Antigua Classic Regatta 2024 Set to Welcome Eros
A Brief History of the 115 Foot Staysail Schooner
Launched in 1939 as Jeanry for Henry S. Vom Berge, an American who was a skilled navigator and experienced sailor, Eros was originally designed to be a Gloucester fishing schooner, capable of sailing the world’s oceans. Sidney Graham of William McC. Meek drew the plan and she was built with a teak hull over steel frames by UK’s Bristol Motor Craft in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
World War II Interlude
World War II disrupted Berge’s plans for world cruising. The vessel was requisitioned by the Royal Navy almost immediately after it was launched and used for a variety of purposes during the war, including evacuating troops from Dunkirk. Berge, a bomber pilot, died in combat during the war and the family wasn’t interested in taking possession when the war ended, so the yacht was sold to Greek billionaire shipping tycoon, Stavros Niarchos in 1945. He renamed her Eros and sailed the Mediterranean for the next 30 years.
A Life of Luxury on the High Seas
As one of the most luxurious yachts in the Med, she attracted many celebrities, including King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, who spent some of their honeymoon aboard. In 1977, the yacht was sold to Lucy Bancroft, who renamed her Fair Sarae and sailed across the Atlantic. She spent the winters chartered out of English Harbour, Antigua, and spent the summers doing corporate daysails in Boston. In 1984, she was moved to San Francisco Bay, where she became a fixture on the Sausalito waterfront.
A Major Refit
By 1990, however, she was showing her age and was sold to a German sailor who had plans for a major refit. She was docked at Bill and Grace Bodle’s Stone Boat Yard in Alameda, California. Two years into the project, the German was unable to continue, and ownership was signed over to the Bodles. The refit wouldn’t be completed for another 18 years.
New Life and New Adventures
The repairs were extensive. The hull and deck planks were removed to allow access to the steel structure, which was repaired and replaced as necessary. All the bronze bolts fastening the planks to the steel frame were renewed, a total of 20,000 bolts. A bowsprit was added, and the piping, wiring, pumps, winches, spars, electronics, and all systems on the yacht were either completely overhauled or replaced. She was renamed Eros, and soon after the refit was complete in 2009, she was put into charter in the Caribbean. Current owner Cameron Riddell and his partner purchased the boat in 2016, chartering her in the Caribbean in the winter and New England in the summer. This will be her fourth Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.
Netizens have expressed excitement and pleasure, stating that they are eagerly waiting for the Regatta and saying that they will attend the event and spend leisure time on their life.
Eros, a 115-foot staysail schooner with a rich history, will be a highlight of Antigua Classic Regatta 2024. With 9,000 square feet of sail area, this head-turning yacht will surely make a splash at the event.
Q: What is Eros’ history?
A: Eros was launched in 1939 as Jeanry for Henry S. Vom Berge, a skilled navigator and experienced sailor. She was designed as a Gloucester fishing schooner and built with a teak hull over steel frames by UK’s Bristol Motor Craft in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
Q: How did World War II impact Eros’ plans?
A: World War II disrupted Berge’s plans for world cruising. The vessel was requisitioned by the Royal Navy, and Berge, a bomber pilot, died in combat during the war.
Q: Who has owned Eros over the years?
A: Eros has had several owners, including Greek billionaire shipping tycoon, Stavros Niarchos, Lucy Bancroft, and Cameron Riddell and his partner.
Q: What happened to Eros during the 1990s and 2000s?
A: Eros underwent a major refit during the 1990s and 2000s, which was completed in 2009. After the refit, she was put into charter and has been sailing the world’s oceans ever since.
Q: What is next for Eros?
A: Eros will attend Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2024, where she will make her fourth appearance at the event.