The refit of a classic Feadship Caravelle motoryacht, dating back to the 1960’s, has blended vintage charm with modern superyacht comforts.
The Dutch yacht building consortium Feadship has successfully completed the refit of the 24-metre motoryacht Caravelle. The series is named after the line of classic beauties built by Feadship in the Sixties. That was during a partnership with the legendary Italian designer Carlo Riva.
The owners commissioned this year-long refit after falling in love with the yacht’s striking lines and vintage charm. At the same time, they took the opportunity to enhance her with 21st-century creature comforts such as zero-speed stabilisation.
One of Seven
Seven Feadships launched between August 1961 and October 1965 under the Caravelle name. Each have gained an almost iconic status amongst connoisseurs of Sixties maritime cool. Much admired at the time by clients such as beer magnate Freddie Heineken, these fast steel motoryachts were resolutely ahead of the curve. Always popular, rarely available, the Caravelles made global headlines again when the Dutch yachtbuilder totally rebuilt Serena, the fourth in the line, during 2010.
This latest refit was carried out for clients who were actively seeking a Caravelle of their own. The client was delighted when he discovered the fifth cruiser in the line, originally launched as Quien Sabe in 1965 was available.
New Name
She had been renamed Absolute by her then owners, who had extended the yacht by 1.5 metres. This had added a lazarette and folding swim platform. These changes did not negatively affect the design. They retained the yacht’s beautiful soft body curves. But it was the charming blue hull, warm teak deck and gleaming chromed deck fittings, that captivated the current owners.
The owners renamed her Caravelle. And had the yacht shipped from the Mediterranean to the Feadship yard in Makkum in northern Holland for an extensive refit. This is designed to ensure she lasts at least another half a century.
The work done included completely stripping and rebuilding the engine room and the installation of no less than four RotorSwing at-anchor stabilisers. In addition, the hull was repainted. The interior and operating systems were also completely upgraded.