s following the sale of the first Carmac&nbsp;in 1953.An equally well-known US owner, Ogden Phipps acquired the yacht in the late 1960s or early 1970s and changed the name to Vergemere. There was one final change when the yacht became Golden Fleece in the late 1970s. The yacht was last reportedly seen in 1981.Disco Volante&nbsp;(ex: Natoya)The third yacht of the series Natoya hull number 406 was delivered to the American Harold DuCharme of Grosse Pointe, Michigan in 1947. The yacht made an appearance in the James Bond film Thunderball in 1965 when she was briefly renamed Disco Volante. Shown at a distance at anchor, she was a stand-in for the film’s main yacht that was built in two halves.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/64835/image/large-78685646786717a1770870ba8023c887.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/64835"> By 1972, the yacht had changed hands for the first time, and her new owner was Fred J. Sperapani of Washington DC. He kept the name Natoya until the yacht was acquired by Robert Green in 1979 and renamed Jacqueline B. He kept her until 1981. The yacht re-emerges in 1989 when she was converted to a commercial fishing and diving vessel and renamed Our House III. Her later history is unknown.Patrician&nbsp; (ex: Savitar, Hildur, Maia II, Patrician, Fleur-de-Lis II, Camelot)Now, on to hull number 407 Savitar that was delivered to American Phil Berg in 1947. He owned the yacht until 1951 before selling her to the Henney Motor Company. The new owners kept the same name under their stewardship until selling the yacht to Canadian John D. Eaton in 1955. He renamed the yacht Hildur and then Maia II.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/64834/image/large-7626c94140f360c15e4ef3365d53b09d.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/64834">In 1961 the yacht was acquired by Harvey S. Hewitt and renamed Patrician. He retained ownership until 1965. Subsequent owners were: Harry Lafontaine from 1965 to 1968, who renamed her Fleur-de-Lis II, Louis D. Root from 1968 to 1973 who renamed her Camelot, and finally to Joan Fiske of South Africa from 1973 to 1975, who reverted to Patrician. She has not been reported as a yacht since 1975.&nbsp;&nbsp;NunalvaresLittle is known of hull number 408 Nunalvares delivered again in 1947 to Jose Lopes of Brazil, who ran the company Perfumaria Lopes S.A. It is unknown how long this yacht remained in service. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/64836/image/large-4f1e8fa88204cbe99b716fa5fc388920.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/64836">Maryland Lady&nbsp;(ex: Elda, Sea Level, Governor Tawes)The last yacht in the series hull number 414 Cruisemaster was completed in 1948 but retained by her builder Harry J. Defoe pending her eventual sale in 1953 to the West Indies Fruit and Steamship Company, who operated the yacht under the name Elda. The next owner was the American politician Spiro Agnew who renamed her Sea Level prior to acquisition by the State of Maryland, which renamed her Governor Tawes and later Maryland Lady. Other owners were John Dale Showell III and Brett Lurie, both retaining the same name. The yacht was still in existence in August 2007 when she paid a visit to Antibes.Research is still ongoing to fill in any gaps in the history of this unique series.<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title=""><img src="https://www.superyachttimes.com/uploads/store/photo/55401/image/large-6524e9c9dfc37e22bf131ecc39bea57e.png" alt="New Subscribe Button"></a>This article is featured in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription">Subscribe now&nbsp;</a>to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.<a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" title="" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a><a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription"></a> <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription"></a> <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription"></a>

History of the Defoe Cruisemaster series

Learn the history of the Defoe Cruisemaster series and where these yachts are now.

The history of the Defoe Cruisemaster series

This week marked a special milestone in the life of the 1930s motor yacht Alicia after completing a three-year restoration project at SMS in Southampton. The vessel <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/43823" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Superyacht RS Eden under refit at Solent Refit (2015-03-10 23:00:00 +0100)">arrived</a> in March 2015 under the name RS Eden and spent the next 40 months being rebuilt from the keel up. The 50-metre vessel was relaunched this week under her new name and is expected to reach Mediterranean water next month to attend the 20th Les Voiles de Saint Tropez. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/45534/image/large-fecd937da2d1a6a84d70f852e7d39929.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45534">Alicia today sits on an almost entirely new steel hull along with a completely new aluminium superstructure that was built by SMS’ sister company, Wight Shipyard. In addition, Alicia received a complete rebuild of her onboard systems, many of which have been replaced by some of the latest technology available, as MD of SMS, Chris Norman comments. “We’ve managed to install an equipment package suited to a 1000 tonne vessel into a 400 tonne one. A tremendous amount of thought has gone into the machinery space, pipe verticals (due to limited headroom) and the ship’s tank configuration.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/45532/image/large-35488236cbd961c350f0746fe3079c67.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45532"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/45531/image/large-3df5c07179c5dfa34f9c0f75eb231ac6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45531">Talking about the inspiration behind the project, Norman explains it all came from the owner’s vision to restore the vessel to her original launch day state.&nbsp;“The Owners aspirations stem from the vessels true form as MY Janidore; his attention to detail and passion have helped not only lead an inspired team but also restore a truly unique and genuinely wonderful Classic to her former glory.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/45533/image/large-af655c986c56230b75946ee3886e1cf0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45533">Peter Morton, the CEO of The SMS Group commented:&nbsp;“Today’s launch is a major positive milestone in another huge refit project for the SMS Group, all our colleagues and our suppliers. As a company we are genuinely thrilled to have had the inspiration and support of another truly exceptional British businessman; and whilst the project has been challenging the end result is simply outstanding. Alicia is unquestionably beautiful.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/45530/image/large-f906594b2c04cec03e8d4c775d0d2ad9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/45530">For her owner, it seems the rebuilding process was just as enjoyable: “Refitting Alicia in the UK was the right call and it has been an absolute delight; the end result will be something that we can all be very proud of - she’s fantastic, she’s British - and she’s truly unique. She will be a big part of our family for many years to come."Built in 1930 by Defoe Shipbuilding Co. with a steel hull and superstructure, the vessel’s original naval architecture is by John H. Wells, while Rainsford Mann Design planned the very first interiors on board. Her exterior design was completed by the two companies in partnership.

Classic 1930 superyacht Alicia relaunched after three-year restoration

The 51 metre classic styled clipper bow yacht RS Eden arrived at the Solent Refit yard in Southampton, England on 9th March for slipping and assessment before she undertakes her latest refit. Built in 1930 by Defoe Shipbuilding Co. with a steel hull and superstructure, she features naval architecture by John H. Wells, and interior design by Rainsford Mann Design. Her exterior design was completed by the two companies in partnership.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152850/image/large-3388ca16a0c4a0e21a17f838c176ac35.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152850">On board, the historical yacht accommodates up to 11 guests over 6 cabins, as well as a crew of up to 9. Powered by twin CAT D379 650hp engines, she has a maximum speed of 13.5 knots, and a cruising speed of 12 knots. She was completely rebuilt in 2007, with many of her original features successfully restored.By Gemma Fottles