How classic yachts travel the world

A yacht of history and craftsmanship

Willow Wren, built in 1886, carries an extraordinary legacy. Commissioned by Lord Philip Patmore and constructed by Summers & Payne in Southampton, she was designed as a gentleman’s yacht. Graceful, swift, and built for competition, her sleek lines and meticulous craftsmanship made her a formidable presence in prestigious racing events, including the America’s Cup.

After her competitive years, she was converted into a cruising yacht, equipped with a yawl rig for easier handling, and became a luxurious floating home. However, the tides of history were not always kind; she endured decades of abandonment, lost her lead keel to World War I munitions production, and lay forgotten in the River Crouch for sixty years.

In the late 20th century, a dedicated restoration team revitalized her; however, by 2022, she began to deteriorate again. Captivated by her history and craftsmanship, the yacht's owner, Mr. Hessel de Jong, initiated a comprehensive restoration in Friesland, the Netherlands. Under the leadership of renowned yard master Ivor van Klink and a team of skilled craftsmen from the Netherlands and abroad, the vessel was fully restored to her former glory. She was fitted with a single mast, a white hull, and modern, seamlessly integrated technology. On May 19th, 2025, a special flag ceremony celebrated the completion of this restoration. It served as a moment of tribute, appreciation, and gratitude to all the craftsmen who have worked on this unique vessel since 1886, particularly over the past three years.

“When we bought her, I had no idea what the restoration would entail,” Hessel admitted. “But thanks to an incredible team of craftsmen, she emerged like a beautiful white swan. Her timeless elegance has been carefully preserved, with modern technology discreetly integrated.”

__Safely transporting a maritime treasure __

Mr. Hessel de Jong dreamed of sailing along the European coastline, just like the original owner, Lord Patmore, did in the late 19th century. However, he doesn’t have time for such a voyage. Additionally, the ship and its systems are entirely new, the sails aren’t even rigged yet, and Hessel has never sailed the route from the Netherlands to Genoa.

He began searching for a transporter, and everyone directed him to Sevenstar Yacht Transport. “The communication was highly professional from the beginning. I explained how special the yacht is, and after I sent drawings and photos, I received truly exceptional service. Dave Starkey, trade manager in the UK, consistently kept me informed about the overall planning.”

Transporting a classic yacht is about moving a vessel and safeguarding history, craftsmanship, and legacy. Few yachts embody this more than Willow Wren. Transporting her to her new Mediterranean home required careful planning and expertise, and maintaining her integrity was a top priority.

This was no ordinary yacht transport

Modern yachts typically feature fin keels and lighter construction, making them more predictable in transport. They are also built with reinforced lifting points and are often designed with transportation in mind. Classic yachts like Willow Wren, however, require customized lifting strategies. Their weight distribution, especially with a long-keel configuration, means improper lifting techniques can cause immense structural strain. Furthermore, resting points on older yachts are often fragile; areas like chainplates and bulkheads require additional attention when securing hoisting straps.

Willow Wren boasts a traditional wooden structure, a long keel, and a considerably different center of gravity. Any miscalculation in her weight distribution during hoisting could lead to structural damage. Her age and historical significance add another layer of complexity; every element, from her mahogany interior to her custom rigging, requires preservation. Small design details, like her converted yawl rig, reflect her evolution from competitive sailing to leisurely voyages.

“Sevenstar’s team went above and beyond to ensure her safe passage. The loadmasters conducted comprehensive inspections, identifying the best lifting points and employing custom protective materials to prevent stress damage.” Hessel said.

Transporting Willow Wren to her new Mediterranean home required an approach as specialized as the yacht. Sevenstar’s team meticulously assessed these aspects months before transport. Sean Lines, Bram van der Zee, and Guido Seeleman visited Willow Wren for in-depth inspections, mapping out weight distribution and pinpointing potential weak spots. A tailored hoisting plan was developed with specialized protective materials to prevent pressure points from damaging the hull or rigging.

The timeless voyage of Willow Wren

When the loading process occurred in Ijmuiden (the Netherlands), the weather presented additional challenges; heavy rain and strong winds complicated the operation. Nevertheless, the Sevenstar team executed it flawlessly. “Once the Willow Wren was safely aboard, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. Captain Jury even welcomed us onto the bridge, and his calm, confident demeanor made it clear: our ‘baby’ was in good hands.”

On board the MV Trent Navigator, she traveled from IJmuiden to Southampton before continuing to Genoa. Southampton felt like coming home. “Arriving in the place where she was built nearly 140 years ago, seeing her return, even briefly, was an emotional moment,” he shared. “It was as if she was honoring her origins before beginning her next adventure.”

The arrival in Genoa: A new chapter begins

On June 9, 2025, the MV Trent Navigator arrived in Genoa early in the morning, where Sevenstar’s experienced loadmasters carefully unloaded, ensuring Willow Wren remained pristine. From there, she set a course for La Spezia, where Hessel and his crew would begin to familiarize themselves with her 250 m² of gaff rigging spread across five sails. “She’s a beauty but demands respect,” Hessel reflected. “We’ll take our time getting to know her, just as her original owner, Lord Patmore, once did.”

For Hessel, owning Willow Wren is more than just sailing; it’s about preserving maritime history and passing it on to the next generation(s). “My family has been sailing for centuries,” he said. “From trade routes in the Baltic to Scandinavian voyages, this way of life runs in our blood. There’s something special about owning a yacht like Willow Wren; you don’t truly own her, you care for her until it’s time to pass her on.”

With Sevenstar’s careful transport and expert planning, Willow Wren has arrived safely, ready to continue her legacy as one of the oldest still-sailing Victorian Racing Cutters in her class, beginning yet another chapter in a journey spanning nearly 140 years.