United States

John H. Wells, Inc.

A full-scale re-build and restoration is currently underway on the historic 38.4-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acania38.4m (125'12&quot;)Pusey & Jones1929">Acania</a>, originally launched in 1929 by the American shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1814" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pusey & Jones (Company)">Pusey &amp; Jones</a>. Previously known as Project 1929, the re-build is being overseen by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7538" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christian Oliver Design (Company)">Christian Oliver Design</a> and is being undertaken by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/47" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Delta Marine (Company)">Delta Marine</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371121/image/large-f5048994fa512138732474b4632b956b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371121">Built in Wilmington, Delaware, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acania38.4m (125'12&quot;)Pusey & Jones1929">Acania</a> was launched in 1929 with interior and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John H. Wells, Inc. (Company)">John H. Wells</a>. Over the years she has changed hands several times, including a quiet stint under the ownership of Hollywood actress Constance Bennett.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371196/image/large-11b85781ac07ec6a16b0c253f9c7af63.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371196">During the Second World War, the yacht was commandeered by the US Navy for service in the South Pacific, before later being owned by Stanford Research Institute. She also participated in the TIGHAR Expedition in search of Amelia Earhart’s aircraft, and a later role as a base for pioneering humpback whale research.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371197/image/large-b0c8cf5e7119461538975ad46abf41c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371197">However, by the late 1990s and early 2000s, the yacht had fallen into severe disrepair and was left abandoned in a muddy slough north of Seattle. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acania38.4m (125'12&quot;)Pusey & Jones1929">Acania</a>’s current owners discovered the vessel in 2018 and immediately saw the potential to restore her to her former glory. They purchased the yacht with the belief that they were becoming custodians of an important piece of maritime history.The yacht was towed to a nearby shipyard for a full survey, but after decades of modifications and neglect, much of the original structure was too damaged to preserve. Despite this, detailed 3D scans were conducted to record the remaining features and wherever possible, components were carefully removed, catalogued and stored for reinstallation once the re-build is complete.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371201/image/large-def197d2d66396fa478e9a24dd5761d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371201">Thanks to access to over 200 microfilm slides of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acania38.4m (125'12&quot;)Pusey & Jones1929">Acania</a>’s original John H. Wells construction drawings, provided by the Hagley Museum, the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7538" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christian Oliver Design (Company)">Christian Oliver Design</a> has a detailed understanding of her original arrangement and design.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371205/image/large-42447fc8cb33416355ce85ac25ffb17c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371205">While the owners are seasoned restorers, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acania38.4m (125'12&quot;)Pusey & Jones1929">Acania</a> marks their first foray into yachting. Their shared vision with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7538" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christian Oliver Design (Company)">Christian Oliver Design</a> is to honour the yacht’s Art Deco roots while introducing modern amenities for comfortable cruising.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371207/image/large-215de875942c5e82cebfc5285216cca6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371207">“The goal is to be sympathetic to the original design, while giving the interior a period-correct Art Deco aesthetic,” said designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7538" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Christian Oliver Design (Company)">Christian Oliver</a>. “Our mission is for the clients to receive the vessel they have imagined all along, not simply my vision of what it should be.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371202/image/large-f6e229e3b02ea24f65793ef05eb99fa5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371202">The restored <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acania38.4m (125'12&quot;)Pusey & Jones1929">Acania</a> will feature air conditioning, fin stabilisers, a tender crane, a shore power converter and a bow thruster. The design also includes traditional brushwork finishes, 85 percent sheen varnishes and re-wired antique lighting fixtures. Even the deck furniture will be crafted from repurposed teak taken from the yacht’s original decks.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371191/image/large-a169fb9ff869d1c58c573d05a9dc9be7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371191">The hull of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acania38.4m (125'12&quot;)Pusey & Jones1929">Acania</a> is now structurally complete, faired and primed, while the superstructure is 95 percent assembled. Interior framing and plumbing are largely in place and major equipment is ready for installation. According to the team, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3227" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Acania38.4m (125'12&quot;)Pusey & Jones1929">Acania</a> could be completed within two years if progress continues as planned.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371193/image/large-68d4affc639ecdac3f2ec0e7ca76e9e5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371193">The restored yacht will accommodate up to nine guests across five staterooms, with additional sleeping quarters for eight crew in four cabins.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371190/image/large-8e0aaa7fae4a113fc7a895c278accb66.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371190">Further renderings and updates on Project 1929 are expected to be unveiled throughout 2025 and 2026.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/371204/image/large-87af029ab8949e93acebf96166993236.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/371204">

Historic yacht Acania undergoes extensive re-build

A full-scale re-build and restoration is currently underway on the historic 38.4-metre motor yacht Acania, originally launched in 1929.

38m historic yacht Acania undergoes extensive re-build and restoration

<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/327501/image/large-64b7ea85f090522ead5c81804dc880f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/327501">Observed earlier this month cruising here in Gibraltar, is the 51-metre classic yacht <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 by <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> in 1930, <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>, originally named Janidore, was completely refitted in 2018 after a meticulous three-year restoration by <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 (SMS)</a> in the United Kingdom. The refit focused on preserving her historical integrity while integrating modern conveniences such as updated propulsion and air conditioning systems. Her original naval architecture was designed by<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/754" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John H. Wells, Inc. (Company)">&nbsp;John H. Wells</a>, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/759" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rainsford Mann Design (Company)">Rainsford Mann Design</a> responsible for creating her interiors. Powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1408" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Caterpillar Inc (Company)">Caterpillar</a> engines, the motor yacht cruises comfortably at 10 knots and boasts a range of 3,000 nautical miles.

51m classic yacht Alicia in Gibraltar

The 51m classic yacht Alicia, built by Defoe Shipbuilding in 1930, is seen cruising here in Gibraltar. 

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