William Fife III Gaff Rigged 108 ft Topsail Schooner 1931

Named after one of the brightest of stars ALTAIR’s near mythical status in the classic yacht world is all for very good reason - this yacht has become the standard bearer for the cause of authenticity since her landmark restoration in 1987.

William Fife III may have saved his best until last. Commissioned as an ocean going cruising boat for the southern seas and her designer’s last big boat, Fife could not help but create a blend of breathtaking beauty; fast safe and totally capable.

Always the darling of the classic regatta fleet and often winning her class; ALTAIR is the ultimate vintage yacht. While important as the yacht to have started what has become the classic yacht revival, that role is as nothing to her own status at the top of this hierarchy.
 
It is instructive nevertheless to focus on the true meaning of “Restoration” - this word oft over used if not misconstrued.  Volume III of “Conserving Historic Vessels”, published by National Historical Ships of Greenwich; highly respected experts in this field - in covering how, why and which ships may be chosen for preservation also defines the meanings of replication, reconstruction and restoration - noting the differences between them. Thus on page 130 "…Restoration means returning the existing fabric or part of the fabric of a vessel to a known earlier state by removing additions or re-assembling existing components with the minimum introduction of new material”

Over the years there are vintage yachts, having languished in varying states of disregard and neglect, that have been “recovered” and given a variety of treatments to bring them back to some kind of life. ALTAIR meanwhile enjoying a careful 30 year ownership during the 1960s, 70s and 80s was very much still alive, before becoming one of the first such yachts actually to be restored. 

In this respect ALTAIR absolutely complies with the definition. The restoration team could not have been better provided for - with the important, nay unique quality that she is not a pastiche or interpretation of what an owner or boat yard might have decided she could have been like….…She was all there and is therefore the same boat from door handle to light fitting; from internal layout to sail plan.

Her dimensions have allowed for the modern comforts that a smaller classic will not; all discreetly concealed and allowing her to cruise anywhere. Above all she is blessed with the spirit engendered by her original designer the incomparable William Fife III.

As one of the very few classic yachts of her vintage afloat with an unbroken Lloyds100 A1 classification – having passed again lately in 2012with flying colours, ALTAIR is in her element - as ready to cruise the World as she is for racing.