Camper & Nicholsons Orion Of The Seas - Orion Of The Seas

This historic beauty and yachting icon is ready to be enjoyed and appreciated by a new owner. 

Built by Camper & Nicholson in 1910 to a design by Charles E. Nicholson - one of the foremost British yacht designers of his time - this classic 49.29m luxury sailing yacht cuts an elegant figure above and below the water line. 

Originally commissioned by the Spanish Royal family and launched from Gosport, UK, as ‘Sulvana', Orion is an illuminating example of what our forefathers were capable of building, she captivates the hearts of all who bestow eyes on her to this day. 

Her current owner first fell in love with her some 30 years previous to securing her as his own. In full appreciation of her unique beauty and rich sailing heritage that she represents, he undertook the vast task in 2003-2005 to completely restore her back to her original condition, to modern standards. 

 

A true maiden of fortune, Orion of the Seas is a shining beacon of both beauty and strength. Her magnificent, billowing unfurled sails harness power from even the lightest of breezes. She sails with confidence and grace, whether recreationally or competitively, and her streamlined wooden superstructure with steel frames is magnificent to behold. A schooner by name, and classic by nature, Orion’s rich 100-year history of salty sea dogs and stormy nights at sea is matched only by the highest level of craftsmanship and original features that she boasts on board.

 

Unlike a high performance supercar, or arguably a modern day motor yacht that depreciate with age, Orion belongs to that rare, sought-after breed of collectibles that improve as time goes by, accumulating in value and interest. Some owners build from scratch, others choose the semi-custom route, but when it comes to owning a slice of history, Orion is unrivalled. 

 

Comfortably accommodating 10 guests in a full-beam master suite and four en suite guest staterooms, Orion’s twin Caterpillar 230hp engines (added in 2010 with the addition of new generators) give her a cruising speed of 11 knots and a top speed of 13 knots. Impressive, imperial and majestic, she is the epitome of power and grandeur with a highly polished mahogany interior that is breathtaking in its joinery and surprising in its spaciousness.

 

Investing in both Orion’s history and future, the extensive refit was a massive undertaking, resulting in a multi-million pound project that has undoubtedly secured the longevity of this iconic yacht and the integrity of her original design. Involving the whole hull structure, upper works and systems, the refit included the complete removal of the hull planking, stripping it down to bare steel frames, which were then re-galvanised and painted, before the impressive teak and iroko hardwood planks were bolted on as the yacht was rebuilt from the keel upwards. 

 

The magnificent mahogany interior has also been returned to its original splendour thanks to the passion and dedication of those involved. Years of neglect have been painstakingly reversed by highly-skilled artisans, so that today her classic features and original interior joinery are highlighted as the deserved jewels in her crown. 

 

After no less than five names and 12 owners, Orion is today a cult object for lovers of classic boats, but she has also proven herself as a bastion of sailing ingenuity - a modernised sailing yacht with a pedigree to be revered. She has been a regular winner on the classic race circuit, taking part in some of the most important and competitive regattas dedicated to vintage maxi-yachts, such as the Veteran Boat Rally in 2001, in which she duelled with fellow vintage classic Mariette, engaged in battles similar to those enjoyed during the America’s Cup. In recent years she has rightly earned herself the nickname 'Pearl of the Mediterranean' - and now she presents that rarest of opportunities for a new owner to acquire her for themselves.

 

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

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