Atlantide revival

The interior was stripped to bare metal, allowing for the installation of modern insulation, including anti-drumming panels. The previous elaborate Art Deco style, installed by a former owner, was replaced with a design inspired by 1930s aesthetics.

The work, which blended seamlessly with the classic style of the owner’s other yacht, Hanuman, includes French walnut joinery and an antiqued finish created through a 14-step hand-applied process by Acanthus International. The design prioritises functionality, with changes such as lowering the owner’s bed and rethinking storage solutions to minimise the impact of the hull curve.

Atlantide’s owner, Jim Clark, a long-time client of Royal Huisman, commissioned this rebuild as an accompaniment to his J Class racing yacht. “Hanuman was in the shipyard for some updates in October, and Mr Clark asked if we could refit Atlantide the following year,” explains a Royal Huisman spokesman.

“The next thing we knew, he’d decided to ship Atlantide to the Netherlands immediately instead of waiting.”

The team addressed numerous structural and system upgrades. The propulsion shaft locks were positioned just 6.35mm below the owner’s stateroom floor to maximise ceiling height, while built-in bookcases and custom cabinetry enhanced the functionality of guest and crew spaces.

A reimagined galley, retaining its original footprint, now features modern appliances and professional-grade finishes. The main saloon was reconfigured into a more casual space with French-polished walnut joinery, coffered ceilings and comfortable seating. Dining facilities were moved to the aft deck, now equipped with a fixed bimini and custom-made furniture designed for versatility.

The project also saw extensive mechanical upgrades. Atlantide’s original Gardner diesel engines were carefully removed via a 2.5-metre (8-foot) hull opening, reconditioned in the UK, and reinstalled with additional sensors and alarms. The stabilisers were replaced with larger fins, improving performance at rest and underway. The rudder was also enlarged by 20 percent to enhance manoeuvrability and reduce turbulence. A complete electrical overhaul included the installation of a new switchboard, lighting systems and watermakers, all tailored to the yacht’s compact engine room.

Efforts to preserve Atlantide’s historical features included restoring as much of the original exterior teak as possible and salvaging vintage hardware. Winches thought to be 60 to 70 years old were overhauled and treated with a satin patina finish, while exterior bronze fittings were polished and preserved. The bridge, retaining its traditional appearance, now houses modern navigation and monitoring systems.

Atlantide has a storied history, including its service as a Little Ship of Dunkirk during WWII, where it took part in the evacuation of soldiers under fire. Over the decades, it has undergone several refits, each adapting it to new roles while maintaining its classic charm. Reflecting on the extensive rebuild, Clark says: “What I like is the historic quality of this boat; nothing is plastic. I’m a classic boat snob. I like the old wood look; big modern boats do nothing for me.”

Now ready for its next chapter, Atlantide will serve as a tender to Hanuman and a dayboat during the summer.

huisfit.com