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Ailsa Shipyard 55.4m 1902 Classic Luxury Motor Yacht for Sale in Athens, Greece

This 55.4-metre classic motor yacht, built by Ailsa Shipyard and delivered in 1902, is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a genuine historic yacht with enduring craftsmanship, elegant British design, and practical long-range cruising capability. Designed by the renowned G.L. Watson & Co. for naval architecture, exterior styling, and interior design, she represents one of the rare surviving examples of early twentieth-century yacht construction still available to discerning buyers. Benefiting from a significant 2007 refit, she blends authentic heritage with operational functionality, making her ideal for collectors, classic yacht enthusiasts, private owners, or luxury hospitality use.

Heritage and Construction:
Built with a displacement steel hull and steel/teak superstructure, the yacht measures 55.4 metres overall, with a 47.58-metre waterline length, 6.85-metre beam, and 3.99-metre draft. Her internal volume is 359 GT. Built in accordance with Lloyd’s Register technical standards, she reflects the robust engineering, craftsmanship, and maritime quality associated with historic British yacht building. Her steel construction provides strength and longevity, while the steel/teak superstructure and teak decks preserve traditional character.

Exterior Character:
The yacht’s classic clipper bow, elegant sheerline, and traditional proportions immediately distinguish her from contemporary production vessels. Finished in white with a matching white superstructure and dark blue boot top, she has a timeless profile that remains recognizable and respected in any marina or anchorage. Her three-deck arrangement has been carefully configured to preserve heritage styling while supporting guest enjoyment, outdoor living, and practical operation.

Deck Spaces:
The open sundeck provides generous space for relaxation, sunbathing, social gatherings, and enjoying panoramic views. Shaded seating and dining areas offer comfort during warmer conditions. The exterior layout supports privacy, entertaining, family cruising, corporate hospitality, and select charter-style use. Her teak decks add warmth, grip, durability, and visual authenticity consistent with her historic character.

Performance and Engineering:
Power is supplied by twin Mercedes MB836B diesel engines producing 550 horsepower each, for a combined output of 1,100 horsepower. Twin screw propellers deliver dependable propulsion and smooth handling. She reaches a maximum speed of 11 knots and cruises comfortably at 10 knots. With 50,000 litres of fuel capacity and an impressive freshwater capacity of 40,000 litres, she offers an estimated range of approximately 2,750 nautical miles at cruising speed, supporting extended voyages and longer stays away from shore facilities.

Cruising Philosophy:
Her displacement hull prioritizes comfort, stability, and fuel-conscious cruising rather than speed. This is entirely consistent with her heritage design and classic ownership experience. Substantial steel construction supports confident seakeeping during extended passages, while her moderate cruising speed encourages a relaxed, traditional approach to yachting.

Guest Accommodation:
Accommodation is arranged for up to 14 guests across seven cabins. The full-beam owner’s suite is a central feature and benefits from private deck access and a Jacuzzi-style bathtub, creating a distinguished private retreat. Guest accommodation includes one VIP suite, four double cabins, and one twin cabin. One guest cabin also incorporates a practical office space, allowing owners or guests to remain productive while underway.

Crew Accommodation:
Dedicated crew quarters support up to 10 professional crew members, enabling safe operation, hospitality service, technical management, and ongoing maintenance. This crew capacity is appropriate for a classic yacht of her size and supports extended cruising or private guest service.

Interior Style:
The interior reflects British Victorian design influence, with rich timber paneling, traditional detailing, period-inspired furnishings, decorative mouldings, carefully selected artwork, and a refined historic atmosphere. The main salon provides generous seating and social space, while the formal dining room offers an elegant setting for private dining and entertaining. Fine materials and traditional craftsmanship are displayed throughout, preserving authenticity while supporting modern comfort.

Ownership Appeal:
This yacht is not simply a vessel; she is a piece of maritime history. Buyers seeking a classic yacht with documented pedigree, Lloyd’s Register standards, generous guest accommodation, long-range cruising ability, and historic design integrity will find her especially compelling. Her 2007 refit supports continued operation, but buyers should carefully review all refit documentation, maintenance history, structural inspections, machinery records, and certification details.

Due Diligence:
Prospective purchasers should complete an independent marine survey, machinery inspection, hull and structural review, documentation verification, safety certification review, sea trial where available, and legal/tax consultation. Classic yachts require careful due diligence, especially regarding ongoing maintenance, historic preservation, regulatory compliance, ownership structure, VAT/import considerations, and operational planning.

Buyer Enquiry:
For buyers seeking a 55.4-metre Ailsa Shipyard classic yacht with G.L. Watson design, seven guest cabins, 14-guest capacity, Lloyd’s Register build standards, 2,750-nautical-mile range, Victorian interior character, and rare historic pedigree, this Athens-based yacht is an exceptional acquisition opportunity. Enquire to arrange inspection, documentation review, and confidential purchase discussions.