Ten restorations that changed the world, number 1: Altair
Fife schooner Altair at Canne's Regates Royales
10 restorations that changed the world
Number 1: Altair
It's amazing to think that a restoration carried out in 1987 can still be considered the torch bearer for good practice today, but the fact is that Altair remains one of the most revered restorations – one of the most revered yachts – in the world today. The attention to originality or, failing that, authenticity was unswerving, under the careful – sometimes obsessive – eye of Swiss Ferrari collector Albert Obrist. With very few careful owners over her life, the 108ft (33m) Fife III schooner, built in 1931, was the perfect candidate from the era of 'low-hanging fruit' and to this day, she retains remarkable originality, particularly in her interior, an area often considered secondary in yacht restoration – although thankfully, there are signs that this is beginning to change. The hull was restored at Southampton Yacht Services, which went on to restore a string of big classics. The restoration, overseen by Paul Goss, also led to the foundation of Fairlie Restorations, which went on to restore more big yachts than anyone.
https://www.classicboat.co.uk/articles/ten-restorations-changed-world-number-2-beetle-cats/
During his time at Classic Boat, Steffan has sailed around London, been part of a failed Fastnet campaign, and put two yachts aground. The Daily Mail called his first book, Circle Line, "whimsically philosophical", meaning his head is in the clouds. The rest of him lives in the South Downs.
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