Shine On SHENANDOAH OF SARK

Sailing yacht SHENANDOAH OF SARK is a 54m schooner positively reverberating with historical intrigue. Her astounding heritage, utterly unique lines and spectacular grace under sail have all contributed to her status as one of the yachting world's rarest jewels. Built by the Townsend & Downey Shipyard near Staten Island in New York, and delivered in 1902, she has survived two world wars.

There are very few yachts of this age still sailing,'' her captain, Russell Potter, explains from her home berth in Mallorca. Many of the classic yachts you might see now are replicas,'' he adds.

SHENANDOAH OF SARK is now listed for sale with Fraser and, for the owner who wants her to earn her keep, she has also been fully configured for charter. To own such an exquisite example of maritime history is to join an exclusive club one that has counted princes, dukes, barons and
society playboys among its members.

Her four stateroom interior has been sensitively restored with attention lavished on every detail from the brass handles of the dressing table to the art deco light fixtures. Her main saloon boasts a Steinway baby grand piano that was assembled on board after entering through the dismantled skylight. It's lovely listening to the piano chords drifting up when you're on deck,'' Potter says. Yet her authentic interior belies her top end communication,
navigation and entertainment systems none of which seem obtrusive.

For the fully immersive sailing experience of a bygone era there are few yachts to compare to SHENANDOAH OF SARK. Not only her beauty, but even her motion under sail resonates with a deep authenticity, which allows us a glimpse of the world through the sepia lens of the past,'' says her owner. Her historic grace and timeless class give me great pleasure and it is this unique aspect of SHENANDOAH OF SARK that I have endeavoured to preserve.'' Ever the seductress, it's certain that many more guests will be beguiled by her for years to come.

This article originally appeared in issue XIV of FRASER Yachting Magazine the intelligent magazine for living, loving and luxury yachts.