With a few decades on them, gentleman’s yachts such as these may not have the glitz and gadgetry of 21st century yachts, and most will certainly need a bit of sprucing up and some tender loving care, but if you are in the market for a classic with character, they are a far cry from bland and boring. Many have original features, and stand out from the crowd with their retro lines and timeless appeal. And most appealing of all, they are all priced at a million Euros or under.
Fair Play | 1975 | 27m | €1 million
A classic right down to her traditional canoe stern Fair Play was built by Codecasa in 1975 to a design by De Vries Lentsch. Refitted in 1999, she is ready for an update, but will always retain her inherent air of timelessness.
Olympia | 1969 | 25.8m | €700,000
Original is a word that sums up this 1969 Feadship gentleman’s yacht, from her teak-panelled interior to her sturdy 230hp Gardner engines. She began life as Monara II, one of the important Italian commissions that resulted from Feadship’s close links to Italy through Carlo Riva. Meticulously maintained throughout her 42 years, she is still chock full of original features and charm.
Atlantic Lady | 1990 | 25.48m | €795,000
A grande dame built in the traditional style as a gentleman’s yacht, this elegant little ship is a true head-turner, which has played host to royalty, media personalities and sporting greats. And while she is a classic to the core with her timber panelling and country house decor, low fuel consumption makes this environmentally responsible yacht a very modern choice. Not least of her attributes is a Spanish charter licence.
Sprezzatura | 1971 | 30m | £900,000
A fine example of Dutch yacht building and craftsmanship, Sprezzatura is resolutely traditional from her wood panelling to her teak decks. Small but perfectly formed she is ideal for small families or groups with a master and two twin cabins, plus another flexible cabin that can be converted into a double. She has been well looked after with a number of refits, most recently in 2004.
Nadir II | 1973 | 26m | £750,000
Another classic of the seventies, Nadir II is a retro Benetti, which has been meticulously maintained through the years, and is RINA classed and MCA compliant. Neat and compact, she is ideal for a group of six, but with her double master cabin and Pullmans in each of the two twin cabins can accommodate up to eight guests.