Atlantide reborn: Behind the rebuild of the historic motor yacht

Nearly ninety-four years after her launch, the classic motorsailer Atlantide has been relaunched following a meticulous rebuild by Royal Huisman's Huisfit division. The 37.28-metre motor sailor has rejoined the global fleet with numerous technological advancements, while maintaining her historic aesthetic, but the scope of her refit far exceeded her owner's original expectations. Acquired by her new owner, the serial yacht owner Jim Clark, who also owns the J Class Hanuman, in 2020, Atlantide arrived at Huisman in 2021 for a year-long refit. Upon arrival at the yard, however, it became clear that the historic yacht was desperately in need of a major reconstruction. Fortunately, Jim and his wife were willing to undertake this transformation and the yacht has now been relaunched in beyond original standard.

The refit team had not seen the yacht out of the water before her arrival, leaving the full scope of the project undetermined. Once Atlantide was hauled into the yard, however, a troubling discovery quickly emerged – what appeared to be a crack in the hull. Concerned, the craftsmen began a careful inspection, probing and chiselling at the gap. Relief came as chunks of material fell away to reveal not damaged steel but an unexpected layer of filler – in some places, nearly two inches thick. While the revelation was less catastrophic than feared, it highlighted the extent of the restoration challenge ahead.

Atlantide, launched in 1930 as Caleta, has a long and storied history, not least as an integral member of Operation Dynamo, the Dunkirk evacuation of June 1940. Designed by famed Scottish yacht designer Alfred Mylne, she was originally built to serve as tender to Sir William Burton's 12-metre racing yacht. Though compact, she carried a full sail plan, reaching speeds of seven knots under sail. During the Second World War, Caleta was pressed into service for the Royal Navy, playing a valiant role as one of the "Little Ships of Dunkirk." Braving enemy fire, she rescued 35 soldiers during the nine-day operation and earned the right to fly the distinguished St. George’s Cross.

Post-war, she began a new chapter as Ariane, sailing to the Mediterranean after a two-year refit at Vosper Thorneycroft. Under various owners and names, including Corisande and later Atlantide, she became synonymous with glamour, gracing ports from Antibes to New England. A significant refit under the ownership of Tom Perkins in 1999 saw her transformed with Art Deco interiors and a gleaming new superstructure. Yet, despite her illustrious career, the passage of time took its toll, setting the stage for her comprehensive rebuild at Royal Huisman.

During the course of two years, Huisfit replaced approximately 40 percent of the yacht's hull, deck and frames, overhauling her systems, including her original Gardner diesel engines, and completed a complete interior refit. For six months the Huisfit team scanned, studied and redesigned the yacht in 3D, ensuring that her new systems and interior configurations maximised the potential volumes, while introducing contemporary technology.

The yacht's exterior profile has remained true to her post-war silhouette, while her interiors were redesigned with a refined 1930s aesthetic by deVosdeVries Design, complemented by the artistry of Acanthus International. Her owners were determined to retain her and return her to her aesthetic, but they wanted to simplify the styling, removing much of the more elaborate Art Deco touches favoured by Tom Perkins. The Clarks briefed a less ornate 1930’s style, married with the look of Hanuman’s classic interior that was created by Royal Huisman’s artisans in French walnut.

While owner's suite and guest VIP stateroom aft have retained their original configuration, their styling has been dramatically redesigned, while the saloon and media room offer casual spaces for modern living. The saloon features a shallow coffered ceiling style – updated from the lacquered tongue-and-groove panels installed during the 1999 refit, alongside french-polish straight grain walnut joinery, creating a classic 1930s styling. Dining has also moved outdoors, with a stunning custom teak table under a fixed bimini, offering her guests a closer interaction with their environment.

Now in her next era Atlantide complements Clark’s fleet, which also includes the 56.18-metre Apsara. With her rebuild complete, the historic motorsailer stands poised to write a new chapter in her long and storied life – a beacon of maritime heritage brought gloriously into the modern age.