The 160ft schooner Eleanora, a modern classic based on a 1910 design, is in the long process of rising from what seemed to be a permanent watery grave after she was T-boned in Tarragona Harbour in June by a hefty Marine Service Ship, resulting in a maritime horror video which went viral
It was October before negotiations had reached the stage where a three week retrieval process – involving much specialist equipment and a team of thirty experts - could set about lifting her. And once she was out of the water, to the casual observer she might have looked much as she’d been before. But anyone close to the project knew that bringing her back to life would be a doubly complex process, as it has to be a complete re-build, while also incorporating any of the interior furnishings and other items which have somehow survived intact, in order to maintain as strong a connection as possible to the original much-loved boat.
So it will come as no surprise to those with knowledge of the top end of the international marine industry to learn that the job is being done in The Netherlands. Quite how the Dutch find any time to go sailing themselves is a matter of wonder, as their leading yards have carved out an unrivalled position at the top of the classic and superyacht industries, and regardless of the world’s general economic health, they seem to be busy all the time. In fact, it may well be that in these volatile times, authentic classics are a currency in themselves, and catering for its needs can be a 24/7 job for the most successful companies. But whatever the reason, Eleanora is a very beautiful yacht, and after June’s shock it will be good to see her sailing again.
Timeless classic beauty – Eleanora is based on the 1910 schooner Westward. Photo: Eleanora Galleries
