Hanuman’s lady in waiting: ready for her next century
Nearly a century after her launch, the elegant 37m / 122ft motorsailer Atlantide has resumed the role she was always destined to play: the faithful companion to a great racing yacht. Following a meticulous rebuild by Huisfit by Royal Huisman, this historic gentleman’s yacht once again accompanies the J Class Hanuman, serving as both day boat and regatta tender for her owners Jim and Kristy Clark and their family.
Hanuman, the modern recreation of the “Super-J” Class yacht Endeavour II, alongside of her support vessel, Atlantide.
The revival of the J Class has rekindled appreciation for the complete yachting ecosystem of the 1930s. Alongside the majestic racing yachts themselves, classic support vessels like Atlantide evoke the romance of the golden age of yachting. It was an era defined not only by competition, but also by elegance, craftsmanship and style.
Today, modern technology discreetly supports that heritage. Advanced stabilizers, air conditioning, improved insulation and updated onboard systems ensure that the yacht performs to contemporary expectations while preserving her historic character. The result is a vessel that remains unmistakably classic yet perfectly suited to modern cruising and regatta life.
For Dr. Jim Clark, whose long relationship with Royal Huisman includes the yachts Hyperion, Athena and the J Class Hanuman, the appeal of Atlantide lies precisely in that authenticity. “What I like is the historic quality of this boat; nothing is plastic,” he says. “I’m a classic boat snob. I like the old wood look; big modern boats do nothing for me.”
A natural companion to Hanuman
Today Atlantide operates both as an elegant summer day boat, often based around Martha’s Vineyard, and as the trusted tender accompanying Hanuman to major classic yacht gatherings and bucket races. In this role she revives a tradition from the golden age of yacht racing, when beautifully crafted tenders travelled with the fleet, supporting owners and crews while contributing to the unique theatre of classic regattas. Together, Hanuman and Atlantide form a striking pair wherever they appear.
Their presence will be once again at the 2026 edition of the St. Barths Bucket, where the J Class yachts traditionally draw significant attention. As Hanuman will be sailing among the world’s most spectacular sailing yachts, Atlantide fulfils her role as elegant “lady in waiting”, hosting guests and supporting the campaign.
A comprehensive rebuild
When Atlantide arrived at the Dutch shipyard in January 2021, her future depended on a comprehensive rebuild. Decades of modifications had introduced structural challenges, including galvanic corrosion where aluminium structures had been added to the original steel construction.
As dismantling progressed, it became clear that far more extensive renewal was required. The Huisfit team ultimately replaced around 40 percent of the hull, deck and frames, rebuilt major structural elements and overhauled virtually every onboard system while retaining the original Gardner diesel engines.
Clark appreciated the uncompromising approach to the work by the shipyard team. “The previous owners did not keep a full-time crew on the boat as they tended to use it only in summer and it suffered a bit for that,” he explains. “And it appears that some early work may have been more about cosmetics or meeting a deadline than longevity of the vessel. Everything that Royal Huisman replaced was done with the highest quality.”
Above carousel: Atlantide during and after the full rebuild: attention to detail, in every detail.
Respecting heritage
While the Clarks wished Atlantide’s post-war exterior profile to remain untouched, the interior offered an opportunity to reconnect the yacht with her earlier heritage. The brief was to simplify the design and evoke a refined 1930s atmosphere that would complement the classic interior of Hanuman.
Working with deVosdeVries design, whose principals had previously collaborated with renowned designer Pieter Beeldsnijder, the interior was reimagined using French walnut joinery crafted by the shipyard’s artisans. Specialists from Acanthus International in Palm Beach then applied a painstaking fourteen-step finishing process involving bleaching, colouring, French polishing and hand distressing to create an authentic, time-worn character.
The result is an interior that feels both historic and harmonious with the yacht’s renewed purpose. Every detail reflects the philosophy behind the project: craftsmanship, authenticity and respect for heritage.
Atlantide's main salon after her rebuild at Huisfit
Rebirth of a legend
Nearly 94 years after her original launch, Atlantide has been fully renewed and returned to active service. Once again she accompanies a great racing yacht, welcoming guests, transporting crew and adding to the spectacle of classic regattas around the world.
In doing so, she reminds us that the golden age of yachting was never only about the yachts themselves. It was also about the vessels that supported them, the craftsmanship behind them and the enduring passion of the owners who keep their stories alive.
See more of Atlantide? Rebirth of a Legend (opens new tab)
“Thanks to the owners of historical rebuild projects, these yachts will not become forgotten history: each one will remain a living sailing legend.“
Restoration of classics and rebuilds of historical yachts
Huisfit by Royal Huisman has an established track record of success with such projects. Although rebuild projects by Huisfit are never a “typical refit”, the scope of such projects is widely regarded as a newbuild, both by those involved at the shipyard and by outside observers. Learn much more about Atlantide and more rebuild solutions by Huisfit? link (opens new tab)
More about the J Class yacht Hanuman? link
