William Fife & Boats Review and Specs

Year: 1923  
Manufacturer: Sandeman Yacht Company Ltd
Price: EUR 2,450,000
(US$3,530,940)  

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BROKERS COMMENTS It is perhaps a contradiction to say that an 84 ft yacht by William Fife could be understated, yet KENTRA has an honesty about her that leaves one spellbound. In 1996 Fairlie Restorations brought this yacht back to life for the current owner to complete a circumnavigation – she did it effortlessly and now looks forward to new adventures……….While she’s perfectly at home in the classic regattas KENTRA seems braver than her sisters with the dimensions and equipment to do far more. HISTORY Like many traditional sailing vessels from the early 20th century KENTRA’s fortunes have ebbed and flowed throughout her life. She was built for Scottish industrialist Kenneth MacKenzie-Clark, whose son, also Kenneth, later art historian and noted broadcaster, famous for his “Civilisation” series of programmes probably sailed her more than his father. Completed in just six months she was launched in 1923 and within a year Charles Livingstone whose family founded the Cunard shipping line, bought her both to race and cruise. Under his ownership she flew the White Ensign of the Royal Yacht Squadron and became a worthy mother ship to smaller yacht class races in which many of his own designs participated. Later she led a relaxed and convivial existence in the Scottish west coast waters. In old age Livingston sold her to shipowner Barclay Hogarth, who kept her in pristine condition; albeit sailing little until his death; thereafter in 1952 she passed to Charles Brassey Thorne. Converting her to a stem head Bermuda ketch, he took her to the Mediterranean. There her beauty appealed to all and during this phase she attracted numerous distinguished and glamorous guests, including the Infanta Christina of Spain, Brigitte Bardot and Errol Flynn. When the Thornes had moved ashore, she was to pass through several other hands, whether to sail in the Med or the Caribbean, eventually returning to the UK. Here she was to lie dormant for many years with refit and restoration in mind but truth to tell, very long in coming. Bought by the current owner in 1992, in 1993 he commissioned Fairlie Restorations to undertake the major rebuild which was to give her a completely new lease of life. The rebuild itself is a notable story, the full details of which are on record. Suffice to say here that her resurrection by a team of outstanding craftsmen with her original plans at their disposal, has resulted in the most magnificent example of the state of their art.

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Fuel  Hull Material  Engine Make  Engine Model  Fuel Capacity  Holding Tank Size  Water Capacity  Number of Engines

Diesel Wood Yanmar 4LH TE 475 gal 132.08 gal 351.95 gal 1

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Contact Information

Phone: Fax

+44 (0)1202 330077 +44 (0)1202 330060

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