The classic yacht Eilean reflects the history of Panerai, a watchmaker long associated with the sea and yachting. Designed by William Fife in 1936, the year the first Panerai watch was produced, this 22-meter Bermudan ketch was found nearly abandoned in Antigua in 2007. Thanks to Officine Panerai’s commitment to traditional sailing culture, Eilean is now undergoing restoration, and will return to the seas in Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge events in 2010. This book recounts the adventure of this classic yacht, reflecting the passion and energy that have gone into the restoration of a legend. From its maiden voyage to its restoration, Eilean navigates the reader through the highlights of naval architecture and yachting, illustrated with archival documents, historical plans, and specially commissioned photographs.

About The Author

François Chevalier is a naval architect, journalist, illustrator, and writer, and also restores boats. May Fife McCallum-Kohn, a descendant of the founder of William Fife and Sons, has gathered unpublished archive documents on shipbuilding, and is the author of Fast and Bonnie: History of William Fife and Sons, Yachtbuilders. William Shawcross is a prominent journalist and broadcaster. He is author of the official biography Queen Elizabeth: The Queen Mother.