Found abandoned in a French shipyard in 2007 the Feadship Sultana has been successfully completed. The classic beauty of this 25.80-metre motoryacht is now fully restored to her former glory. The exercise reinforces the priceless value in terms of both inherent quality and preservation of brand status of having the group rebuild one of its own early models
Launched as Din-Dina(hull #598) in 1969, the yacht was later abandoned in an French shipyard. She was found in 2007 by Dutch sailor Kees van den Hoek. Despite being in a poor condition with an almost empty hull, this experienced yachtsman fell in love with her classic lines. Challenged by her neglected state and recognising the yacht’s historical pedigree, Kees decided to acquire the hull and give this the yacht a new life. With the support of a businessman who was interested in owning the yacht, the hull was made sufficiently seaworthy to return her to Holland on her own keel, propelled by the original Gardner engines.
The hull was initially brought to the northern Dutch port of Enkhuizen to be painted and prepared for outfitting.
While the builders refit department primarily works on much larger projects, the arrival of this yacht in Holland was an excellent opportunity for it to reconvene the master/apprentice teams created for the refit of the 22.50-metre classic Serena, which was concluded in 2011.
With standards fully in mind, a way was found to finish Sultana at Feadship Makum within a budget that was appropriate for a boat of this age and inherent value.
In-house historian Huib de Vries was invited by the owner to lead the christening ceremony and yacht was renamed Sultana. Another couple of months were then required to fine-tune and test the new engine room and bridge equipment, which highlight the constant search for perfection at Feadship.
Sultana is now on her way to a new life in the Mediterranean where she will offer charter guests the chance to enjoy the unrivalled Feadship standards of cruising.