News
A 'Grand Lady' Of The Seas Returns
Friday 5th January 2007
Press release for the London Boat Show
The luxury classic yacht Halcyon has ‘lifted her skirts’ and returned to Northern European waters to challenge more conventional charter yachts to beat her for a traditional sailing experience. She is confident that there are many, selective people still seeking a craft that offers the style and comfort of a bygone era, yet combined with the exhilaration of being under sail in a traditional yacht.
Built in 1929 by JI Thorneycroft and Co Ltd of Woolston, Southampton, Halcyon is a beautiful 80 foot Bermudan ketch (95 foot including her bowsprit). She is constructed of teak on oak with a luxurious Burma teak interior. The original saloon and main accommodation have been preserved perfectly during her long life, but are now refurbished to cater for the discerning guest of the 21st century. Her new forward accommodation is also constructed in Burma teak in total sympathy with her original style.
She has been totally re-equipped with all modern facilities and equipment including navigation and communication systems, and a fully equipped galley to provide culinary delights not even dreamt of by previous occupants, although these acknowledgements of today’s charter guests needs only compliment her traditional decor and atmosphere.
The refurbishment, completed in time for the ‘shake down’ cruises prior to her presence at St. Katharine’s Dock, London to allow ease of access from the London Boat Show, was undertaken by the internationally renowned T. Nielsen and Co Ltd yard at Gloucester, using expert artisans from across Europe employing many skills that are fast disappearing from modern boatbuilding methods. The work also incorporated the inspection of Halcyon’s towering ketch rig and the masts and spars have been refinished and all the standing and running rigging has been overhauled and replaced where necessary. Her inventory of wooden blocks has been renewed and she boasts a refreshed wardrobe of sails.
Halcyon will take 8 charter guests in four cabins, or up to 12 guests on a daytime charter, managed by a professional crew of 3 including her gourmet chef. The proposed itineraries start from her home port of Milford Haven, in the spectacular Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, out around the wildlife rich islands of Skomer and Grassholm before cruising down to the Isles of Scilly and over to Southern Ireland. Then she will cruise up the Irish sea and the Welsh coast to enjoy the stunning islands of Western Scotland before transiting Scotland via the Caledonian Canal to cross the North Sea to the unforgettable and majestic fjords of Western Norway. She will return via the North Sea to the South Coast of England in time for Skandia Cowes Week 2007 and then cruise the West country, the North and West coasts of France before returning to her home port. Halcyon is offered to charter parties either in groups or in specially planned cruises available to individuals and couples, joining the vessel at various ports. However, there will also be planned opportunities for daytime guests to enjoy the classic yacht experience at selected locations.
The common factor for all of Halcyon’s guests will be there wish to become part of the unique experience of cruising around outstandingly beautiful coastline on a magnificent, traditional yacht in the style and luxury of an era almost forgotten and missed.
More information and the latest photographs from the restoration can be found at www.halcyonyachtcharter.com and the information regarding opportunities to sail on board can be found at the marketing and booking agent Classic Sailing’s website www.classic-sailing.co.uk