Classic Fife sailing yacht Sumurun sold

14 December 2016 • Written by Malcolm Maclean

The 28.65 metre classic sailing yacht Sumurun has been sold with Mike Horsley at Edmiston & Company acting for the buyer and seller.

Built in teak planking on double oak frames by Scottish yard William Fife & Sons to Lloyd's class standards, she was delivered in 1914 as a Bermudan ketch. Accommodation is for six guests in three cabins including a master with a double bed plus a single bunk and en-suite bathtub and there is a double cabin with an en-suite sink, and one with twin beds. The two guest cabins share a bathroom.

Sumurun was asking $4,000,000

The interior of Sumurun is beautifully fitted out in English oak panelling, raised and fielded, with much attention to detail. Most of this is original and what is more recent has been carefully replicated. The saloon is a masterpiece, with a dining table, sofa and three chairs, seating six comfortably. With its writing desk, bar, bookcases, china cabinet with cutlery drawers, the overall impression is of early 20th century excellence. There is even a well-stocked trophy cabinet.

As so often with yachts of this vintage, there is a romantic history. Commissioned by a beautiful and flamboyant baroness as a gift to her husband, she was named for an exotic harem girl, designed and built by a legendary Scottish yard, and hailed as one of the swiftest and most beautiful yachts afloat. Sumurun’s story is filled with vivid personalities, a multitude of racing victories, and a serene elegance that has transcended the vagaries of over a century on the water.

She has been constantly and expertly maintained, usually by Wayfarer Marine in Maine and her crew. She remains Lloyd's 100A1 classed and, as part of this ongoing process, many fasteners have been replaced over the years, always in silicone bronze. Six keel bolts were replaced in 2011, although the original ones were almost perfect after 97 years. It is little wonder that those who love classic yachts the world over have a special affection for her.

Lying in Portugal, Sumurun was asking $4 million.

More about this yacht

William Fife & Son   28.65 m •  1914

Yachts for sale

William Fife   34.8 m •  5 guests •  €3,650,000

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