Unveiling the Masterful Refit of the Atlantide

In the world of classic yachting, few names resonate as powerfully as the 122-foot Atlantide, a masterpiece originally launched in 1930. I recently had the privilege to delve into the intricacies of her extensive refit executed by the renowned Huisfit, the refit division of Royal Huisman.

Back in early 2021, the storied Philip & Sons Atlantide made its way to the Huisfit facility in the Netherlands, signaling the beginning of an ambitious restoration project. Originally projected for completion in spring 2022, the refit surprised us with unexpected challenges and wasn’t finalized until November 2023. Nearly half of the yacht’s hull, deck, and frames had to be replaced, shedding light on the meticulous attention required to restore and enhance Atlantide’s vintage elegance with modern enhancements.

The restoration journey was far from straightforward. A particular hiccup early on involved the discovery of what appeared initially to be a superficial crack in the hull. Upon further inspection, this revealed itself to be layers of filler material instead of steel, some up to two inches thick. It necessitated a complete blast of the hull and deck back to raw metal, revealing dents and deformations that needed addressing.

Windows posed another unforeseen challenge. When the team began removing them from the main deck to sand the superstructure, it was discovered that these were glued into openings rather than mounted in frames, requiring a comprehensive replacement strategy. Whether you're refitting yachts in Miami or yachts in the Mediterranean, attention to detail is what makes the true difference for a luxury feel.

Inside, despite the effort to preserve its original allure, every onboard system was thoroughly overhauled or replaced, sparing only the authentic Gardner diesel engines, a nod to the craftsmanship of its era. The yacht’s interior design drew inspiration from the 1930s while embracing contemporary functionality. The previous owner, venture capitalist Tom Perkins, had left a legacy of elaborate Art Deco features. Now, Atlantide displays a subtler sophistication akin to the classic French walnut aesthetic of Hanuman, another iconic vessel associated with its current owner.

This remarkable refit was achieved with the deft touch of Acanthus International, whose expertise in antiqued French walnut finish was nothing short of masterful. Their 14-step process involved bleaching, coloring, and meticulous French polishing, ensuring the newly fitted paneling matches the collector-quality period furniture and adheres to the yacht’s timeless charm.

Ultimately, at the heart of this refit stands Jim Clark, the owner of Atlantide, whose passion for nautical elegance also birthed the likes of the 156-foot Hyperion, 295-foot Athena, and 138-foot Hanuman at Royal Huisman. Acquired in 2020 via the brokerage market, Atlantide now sails anew as a testament to both her storied past and her renewed future.

For those eager to delve deeper into the wonders of this refit, Huisfit's website offers a treasure trove of insights. Atlantide stands as a regal synthesis of history and innovation, embodying the elegance and endurance of classic yachting for future generations.