The stunning 31-meter classic sailing yacht Weather Bird has made its debut in the auction market, courtesy of Boathouse Auctions. Bidding kicks off at €1,000,000 and will take place virtually from February 20 to 25, with seller representation provided by Richard Callender from Northrop & Johnson.
Weather Bird is not just any sailing yacht; it boasts a rich and captivating history. Crafted by the French shipyard Chantelot & Lemaistre, this elegant vessel was designed by Henri Rambaud and captained by the illustrious Vladimir Orloff, a Russian nobleman who sought refuge in France following his father’s tragic murder by the Bolsheviks.
Read More/Weatherbird: The story behind the classic sailing yacht that inspired Jazz Age artists
The yacht is lying in Athens, Greece
This beautiful yacht was commissioned by the American expatriates Sarah and Gerald Murphy, with a heartfelt dedication found on the opening page of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, Tender is the Night. Fitzgerald himself was a regular guest aboard the Murphys’ vessel, sharing the space with other renowned figures like Ernest Hemingway, Coco Chanel, and Louis Armstrong. Interestingly enough, the yacht took its name from Armstrong, who had a copy of his Weatherbird rag record symbolically embedded in the keel during its construction.
Weather Bird epitomizes the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, hosting influential icons and thinkers who truly defined the spirit of the time – though it was an era inevitably on the brink of change. In 1933, amidst Mussolini’s rise and the declining health of their son Patrick, the Murphys decided to leave Weather Bird behind and return to America, never to revisit their beloved yacht.
Fast forward nearly a century, and Weather Bird has welcomed various owners, explored new waters, and embarked on numerous adventures, all while receiving regular maintenance to ensure she remains in pristine condition. Notably, her extensive 2022 refit spanned 17 months, during which all mechanical systems were updated, rigging systems and winches were automated, and the interiors were revitalized, all while preserving her classic charm.
The main saloon perfectly captures her romantic, Art Deco essence, featuring a U-shaped seating area, a stylish table, and a well-appointed bar and storage. There are also several chic outdoor seating spaces, including the foredeck that boasts a delightful array of velveteen sunbeds.
Accommodation is across four guest cabins, including an owner’s suite with a vanity desk
According to Richard Callender, the yacht’s broker, Weather Bird‘s true allure lies in her incredible past: “Standing at the helm or gathering around the table, it’s impossible not to imagine the legendary figures who have occupied these spaces, the conversations held, and the stories shared. Just think, if these walls could talk, the tales they would tell would be nothing short of astounding.”
The classic sailing yacht awaits its next chapter in Athens, Greece, ready to dock in the hearts of those who appreciate its timeless elegance and storied history.