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As Step Two of a three-step plan, the young, but experienced
owners of Elisabeth F sought to buy a used yacht and take her through the
refit process to make her their own. They wanted a high-quality boat with
classic lines. Their previous yacht, a CRN from the same era, also renamed
Elisabeth F, allowed them to check off Step One: buy a finished yacht and
familiarize the family with the water and the yachting lifestyle. Step Two
involved a deeper commitment of time and resources. A search netted what they
believe is the perfect vessel for the project: a 1979 Feadship.
The owners’ former captain and current yacht manager, Vesa
Kaukonen, says they wanted a classic yacht, but with modern systems and
functional amenities. He helped them find just the right candidate to fulfill
Step Two. The new Elisabeth F had to handle an extended stern and
swim-deck addition to accommodate all the family’s watersports. She also needed
enough space to fit the whole family and friends. | Click on the Specs tab at top to see complete list of resources. |
Stepping aboard the now-174-foot Elisabeth F, it’s
abundantly clear the owners got what they wished for. Originally launched in
1979 as Daria, Elisabeth F went through several iterations before her
most recent incarnation as Avante IV. The 10-month refit at the Pendennis
shipyard in England successfully blended her classic charm with a contemporary
flair.
"The owners were in tears after receiving the first picture of
her afloat," Kaukonen says. "They love being by the water, and the new stern is
perfect for it."
 Photograph by Vesa Kaukonen. (Click image to enlarge)
Walking aft, you immediately notice a newly installed teak
deck, a dark, semi-circular bar, a large round table that seats nine and loose,
dark-colored Dedon wicker furniture with white cushions that show off the 16
feet added during the refit. The large aft deck that extends from the original
Feadship stern runs down and out to a well-equipped swim platform complete with
an outdoor shower, an indoor dayhead and changing room, and dive gear and toy
storage. For easy water access, twin sea stairs, a diving board and a new
passerelle also were added. Looking at Elisabeth F’s profile, you would
never guess she didn’t always sport this bonus space aft. The addition was
designed by De Voogt Yacht Services and seamlessly executed by Pendennis.
Out of view, the stern received a new stainless steel anchor
pocket for a stern anchor, complete with a windlass and chain locker. This
addition is unusual for a yacht this size, especially on a refit.
With interior design by UK-based Design Unlimited in
conjunction with the owners’ interior consultant Peter Mikic, Elisabeth F emerged from the yard with a refreshingly bright, sophisticated
cottage-like décor. The main deck received a full makeover. Mikic and Design
Unlimited styled the salon in white and neutral sofas and chairs and low tables.
The space has a clear sightline to the dining room. Throughout the main deck,
sixties-retro furniture, glossy white-planked overheads, light sienna
silk-paneled walls, plantation shutters with each blade covered in white
leather, whitewashed wainscoting and stained wide-planked European walnut floors
continue the contemporary cottage vibe.
The dining room before and after. Top photograph by Vesa Kaukonen. (Click images to enlarge)
Passing from the main salon through an expansive new entry
flanked by bright white shelves filled with books and colorful art, you arrive
in the dining area. The dining space feels private from the rest of the main
deck, but also open with sightlines aft and out. Removal of the original
dividing bulkhead and doors between the two areas achieved that more spacious
orientation. The samewhite bookshelves from the main salon double as storage and
lighted display shelves in the dining area. The sharp-lined, dark wood dining
table seats 12 beneath two modernized sixties-style light fixtures. Hand-painted
de Gournay wallpaper covers the recessed walls above the low-profile built-in
buffet. This dramatic focal point also conceals storage on the other side of the
bulkhead.
Just forward of the dining room is an original Andy Warhol
"Dollar Sign" painting, reportedly created by the artist in response to the
question: "How do you make money?" Beyond the Warhol artwork is the striking,
dark, nautical dayhead, designed by Design Unlimited and Mikic and built by
Struik & Hamerslag. The wall along the corridor between the dayhead, VIP and
master suite displays framed black-and-white family photos.
The VIP stateroom retains some of its original fittings,
including the honey-colored drawers, which exude a glowing warmth and comfort
amid the white leather headboard and white linen comforter atop the king-size
berth.
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