SYLPHE’s RESTORATION

The Background

Sylphe was found lying in the South of France in 1999. The materials used for her construction were first class. Bent oak frames, mahogany planking, completely cupper riveted, Indonesian teak for her rudder. The quality of the material and the craftsmanship involved in building SYLPHE became clear while restoring her. 60 years old and no planks needed to be replaced. Some of the frames were broken and/or rotted and had to be replaced. Unlike many other boats from the same era, no metal or iron was used to reinforce beams, frames or keel construction; the complete hull-construction is held together by wood and cupper.

Sylphe, back in 1955 in the bay of St. Tropez:

Throughout the years she was reasonably well maintained. The Mauric design office was involved in the changes made to the yacht. For example, when the yacht was rigged for spinnaker sailing and equipped with running backstays. Or when a reinforcement of the deck around the mast was needed. Her original designer made all calculations and drawings for these changes. And thus ensuring a very high standard and equal quality.

She had received some new planks throughout the years. She had received a new teak deck, stuck on top of the old one. The rigging was replaced in ’88 with a hollow wooden mast of 23.5 meters long. The changes in the interior were not very good and had made her loose her charm; the ‘new’ galley in the front, the working area with tools in the middle of the yacht, etc. This needed rethinking and re-arranging. The electric wiring dated back to the days of the installation. SYLPHE was designed without an engine, but somewhere in the 60’s a Mercedes diesel was fitted, later in the 80’s a "modern" 40 HP Perkins engine replaced it.

The deck is laid out for racing, i.e. a huge flush deck area, with plenty of space to work (or lie around, sun bathe, play backgammon, etc.). Unfortunately, the old hatches and coachroofs were removed at some stage and replaced by modern Lewmar plastic hatches. Although this improved her flush deck character even more, it was obviously not in style with the yacht (understatement).

She is equipped with the old-style winches on the mast and boom, 6 in total. There are four winches in the cockpit, of which two were made custom for Sylphe back in 1940 and especially these two principal ones are beauties. Make them go around and listen to their sound, a joy for the ear. All of them are in excellent condition.

All in all, SYLPHE showed an enormous potential to be a fun and fast sailor. Her lines, low freeboard, flush decks and her overall size, made her a very suitable yacht for my desires. Her total length allowed for enough inside-headroom, so even a tall guy like myself can walk around inside the yacht, without hitting my head everywhere. Her overall length, however, still permits for short- (or single-) handed sailing. She is an ultimate example of a rare species of yachts. One that looks good from all angles, makes heads turn wherever you show up, her stern is recognizable like no other yacht and she displays grace, with capital letters. The perfect yacht.

The Restoration

However, it was obvious that she needed attention. Upon purchase in 1999 it was unclear how much attention exactly, but we took the risk. The sheer fact that she was well covered in paint stopped us from inspecting her planking thoroughly. The interior, diesel and water tanks prohibited a thorough check of frames and timbers. We were fortunate enough to be able to sail her for three months, before we began the restoration, enabling us to see her performance, establish the needs, what parts needed attention and change.

The restoration plans (and the enormous scale of the undertaking) were very clear and obvious. Strip her of all her paint, remove the complete interior, electric wiring and engine and start from scratch. This was the only way to examine every plank and inch of the yacht. The only thing untouched would be her hull-shape, rigging and deck lay-out. Thus ensuring that she would keep the same sail performance, class and stunning lines.

Over a period of 7 months she was fitted with a new interior in cherry, with a comfortabe 2-cabin layout, a roomy saloon, shower/toilet and galley. Although equipped with the essentials (water, holding tanks, oven, fridge, electronic navigation, autopilot), she is not equipped with luxury that simply does not belong on a yacht with this character (airco, generator, icemaker, etc.). She is put back into a safe, glorious state of sailing, adding comfort for those on board, both on and under deck. A new 76HP Yanmar-engine was installed to give her a bit more power while manouvering in marinas. Mastervolt electrics, B&G instruments, Jabsco pumps, all but the best equipment to ensure year after year trouble free enjoyment

She was put in the water again, after 7 months of sweat, blood and joy by the middle of June 2000. Ready for decades to come.