This month, the US studio of Stephens Waring Yacht Design has been working on the spectacular 88ft sailing yacht Sincerity, to be rejuvenated in partnership with the studio’s friends Trygve Bratz as well as talented marine photographer Alison Langley. Constructed by the well known Italian builder Baglietto in 1928, the Sincerity superyacht is a wonderful classic ketch and an excellent example of Gilded Age European yachting. Trygve and Alison have been pursuing a phased approach to a complete refit, dealing with specific jobs each year while keeping a busy charter schedule in Maine and the Caribbean.
Refit for the 88ft classic superyacht Sincerity by Stephens Waring Yacht Design
This year it’s time to renew the mizzen chain plates-the existing chain plates are steel, and badly corroded. Over the years, a hodgepodge of internal structure and reinforcement has been added, as the masts and standing rigging have been replaced. Massive solid blocking and steel plates to distribute the load had been peppered with holes as chain plates were added, moved, and discarded.
Trygve gave the Stephens Waring free rein to re-evaluate the structural requirements, and the studio developed a system that eliminates the heavy blocking with its rot-prone moisture pockets and replaces the huge steel reinforcing plates with more efficient bronze angle-section stringers. The sixteen steel chain plates will be consolidated into eight by landing lower and intermediate shrouds on the same plate, thus reducing deck penetrations and streamlining the rigging layout.
Aboard luxury yacht Sincerity
The main chain plates had a similar treatment in 2010, replacing steel with bronze. Luxury yacht Sincerity is now ready to handle the next big step in restoring her to her former glory-a new rig of wood spars. As a rare example of a yacht of her vintage with original Marconi sail plan, she will be an excellent addition to the classic regatta circuit, where original details are vastly important-both for judging and for ratings. Her Marconi plan makes her a great short-handed sailing boat, a delight for racing, cruising, or chartering.
Trygve and Alison have decided to move on from Sincerity superyacht, and are beginning to think about a new cruising boat. Sincerity is for sale, and is ready to delight her next custodians. In the meantime, she’ll continue her charter career in the Caribbean, with her old-world charm offering a unique experience.
