Puritan is a yacht like no other. Designed in 1929 by world famous naval architect John Gale Alden and built at the Electric Boat Company in Connecticut, she is the epitome of America’s acclaimed tradition for luxurious sailing.

 

At 126 ft (38 metres), this gaff rigged schooner is recognised today as undoubtably one of the most important classic yachts in the world, and one of the very few whose authenticity has been entirely retained.

 

Puritan’s history from her very foundation is extraordinary. Constructed using innovative techniques in steel manufacture, her success paved the way for a revolutionary new form of submarine construction which aided the allies’ victory of the Second World War. During her long life she has witnessed many of the most dramatic and important events of the 20th century, even serving in the Navy to protect the United States west coast in 1942, as well as active involvement in historical and scientific research with top international museums.

 

Mystery and intrigue has surround much of her long life, adding further wonder to the experience of being aboard as she explores the Mediterranean coastlines. The moment you step aboard Puritan is a moment never to forget, her historical legacy so imbued within her form, she is a class of her own.

The Beginning

In early 1929 John Alden put pen to paper and began design number 0435B, a design which was to become one of his largest schooners to date. Already a renowned naval architect, this yacht would become one of his most recognisable. Even on paper, her fine lines and luxurious interior plan exude the opulence of what she would later become.

1930’s

Despite losing her first patron to the talons of the Great Depression, within months the project had been saved. On August 12th, 1930, Edward W. Brown signed the contract with the Electric Boat Company in Connecticut, and within a month her keel was laid. She was now to be named Puritan. On April 25th, 1931, at approximately 2:30pm, Barbara L. Gray smashed a bottle of champagne on her bow and sent her down the ways.

Puritan heads to the Pacific

in May 1933 Puritan was officially transferred to the ownership of Mr Harry J. Bauer of Pasadena, California. Bauer was to become her longest standing patron, maintaining her in immaculate condition for almost three decades.
In March of that year a young Sterling Hayden, later to become a Hollywood star, crewed aboard for the journey to Newport Beach, Los Angeles. His 1964 biography Wanderer gives a descriptive portrayal of the highs and lows of working as a green crew member in the 1930’s.

1940’s and War

On December 7th, 1941 Japan launched a surprise attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbour, pulling the USA into the fray of WWII. Puritan, like many other auxiliary yachts was called to arms, serving three years out of San Diego as a patrol vessel searching for Japanese submarines.

1950’s

Only three years later Harry J Bauer died, and Puritan sat mournfully at rest outside her Newport Beach home until she was purchased in 1963 by Texan Doyle W. Downey for £90,300.
Downey, a real-estate mogul and entrepreneur, sailed her to Galveston where she underwent an extensive refit. By late 1964 she was quite a different vessel, able to sleep an additional 7 guests, she departed for the West Indies where she would be chartered for $2996 per week.

1960’s

Only three years later Harry J Bauer died, and Puritan sat mournfully at rest outside her Newport Beach home until she was purchased in 1963 by Texan Doyle W. Downey for £90,300.
Downey, a real-estate mogul and entrepreneur, sailed her to Galveston where she underwent an extensive refit. By late 1964 she was quite a different vessel, able to sleep an additional 7 guests, she departed for the West Indies where she would be chartered for $2996 per week.
On April 25th, 1931, at approximately 2:30pm, Barbara L. Gray smashed a bottle of champagne on her bow and sent her down the ways.
Unfortunately, disaster struck in the form of a hurricane off the Jamaican coast, and Puritan was taken to Miami for repairs where she was eventually sold to Marianito Prado Sosa in 1966 for $120,000.
Prado Sosa was heir to one of Peru’s wealthiest families, renowned as the playboy of his heyday, and Puritan was the jewel of his crown. Within 4 years however the fortunes of the family dramatically changed and Marianito fled Peru with the authorities on his tail. Puritan was severely damaged and subsequently abandoned in Mexico.

1970’s A New Life

After an extraordinary rescue venture to Mexico, Puritan was bought to Merrill Stevens in Miami where she awaited the return of her owner. Sadly, this time never came and in 1972 she was discovered by classic yacht restorers Bill Bolling and Patsy Kennedy.

It is hard to comprehend the condition she was found in; ‘sails hanging from her booms, hatches broken and weeds growing in the scuppers’, yet despite this unbelievable dereliction Bolling and Kennedy pledged to restore her to former glory. Twenty-two-thousand-man hours later the impossible had been achieved and against all odds, Puritan had been saved.

By July 1963 Puritan was once-again underway for a shakedown cruise and charter in the Bahamas. She was once again to be used as a charter vessel, and during the Bolling’s ownership sailed from the West Indies to Nova Scotia, re-establishing her reputation as the epitome of 20th century American yachting.

In 1974, after her hugely successful rejuvenation, the Bolling’s sold Puritan to Austrian inventor Oskar Schmidt, during who’s 12-year ownership she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean more than 5 times, competing in regattas from Maine to Saint Tropez.

1980’s

On return to Europe from the 1980’s America’s Cup in Rhode Island, Puritan dismasted 400 miles from the Azores. Losing her main masts and fore topmast, as well as the use of her engine, she drifted for a number of days before being towed into Palma, Canary Islands. She later underwent an extensive refit at Cantiere Navale dell’Argentario.

For the next nine years Puritan enjoyed extensive ocean sailing throughout the America’s and the Mediterranean. In 1989 she was sold to Italian Arturo Ferruzzi.

1990

During the Ferruzzi’s long ownership Puritan became a familiar face at the classic regatta circuit of the Mediterranean, often competing and placing in the most important regattas of the region. She was based for many years between Antibes and Palma, Mallorca, often sailing to Sicily, Sardinia and Greece.

2015

In 2015 Puritan joined the fleet of The Classic Yacht Experience underwent an extensive refit at Tecnomar shipyard in Fiumicino, Rome, where she was returned to her original condition of the 1930’s (with a little additional technology). In 2016 she began her new life and now proudly sits as one of the most genuinely and thoughtfully restored classic yachts in the world, competing in regattas throughout the summer and chartering extensively within the Mediterranean.

John G. Alden
1884 – 1962 USA

 

John Gale Alden was an American naval architect and the founder of the Alden Design Office, a yacht design company which produced over one thousand yachts of all forms and for all styles of sailing.

 

Alden was born in Troy, New York in 1884 and grew up in Sakonnet, Rhode Island, where he was inspired the legendary Gloucester fishing schooners and local racing yachts. In his youth he worked under the designer William Starling Burgess, naval architect to many Americas Cup defenders, as well as B. B. Crowninshield, another renowned designer of the time.

 

John Alden’s yachts are famed worldwide for both their beauty and seaworthiness, and his schooners especially are legendary as champions of offshore racing. Alden was himself a highly accomplished sailor, and the only designer ever to triumph at the helm of his own design at the Newport-Bermuda race in consecutive years.

 

Length Over All (LOA) 38.4m (126 ft)
Length on Deck (LOD) 31.50m (103.3 ft)
Beam 7m (23 ft)
Draft 2.9/5m (9 ft)
Rig Gaff Schooner
Crew 7
Year of Construction 1930
Shipyard ELCO
Designer John G. Alden
Flag and Coding UK MCA
Fuel Capacity 3000 Litres
Water Capacity 3000 Litres
Max Speed 9.5 Kts
Cruising Speed7 Kts 7 Kts
Engine and Generators Consumption 45 Litres/hour
Engine GM 275hp
Generator 1 Koeler 23kw
Generator 2 Onan 24kw
A/C Independent Fan Coil in each cabin
Stereo/TV Stereo/TVin the main saloon

Puritan can accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 cabins, along with 7 crew members.

One master cabin with a large double bed, toilet and en-suite bathroom. Owner’s office includes a desk and a leather sofa, convertible into a queen bed, and an en-suite bathroom. Two VIP cabins with a queen bed and en-suite bathroom. All four cabins are equipped with air conditioning.

Puritan comes equipped with state-of-the-art comfort and technology: Air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, Watermaker, Snorkelling Equipment, Flat Screen TV, Hi-Fi Surround Sound System throughout the entire yacht. All staterooms have opening deck hatches for light and ventilation.

Whilst exploring the magnificent surroundings of your charter destination, Puritan offers guests on board the opportunity to engage in a wide range of water based activities. From speeding through the ocean on water-skis, or taking on the elements with a wind-surf, to snorkelling in unique locations. We offer something for everyone, in a setting that will make lasting memories with your family and friends.

5.5 Metre Tender: 60Hp outboard
Water-Ski
Wake-board / Windsurfing
Snorkelling
Inflatables (Doughnut)

One diesel engine with 1 x 280 HP
Two Generators
Two Power converters
Shore power
Batteries

There are two interior crew aboard Puritan whose sole aim is to ensure your experience is as enjoyable and seamless as possible. Our chef, who is specially trained in the art of Mediterranean cooking, will lead you on a culinary journey during your time aboard, serving you the very best flavours of each location.

 

Three meals are served aboard every day, continental breakfast with the freshest fruits and pastries from the local bakery, lunch and a four course, Italian style dinner each evening. We strive, weather permitting, to serve all meals on deck at the spacious central table, giving guests an unspoilt view of each location from the moment you wake, up to the moment you go to sleep.

 

Our stewardess is there to assist you and your guests in any way possible and is responsible for all areas of the guest accommodation. She will turn your cabins down each day and serve your meals throughout your time aboard.

In addition, we aim to provide all additional experiences that make your holiday unique. From organising day trips to Italy and Greece’s finest archaeological sites, to seeking the most hidden swimming spots aboard our tender. All of the crew are there to make your journey as extraordinary as possible.

  • All

Simon Pandolfi

CAPTAIN

TBD

FIRST MATE

Vera Aland

CHEF

Charlie Couture

BOSUN

TBD

DECK ENGINEER

Thomas Moody

DECKHAND

TBD

STEWARDESS