A fleet of traditionally rigged tall ships under sail is a remarkable sight. Featuring towering masts that typically reach over 30 metres above deck and a complex network of robust, billowing white sails, they were the forebearers of transoceanic exploration, carving out trade routes and discovering new continents. Today, they serve as a nostalgic reminder of maritime prowess and bravery, with stunning modern replicas, such as the U.S.-built steel 43-metre schooner Columbia, now offered to the market, highlighting engineering ingenuity, elegant design and long-range speed and performance.
Columbia was built by Brian D’Isernia, an accomplished lawyer turned commercial fisherman who went on to found Eastern Shipbuilding Group and earn a reputation as a highly respected U.S. builder of modern fishing vessels and commercial ships. She is a stunning replica of the original 1923 Gloucester fishing schooner of the same name and was built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group in 2014 to the original plans using contemporary building materials.
She has been expertly maintained by D’Isernia, who, having built her at his own shipyard, has acted as both builder and sole owner. Her classification survey was completed in 2025, further underscoring her excellent condition and operational readiness. Following many years of custodianship, his passion for the heritage of competitive classic sailing yachts and the fishing industry eventually led him to donate the two-masted gaff schooner rig to a maritime-focused charitable institution whose focus is training tomorrow’s commercial seafarers. Now available for the first time, through a lease-to-own option, Columbia represents an incredible opportunity to join the 2026 Sail4th 250 celebrations – a flotilla of more than 50 tall ships from around the world – set to be one of the largest maritime spectacles ever staged.
Taking place in New York Harbor from 3-8 July, Sail4th 250 forms the centrepiece of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence celebrations, and few privately owned yachts are as naturally aligned with the moment as Columbia. Combining classic presence with modern superyacht capability, the 43-metre remains Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s flagship, and the largest sailing yacht to come out of the Floridian yard.
The original Columbia was built in 1923 at the historic A.D. Story shipyard of Essex, Massachusetts. Constructed in wood and penned by prolific designer and naval architect William Starling Burgess, she spent most of her time on the North Atlantic fishing grounds.
Over the course of her short life, Columbia also won acclaim on the regatta circuit, becoming one of only a handful of American schooners to challenge the legendary Canadian schooner Bluenose in the International Fishermen’s Cup Races in Halifax. She gained notoriety as one of the fastest schooners ever built, laying the groundwork for future racing schooner design.
Sadly, in 1927, Columbia was lost with all hands in a gale near Canada’s Sable Island. Nearly 80 years later, D’Isernia discovered her original 1923 line plans and decided to realise his long-held dream of resurrecting the iconic vessel. As a passionate enthusiast of classic racing schooners, he personally led and funded the recreation as a legacy project, staying true to Burgess’ clean lines and the traditional tall ship silhouette. He commissioned New England rope running rigging, blocks, sails and spars by Covey Island Boatworks. She features Sitka spruce top masts and Douglas fir lower masts. Yet, alongside her classic deckhouse proportions and massive 900-square-metre sail plan – which pushes her to 17 knots under sail – Columbia offers current-day conveniences and comfort.
The design was re-engineered by John W. Gilbert & Associates into a class-compliant steel-hulled yacht. Columbia includes a dedicated engine room aft of the main mast for the diesel propulsion system (for when manoeuvring in calm conditions), twin electrical power generation plants and mechanical systems. Teak decking was laid in place of oak planking and a transverse bow thruster was added for ease of docking and undocking. Other mechanical luxuries include underwater lighting, interior and exterior lighting, air conditioning, heating and insulation.
Perhaps the most significant improvement is found in the interior. The original vessel’s sparse interior was designed around the needs of the fishing crew, with stacked bunk beds and a large fish hold packed with ice. In contrast, Columbia’s inner sanctuary features four generous guest cabins sleeping up to eight guests, each with en suites. There is leather seating, nautical brass fittings, handcrafted mahogany carpentry and wood panelling throughout, befitting of a stylish, luxurious sailing yacht. A formal dining area and alluring main saloon invite relaxation on board. Her professional crew of 15 also have comfortable accommodation and amenities, including a large galley.
The modern additions extend to the yacht’s wheelhouse, where onboard electronics, communication and navigational equipment – including two 36 nautical-mile radars, wind sensors, electronic charting and autopilot – are paired with state-of-the-art entertainment systems and internet services.
Her classic exterior, with a long counter stern, sweeping sheer line and extensive bowsprit, truly pulls in the crowds. Columbia is a work of passion and a one-of-a-kind head-turner in every port she visits. She will be on display at Safe Harbor Rybovich during the 2026 Palm Beach International Boat Show and is available for private inspection and structured lease-to-own acquisition for those seeking the rare opportunity to secure a modern American schooner with proven charter pedigree.
To learn more about this exclusive opportunity, contact brokers Josh Gulbranson and Trevor Carroll of Fraser.
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