Admirers of Officine Panerai’s beautifully restored 1936 William Fife 22-metre yacht Eilean now have a chance to compete: another of Fife’s classic creations has just come on the market for a cool €7 million. At nearly 41 metres, the Altair, built by the famed Scottish boatyard in 1931, is a lot more ship than Panerai’s ketch into the bargain. The gaff rigged topsail schooner was originally commissioned by Captain H. MacCaw who asked for “a sound, safe cruiser to go to the South Sea Islands in with no difficulty.” She then passed through a series of notable owners including Viscount Runciman, British Member of Parliament before being acquired by the British Admiralty in World War II.
Completely restored in 1987 and refitted in 2007, the teak on oak with teak deck Altair now ranks as one of the best-preserved large high-quality pre-war yachts in the world. The interior is considered one of the most beautiful and authentic of any classic yacht, with fine French polished walnut throughout the five cabin guest accommodations. The paneling, door furniture and bathroom fittings are all original, with the nickel and chrome interior fittings having been removed and re-plated in 2007. Her beauty is matched only by her considerable speed, leading her to victory in many regattas. A steal at €7 million, we’d say.
