Lying in Fort Lauderdale, the 37.8-metre Ariadne (ex Bayou) has fallen on the auction block with bidding starting at a steal-worthy $1,500,000.
Delivered in 1979 by Louisiana-based Breaux Baycraft, the 38-metre once lived a quiet life. She was owned by the same individual for her first nine years of service and has only had a handful of owners since. But in 2018, an extensive, multi-million dollar refit by Derecktor Shipyard shunted the 45-year-old vessel into the spotlight. BOAT takes a closer look at what hopeful owners can expect...
Accommodation for eight (including a "best in class" owner's cabin)
The yacht for sale has four cabins comprising an owner's cabin, VIP suite, double and a twin. The owner's cabin comes equipped with its own Jacuzzi bath, desk and settee, while the VIP cabin can be converted into a private study. A standout detail is the mosaic sole in the master cabin, crafted in marble, mother-of-pearl and gold-leaf glass.
Refreshed amenities and 1930s memorabilia
Inspired by the transatlantic ocean liners of the 1930s, Ariadne's interiors incorporate original furnishings and service items from classic Atlantic liners – including the SS Normandie and RMS Queen Mary (also known as The Grey Ghost). In the main saloon, two sofas and two armchairs are located in front of access to the aft deck, where al fresco dining is found.
Her interiors benefit from brand-new lighting, updated entertainment systems and internet services, while a refreshed galley includes a new five-burner Verona range with double ovens.
A sociable sundeck with BBQ and Jacuzzi
Ariadne's crown (and crowd-pleaser) is her sundeck, which now has a spa tub, wet bar, cocktail areas and a barbecue following her refit. Across from the grill on the port side is a high gloss table for 10 guests, mounted on double aluminium pedestals and with blue fabric cushions on the seating. The space is also arranged with a fully-equipped gym, including adjustable weights, two aerobic machines and two mountain bikes for exploring ashore. With three main access points, the sundeck "boasts the size, quality and features of a yacht three times the cost", according to the broker.
A three-level beach club (plus ample storage)
Found aft, the three-level beach club features covered dining, a lounge, and water-level access. She also has a capacious toybox that, in her charter days, included a 7.6-metre Sportsman tender, two Jet Skis, kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables and mountain bikes for exploring ashore.
The auction will take place from 22 to 27 February, with a reserve set at $2 million. Ariadne is to be sold with Jeff Shaffer at Superyacht Sales and Charter.