After nearly 94 years, the 37m (122ft) motorsailer Atlantide has been fully restored at Huisfit by Royal Huisman. Following a complete rebuild, she is now ready to return to her former glory, with a fresh photo library and insights into her extensive restoration.

In January 2021, Atlantide arrived at the shipyard in the Netherlands from the U.S. for repairs and interior modifications. By November 2023, 40% of her hull, deck, and frames had been replaced, her interior fully redesigned, and every system, except her original Gardner engines, was either overhauled or replaced. The yacht’s new owner, Jim Clark, who has previously commissioned yachts from Royal Huisman, saw Atlantide as a perfect complement to his J-Class yacht Hanuman.

Upon inspection, the Huisfit team discovered significant damage. They found a crack in the hull, and further checks revealed filler material where steel had eroded. As the team stripped the yacht down, they discovered more structural issues, including a deformed hull and deck, as well as water damage to the interior. What was initially thought to be a simple refit turned into a full-scale rebuild.

The Huisfit team spent six months studying and redesigning Atlantide in 3D. Due to limited space behind walls and ceilings, they had to make every inch count. They added much-needed insulation to the hull and superstructure. The deckhouse was lifted off for restoration, and all deck hardware was removed, restored, and cataloged.

The owners wished to retain Atlantide‘s postwar profile but wanted a simpler interior style. They turned to deVosdeVries design, who created a 1930s-inspired look similar to Hanuman’s interior. The finish was achieved using a 200-year-old hand-finishing process that included bleaching, coloring, French polishing, and distressing. The result was a warm, antiqued look that complements the yacht’s classic design.

The owner’s suite and VIP cabin were redesigned for more space and comfort. The bed in the owner’s stateroom was lowered, and storage was optimized. Portholes were relocated, and built-in bookcases were added throughout. A flexible forward cabin can serve as either a guest room or a space for the captain. The galley kept its layout but was updated with new appliances and sleek white cabinetry.

The main saloon now offers a more casual, relaxed atmosphere, with French-blue sofas for après-regatta relaxation. The dining area was moved to the aft deck under a fixed bimini, where a custom table takes center stage. The wheelhouse, a traditional space, was retained with new systems integrated seamlessly into the design.

Much of Atlantide‘s original teak deck was restored, with the bridge deckhouse also rebuilt in teak. Structural issues with the hull, caused by the combination of aluminum and steel used in past refits, were addressed with new deck plating and a re-engineered rudder for improved stability. The stabilizers were also upgraded for better performance at low speeds.

The Gardner engines, though old, were carefully reconditioned. They received new sensors and alarms, and their reversing gearboxes were replaced. The winches, believed to be 60–70 years old, were restored and treated with an aluminum-bronze finish. New LED exterior lighting was installed, while the interior lighting was updated to match the ambiance of Hanuman.

Originally launched as Caleta in 1930, Atlantide was requisitioned by the British Navy during WWII and underwent several modifications. These included the addition of an aluminum deckhouse and other wartime changes. During restoration, Huisfit also replaced the yacht’s skylights, redesigned the rudder for better maneuverability, and upgraded the stabilizers for greater efficiency.

Atlantide now features a new rig and sails, built to the original design, allowing her to sail at speeds up to seven knots. She will primarily serve as a day boat in the summer, moored at Martha’s Vineyard, or as a tender to Hanuman during regattas.

Nearly a century after her launch, Atlantide is ready to return to the world’s most prestigious regattas. Jim Clark summed up his love for the yacht, saying, “What I like is the historic quality of this boat; nothing is plastic. I’m a classic boat snob. I like the old wood look; big modern boats do nothing for me.” With her meticulous restoration, Atlantide has proven that the golden age of yachting, with its craftsmanship and charm, is far from gone.