As impressive as a 187-foot (57-meter) sailing superyacht is today, imagine the sight back in 1960. De Vries Lentsch launched the three-masted Fleurtje that year, and she’s been sailing ever since.
Translated from Dutch to mean “small flower,” Fleurtje (pronounced “flur-tee”) carried the name Carita during construction (see video below) and her early cruising days. Modern megayacht owners may know that De Vries Lentsch eventually became part of Feaship. However, the yard actually previously built some famous yachts under its own name. For instance, Green Dragon launched in 1957 for Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands. In addition, according to Heiki Luoma of Compass International, which has her for sale, many of the yard’s tools are in the Maritime Museum in Amsterdam. So, too, are the original Carita drawings.
Originally owned by John Carras, a Greek shipping magnate, Caritas went on to belong to a Dutch national. He enjoyed cruising aboard the sailing superyacht for nearly 30 years. Fleurtje, featuring a steel hull, has, of course, undergone refits in all of this time. Her last refit was in 2014. Interestingly, at that time, The schooner gained a Dykstra-designed sailplan, for better performance. Hydraulic furling aids the crew in that regard as well. Her original masts remained, made of Douglas fir. Unrelated to performance, but still part of the refit, she went from having a blue hull to having a white one.
Suitable for a 187-footer, Fleurtje has accommodations for 12 guests, along with nine crewmembers. She remains as classic-looking today as she did nearly six decades ago. As you might expect of her original era, teak lines the walls from room to room. Marble, meanwhile, characterizes the en suite baths.
Compass International has Fleurtje listed for 8.4 million (about $10 million at press time). She’s currently cruising in the Mediterranean.
Richard Hurtzman
Crossed paths with the Sailing Yacht Fleurtje in Bermuda in 1991, while were getting repairs in the yard @ Hamilton. One of our female crew members got a tour by their hired help. Still a magnificent yacht.
MIAX Branding & Design
What a magnificent yacht. Especially when you look at the time it is build. Beautifully refitted and maintained.