United States

John H. Wells, Inc.

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 In addition, Alicia received a complete rebuild of her onboard systems, many of which have been replaced by some of the latest technology available, as MD of SMS, Chris Norman comments.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

<img src="/uploads/store/photo/7052/image/large-672ba9186f8bd9fb244a7d6d632ab1db.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7052">Like many classic yachts still in operation today, the 41.7-metre Acania has a very interesting story to tell. From Mafia gangsters to presidents, actors and wealthy businessmen, Acania has hosted many influential people over the years. She was built in 1930 in New York by Consolidated Shipbuilding Corporation (Consolidated Yachts today) to a design by John H. Wells. The yacht spent her first decade cruising the east coast of the States until 1941 when she was commissioned by the US Navy for service during WW II as a submarine echo finder. Skip ahead a few decades, and in 1995 a new owner rescued Acania form a scrap yard in Miami and decided to completely refit the yacht while keeping as much of her history and original features intact and also re-christened her to once again sail under the Acania name. Here she is seen earlier this week cruising in Belvedere, California.Photo by phoca2004

The classic yacht Acania from 1930 in Belvedere

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

Superyacht RS Eden under refit at Solent Refit

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152539/image/large-4106f8b05fece1dfbb2bd0145c09a232.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/152539">Superyacht Hasabi II seen in Piraeus<a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3858">Hasabi II</a>, seen here in Marina Zea last summer,was originally build by Welding Shipyards in 1950 as Danginn to a design of John H Wells. After that she cruised under the name Argo, and following her sale to a new well known Greek family, she became known as Henriette. Around 2006, the 58.34 metre superyacht was completely refitted and was relaunched as Chrysalis, before yet another name change, to Hasabi II. By Maarten Janssen

Superyacht Hasabi II at Marina Zea, Piraeus

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134853/image/large-7e3b7b131ff15e091efe5d554c42f977.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134853">Superyacht Hasabi II seen off Mykonos <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3858">Hasabi II</a> seen off Mykonos in the Summer of 2009. For many years the superyacht was known as Henriette and owned by a well-known Greek yachting family. Around 2006 the 58.34 metre superyacht was completely refitted and entered the charter market as Chrysalis. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3858">Hasabi II</a> was originally build by Welding Shipyards in 1950 as Danginn to a design of John H Wells. By Merijn de Waard