Magnificent yacht links Spain and Rhode Island

When it comes to the Elena you need not be a boating enthusiast to recognise the superlative beauty and elegance of this classic 55-metre schooner. Her lines are so effortlessly harmonious and graceful that the sight of this gorgeous sailing boat is enough to quicken the pulse and brings tears to your eyes.

What’s more, this queen of the seas has the pedigree to match her looks. Built in Newport in 1910, she is the creation of Nathanael Herreshoff, the legendary Rhode Island engineer and yacht builder whose client list reads like the whose who of America’s rich and powerful in its glorious Belle Epoque era, the Gilded Age.

J.P. Morgan, Jay Gould, the Vanderbilts, William Randolph Hearst and Morton F. Plant were among those who commissioned Herreshoff to build a series of magnificent schooners that, for all their beauty, represented the final word in design and speed in their day. Not surprisingly, many went on to achieve legendary feats in transatlantic competition.

The Elena belonged to Plant, a financier, philanthropist and yachtsman who liked to be called the ‘Commodore’. Having commissioned the Elena with the brief, “Build me a schooner that can win!” he went on to do just that on many an occasion. Herreshoff had not disappointed, building a super yacht that would go on to win the King’s Cup Transatlantic Race from New York to Santander.

Restored to her glory

It was also in Spain that this Rhode Island beauty was lovingly and painstakingly restored to her former glory, a process that involved pouring over the 320 handmade drawings of Herreshoff in an effort to renovate the ship to authentic perfection. The team at the Factoria Naval de Marin have done Captain Nat (Herreshoff) proud, returning the Elena to her very best self – with the double masts and 1,200m2 of sail in gorgeous array.

The restoration of the Elena is all the more admirable since under the skin this picture perfect early 20th century yacht has been fully updated with modern technology. Inside, however, the ten guests and eight crew can enjoy luxurious mahogany wood furnishing and panelling, stylish period décor and detailing, with elegant cabins, dining room and salon in which to relax in the finest nautical style.

Currently moored in Southern France, the Elena is being offered for sale at $12 million – surely a sum well worth paying to own one of the most beautiful ships afloat today.

www.schoonerelena.com

New post on at Tuesday, 27 April, 2010, 8:50 am and is archived in Lifestyle, Luxury, People, Sport. Subscribe to answers with RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.