A yacht calling to mind the bygone era of ocean liners goes up for auction next month. The 45-year-old custom yacht Ariadne has as interesting as a back story as she does a recent history.
A 124-footer (37.8-meter) whose original name was Framar, Ariadne emerged from Louisiana-based Breaux’s Bay Craft in 1979. That shipyard primarily built—and continues to build—commercial vessels, which explains her more robust metal hull plating. She’s also among the largest recreational vessels from the shipyard. Notably, the yacht Ariadne only changed hands about four times prior to her current owner having her undergo multi-year, multi-million-dollar refits akin to rebuilds. Specifically, Derecktor Shipyards and Lauderdale Marine Center housed her for the major reconstruction from 2018 to 2022. While some modifications structurally and mechanically stemmed from age, significant work was aesthetic, too.
For example, all varnished wood was stripped and re-glossed with 10 coats. Entirely new teak decks are on all levels, too. Furthermore, the sundeck already existed, but the space and layout didn’t suit modern-day preferences. Therefore, it’s much larger than its original length. Up to 50 people can be hosted for dockside parties, in fact. Highlights of the deck include a hot tub perched fully forward for enjoying the best views.
Down by the waterline, meanwhile, three levels cater to relaxing and dining. The yacht Ariadne has a blue-paint-enrobed, cozy cockpit in addition to a traditional aft deck. It suits lounge chairs for sunning or spotting sea life below. Just a step or two down, the megayacht further has a boarding/swimming platform.
The blue hull, with crimson and gold boot stripes, hints at the big aesthetic changes inside. The owner fell in love with the famous ocean liners from the early 20th century as a child. So, the décor throughout the yacht echoes their classic cues, from Lalique crystal sconces to gold and brass fixtures. Additionally, the sole in the master suite’s bath has hand-laid marble, mother of pearl, and gold leaf on glass. From the main saloon to the dedicated formal dining room and the four staterooms, you’ll find the original cherry and burled maple paneling. Best of all in the saloon, there’s an etched, lit mirror of the Greek goddess Ariadne. That same goddess is, of course, the reason for the yacht’s name.
Finally, and seemingly unusual, the yacht Ariadne has quadruple John Deere engines. There’s a good explanation, however. In the commercial shipping realm, redundancy is a high priority, as is keeping a lid on operational costs. According to sea trials, the rebuilt four 650-hp engines and twin gensets consume just 65 gph (246 lph) when the megayacht is running at 14 knots.
Interested parties must register to bid at Boathouse Auctions and submit a $100,000 (Superyacht Sales and Charter, representing the seller, is working with the auction house.) deposit.Bidding opens on February 22, starting at $1.5 million. A reserve is set at $2 million.
Boathouse Auctions boathouseauctions.com
Superyacht Sales and Charter superyachtsalesandcharter.com/
More About the Yacht Ariadne
LOA: 124’0” (37.8 meters)
Beam: 25’0” (7.62 meters)
Draft: 6’8” (2.08 meters)
Guests: 8 in 4 staterooms
Engines: 4/650-hp John Deeres
Range: 1,900 nautical miles at 10 knots
Builder: Breaux’s Bay Craft
Stylist: Breaux’s Bay Craft
Naval Architect: Breaux’s Bay Craft
Interior Designer: Bartolomei & Co., Aran Swart
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