The Altair, which is among a limited group of less than 100 William Fife vessels believed to still exist, is now available for €7 Million.

Boating enthusiasts celebrate Fife’s yachts as being the finest of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Outdoing his competitors, the craftsmanship and exquisite design of the vessels earned Fife the reputation as a master of his trade. Although almost 80 years old, the pre-war Altair has surpassed the tests of time, and is still a fully functional schooner not to be missed by boating collectors, historians, and enthusiasts.

Measuring at almost 41 meters, the gaff-rigged topsail schooner was restored in 1987 by Southampton Yacht Services and refitted in 2007. With the paneling, door furniture and bathroom fittings all from 1931 and the nickel and chrome interior fittings re-plated with French polish, Altair’s authenticity and classic beauty is well preserved.

Built in 1931, the Altair is not only one of Fife’s most grandiose and luxurious of schooners, but loaded with historical significance as well. Originally commissioned by Captain H. MacCaw, who desired “a sound, safe cruiser to go to the South Sea Islands in with no difficulty,” she has since gone through the hands of many notable owners. After owning the schooner for two years, MacCaw sold her to Walter Runciman, Liberal MP for St. Ives. Altair was sold again in 1938 to Sir William Verdon-Smith, before she was purchased by The British Admiralty during World War II.

The next buyer is sure to not only enjoy the luxurious benefits of the Altair, but join an elite and significant legacy of owners as well.

This extraordinary piece of history can be purchased on boatinternational.com by Ocean Independence. It is unlikely that this novelty will stay on the market for long.

-Affluent Page

[Boat International]