Classic Yacht Chanticleer Auction Opportunity

In 1973, the head of one of the wealthiest families in America who was also a horseracing legend took delivery of a custom yacht. Christened for one of his renowned horses, Buckpasser had quite the pedigree herself. She launched from Burger Boat Company to a design by Jack Hargrave. This month, the classic yacht Chanticleer, as she’s been known for many years, is going up for auction—and with her, a storied history.

A 108-footer (33-meter) was a rarity in the 1970s, but that wasn’t the only fact making her stand out. She accommodated a helicopter (long since removed), plus she was the largest launch from Burger. Although Phipps lived in New York, he also had a home in Palm Beach, Florida, which is where he kept Buckpasser. With accommodations for eight, she was one of several yachts that he enjoyed during his lifetime.

When it came time for a new owner, coincidentally that person was equally high profile. Frances Langford, the American actress and singer, acquired the yacht in 1986, renaming her Chanticleer. Langford loved the yacht so much that she cruised aboard for nearly 20 years. Simultaneously, she fished from the decks, having enjoyed the sport dating back to her childhood in Miami. While Burger initially built the yacht as a 98-footer, Langford added 10 feet to allow for a bigger cockpit and other extras.

Langford’s estate sold the yacht Chanticleer in 2006, the year after she died. A couple attracted to her history and especially Hargrave’s and Burger’s reputations bought her. A two-year refit updated the all-aluminum cruiser’s systems and interior, while preserving the original Caterpillar engines. In 2008, another couple acquired her, and they, too, ensured she remain in proper shape.

Notably, the yacht Chanticleer has passed into only one more owner’s hands since then, in 2023. Like the previous buyers, the legendary stories held by her decks and the design and engineering were big attractions. Regardless of which owner she was with, the megayacht has retained her classic style and equally classic way of living. She still supports modern cruising needs, of course, with the addition of a dayhead forward of the saloon during one of her refits.

Chanticleer is available for viewings by appointment. Opening bid is $800,000. Bidding opens on July 24. Unlike other yacht auctions, this is not a sale. Instead, it is a lease reassignment, which contains an option to buy Chanticleer at the conclusion of the lease. AMIkids holds the lease, which has about 18 months left.

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