Historic Weather Bird Yacht, Exalted by Coco Chanel and Louis Armstrong, Destined for Auction

As far as nautical narratives go, few are as captivating as that of the Weather Bird. This 31-metre classic sailing yacht, now listed for auction by Boathouse Auctions, bears a history that resonates with glamour, legacy and an undeniable touch of regality. Bidding for the vessel kicks off at €1,000,000 and is set to unfurl virtually from 20th to 25th February.

Teeming with an allure that has magnetized luminaries and creatives since her inception in the 1930s, Weather Bird carries a legacy steeped in the grandeur of the Jazz Age. Crafted by the French yard Chantelot & Lemaistre to a design by Henri Rambaud, the yacht was commissioned by American expatriates Sarah and Gerald Murphy. The boat was often frequented by guests including the likes of Coco Chanel, Louis Armstrong, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway.

Despite the splendour that once surrounded her, Weather Bird’s heydays encountered a sobering halt in 1933, with her owners soon forsaking their cherished vessel in the face of political turmoil and personal tragedy. After nearly a century, the gleaming schooner still embarks on new adventures, with several custodians maintaining her in pristine condition.

The yacht has undergone several updates, with the 2022 refit being particularly extensive. It rejuvenated her mechanical systems, automated her rigging systems and winches, and gave a fresh breath to the interiors, all while preserving her vintage elegance. It’s a representation of yesteryears’ glamour without compromising on modern functionalities.

From her Art Deco interior featuring a spacious saloon, U-shaped seating area, and bar, to the stylish outdoor lounging spaces complete with velveteen sunbeds, every corner of the Weather Bird is a testament to timeless style and grandeur. The yacht boasts four spacious guest cabins, including an owner’s suite outfitted with a vanity desk.

Elevating Weather Bird beyond mere architecture is her unrivalled backstory - a narrative that sets one’s imagination soaring to the golden days of yesteryears. As Broker Richard Callender points out, stepping onto the Weather Bird is a step into history, an era where exuberance, creativity and charm reigned supreme.