ALTAIR is a 40.78m (133.76ft) Classic Gaff-Rigged Schooner Sailing Yacht launched in 1931 by renowned British shipyard William Fife & Son and refitted recently throughout 2021 – 2022.

Named after one of the brightest of stars, the William Fife III schooner ALTAIR’s near mythical status in the classic yacht world is all for very good reason – this yacht has become the standard-bearer for the cause of authenticity since her landmark restoration in 1987.

While important as the yacht that started what has become the classic yacht revival, that role is as nothing to her own status at the top of this hierarchy. ALTAIR is the ultimate vintage yacht – and surely one of the world’s most beautiful works of mind and hand.

Always the darling of the classic regatta fleet and often winning her class, in more recent years she has succeeded in paying homage to her original owner’s unfulfilled desire to safely sail to the South Sea Islands.

Her dimensions have allowed for the modern comforts that a smaller classic will not; all discreetly concealed and allowing her to cruise anywhere. Above all, she is blessed with the spirit engendered by her original designer, the incomparable William Fife III.

The air-conditioned original French polished walnut interior has authentic, original panelling, door furniture and bathroom fittings from 1931. Accommodation includes an owner’s suite, guest VIP suite, small double cabin, two guest single cabins, a skipper’s cabin and crew quarters for seven.

From the spacious deckhouse, situated above the engine room, companionway steps descend to a corridor from which the principal accommodation is accessed. A doorway forward opens to the main saloon that is panelled and magnificently furnished with seating both sides, cabinets and a dining table to starboard. On deck, a varnished teak table can seat up to 10 for a formal meal.

Her tenders include an original 6.4-metre, Fife clinker teak launch from 1931, with a 12hp inboard engine, as well as a 1987 J Perry copy of her original 4.3-metre clinker wooden tender. A 4.8-metre Ribtech with 150hp outboard, from 2018, completes the inventory.

As one of the very few classic yachts of her vintage afloat with unbroken Lloyd’s ✠100A1 classification, having passed survey again with flying colours in 2021, ALTAIR is in her element – as ready to cruise the world as she is for racing.