Some of the most iconic yachts in the world are from the classic fleet, bringing a rich history and golden age glamour to the modern yachting experience.
Many of these classic yachts for sale and charter were built for commercial purposes, only to be dramatically converted into some of the world’s most luxurious superyachts as demand changed over the years.
Others were built as primitive leisure yachts and their classic lines hark back to the gentleman’s yachts of the 19th century when the superyacht industry was in its infancy.
Having been brought up to date with modern refits, commercial conversions and classic yacht sales and charter, here are three of the most popular on the market.
They are the very finest classic era yachts which have undergone spectacular refits, marrying maritime history with new style, technology, and interior design.
M/Y LEGEND
The 77.4m M/Y LEGEND is one of the finest examples of a superyacht conversion, winning the Best Rebuild Project award at the 2017 World Superyacht Awards.
Launched in 1974 as a Soviet icebreaker in the depths of the Cold War, the vessel was converted into a luxury superyacht in the late 1990’s, before an experienced yacht owner further transformed her as part of a massive 12-month refit at the Dutch ICON shipyard in 2015.
The result is magnificent: a lavish, modern superyacht that can travel comfortably and safely from Antarctica to Antigua, or Madagascar to Monaco. Accommodating up to 26 guests in 13 uniquely styled staterooms, M/Y LEGEND dazzles with her raft of special features, including a Balinese spa, two helicopters, a gym, a plush cinema, and a 14-seat spa pool with a waterfall on the aft deck.
M/Y SHERAKHAN
The 69.65m M/Y SHERAKHAN is another superb conversion project that was also commissioned by the Owner of M/Y LEGEND.
uilt in 1965 as a commercial vessel and refitted to great acclaim in both 2005 and 2017, M/Y SHERAKHAN’s canoe stern and classic lines turn heads wherever she goes, while her sumptuous interior channels the romance of old sea voyages paired with modern superyacht glamour.
This classic yacht for sale boasts a spectacular double-height atrium dining room with a spiral staircase and gallery, which forms the heart of the superyacht. Up to 26 guests are accommodated in 13 spacious staterooms – each of which have been individually designed with gorgeous flair. The master suite is a particular highlight, with its own private deck and jacuzzi pool.
Guests wanting to cool off can relax in the 18-seat jacuzzi on the sun deck or in the pool in the onboard spa, which also features a sauna. M/Y SHERAKHAN is built to go anywhere, with a diverse cruising history that spans from Antarctica to Greenland, and St. Tropez to St. Barts.
One of the most widely admired vessels in the superyacht fleet, M/Y SHERAKHAN wears her history with superb style and is listed for sale for EUR 24,500,000.
M/Y BIG EAGLE
M/Y BIG EAGLE has a superb charter pedigree, having been a familiar sight in some of the world’s most glamorous and exotic locations since her launch in 1980. Most recently refitted in 2017, M/Y BIG EAGLE is a fantastic example of the refurbished classic motor yacht, with beautiful lines on her white and wood exterior and a spacious interior with an elegant, fresh décor.
Accommodating 12 guests in six comfortable staterooms, this splendid charter yacht is built for entertaining, with her huge al fresco dining area, a party deck, sports bar, jacuzzi, and a fabulous range of water toys, including a giant waterslide, waverunners, and bikes to explore the local area.
M/Y BIG EAGLE has been modernised with state-of-the-art technology, including zero-speed stabilisers for comfort at anchor. This beautiful classic yacht is available to charter in Northern Europe this summer, with a weekly rate starting from USD 140,000.
Chartering or owning a classic yacht allows you to experience yachting history, while enjoying all the modern luxuries, technology and style of a contemporary superyacht.
