Yacht Amazone Is a Chance to Restore Last Pre-War Superyacht of Her Size

Rarely do we see nearly 100-year-old yachts still afloat. The yacht Amazone is among them, and she holds a remarkable place in history. She’s the only still-unrestored megayacht from before World War II in her size range. More importantly, though, detailed re-engineering and design plans are available for a preservation-minded buyer.

John I. Thornycroft & Company, based in Southampton, England, built the 125-footer (38-meter) in 1936 for a senior officer in the Belgian military. The superyacht remained in his hands until World War II, during which the British military enlisted her for the Dunkirk evacuation. The yacht Amazone returned to private service post-war, changing names a few times in the ensuing decades. She cruised privately and chartered. Notably, during the 1980s, an owner had her undergo a refit that changed much of her original character.

Her more modern history is equally notable. Although reports differ as to the date, the yacht Amazone sold for use as a houseboat on the Seine in Paris, for the French architect Mireille Huet (see slideshow below). Some reports indicate Huet acquired the yacht in 2000, while others indicate 2005. Regardless, Huet lived aboard for about two decades. She offered the yacht for sale starting in 2016, complete with Cummins 700-hp engines, but had no takers. Huet relisted her in 2020; yet again, no buyers came forward. Cosmetic upgrades occurred, but the yacht was gradually deteriorating due to not moving.

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Thankfully, Nicholas Edmiston, the founder of Edmiston, had been paying attention to her whereabouts and condition. So, too, had William Collier, the managing director of G.L. Watson & Co., which has abundant experience in restoring classic yachts. Not surprisingly, the duo had collaborated on a handful of restorations, namely Nahlin, Malahne, and Bluebird. Nicholas Edmiston further represented the owner who restored the yacht Haida. The painstaking work required to ensure decades-old yachts can continue cruising is just one reason why these projects are a source of personal pride for Nicholas Edmiston. The two companies joined forces a few years ago to acquire the yacht Amazone so that restoration could begin.

Not that it was easy. According to G.L. Watson, more than 30 tons of “junk” required removal before she could move. The company arranged the removal, along with welding to patch areas so that she could transfer via tug to the port of Le Havre, France (below). Once there, she loaded onto a Sevenstar Yacht Transport ship for a 36-hour journey to Pendennis’ facilities in Falmouth, England (bottom).

Upon arrival in early 2024, the yacht Amazone underwent more major work. For instance, crews removed her modified superstructure in preparation for it returning to its original looks. All interior components, from soft goods to systems and piping, came out, too. Currently, Amazone remains stripped, ready for the preservation to take the next steps. G.L. Watson and Edmiston already enlisted Lateral Naval Architects for further input, resulting in full re-engineering specifications. General arrangements are available as well. A crew of eight can handle operations for an owner’s party of nine, for example. The guest count is unusual due to the inclusion of a single cabin opposite a twin. Of course, the layout can be tailored to personal wishes.

PHOTO: courtesy Sevenstar Yacht Transport

Classic-yacht lovers surely will want to preserve some of the plans. A time-honored formal dining room and main saloon can occupy the main deck, as can the owners’ suite. Tenders, perhaps including throwback runabouts, can stow on the upper deck. Alfresco dining is possible aft on the upper deck as well.

On an interesting note, the individual owners who chose to restore Nahlin, Haida, Malahne, and Bluebird all still own them. Perhaps that will inspire someone to step forward for Amazone, too.

Edmiston edmiston.com

G.L. Watson & Co. glwatson.com

Lateral Naval Architects lateral.engineering

Pendennis pendennis.com