Rebirth of a Legend: The Complete Rebuild of motor sailer ATLANTIDE at Huisfit by Royal Huisman
Nearly 94 years after her initial launch, the historic motor sailer ATLANTIDE has been fully renewed by the skilled artisans at Huisfit by Royal Huisman. The 37m (122ft) yacht, originally launched in 1930, underwent a comprehensive rebuild that included replacing 40% of her hull, deck, and frames, reimagining her interior, and overhauling every onboard system including her original Gardner diesel engines.
Luxury yacht ATLANTIDE | Cory Silken
In January 2021, ATLANTIDE arrived at the Huisfit shipyard from the US for repairs and modifications. By November 2023, she sailed away, transformed and ready for her next century of service. The project was initiated by her current owner, Jim Clark, who has previously built three sailing yachts at Royal Huisman. Clark and his wife, Kristy, saw her as a charming accompaniment to their J Class racing yacht, HANUMAN.
ATLANTIDE | Tom van Oossanen
Upon arrival, the extent of the work required became clear. The hull and deck were found to be dented and deformed, and the interior suffered from ongoing deck leaks. The refit quickly turned into a full rebuild, with the team using “sailboat thinking” to fit new equipment and systems in the limited space available.
ATLANTIDE during her rebuild | Tom van Oossanen
The interior was stripped to metal, insulated, and rebuilt with a simplified 1930s style, replacing the elaborate Art Deco features installed by previous owner Tom Perkins. The new interior, designed by deVosdeVries design, features French walnut joinery and an artful antiqued finish created by Acanthus International. The interior spaces are now more casual and focus on guest comfort and family living rather than entertaining. One of the biggest changes is that the former indoor dining saloon overlooking the foredeck is now a comfortable media room with a welcoming overstuffed sofa and chairs upholstered in a linen textured off-white shade.
Main salon | Cory Silken
Significant updates were made to the yacht’s systems, including a new split exhaust system, modernized stabilizers, and a reconditioned pair of 1930 Gardner diesel engines. The exterior teak and original bronze fittings were restored, and a new rig and sails were built to the original plan.
Deck dining | Cory Silken
The yacht’s history is rich, having served as a tender to Sir William Burton’s 12-metre yacht and participated in the Dunkirk evacuation during WWII. Over the years, she has undergone several refits and name changes, with her most recent transformation ensuring she remains a living sailing legend.
Tribute to war effort from ATLANTIDE | Mike Tesselaar
Jim Clark, a self-proclaimed classic boat enthusiast, expressed his admiration for the historic quality of ATLANTIDE, stating, “I like the old wood look; big modern boats do nothing for me.” With her latest rebuild, ATLANTIDE is ready to return to her original duty as a tender to a magnificent racing yacht, embodying the romance and elegance of the golden age of yachting. In summer she will be moored at Martha’s Vineyard and host family day trips.
Pictures tell a thousand words, so we hope you enjoy looking through our collection of images showing details of her revival.
Rebuilding of ATLANTIDE at Huisfit | Huisfit by Royal Huisman
ATLANTIDE during rebuild | Huisfit
ATLANTIDE during rebuild | Tom van Oossanen
ATLANTIDE – during rebuild | Huisfit
ATLANTIDE during rebuild | Priska van der Meulen
ATLANTIDE after rebuild | Tom van Oossanen