When we think of classic yachts, we envision vessels that embody a certain timeless elegance—boats that have not only endured through the years but also carry with them a wealth of stories and experiences that define their character. Among these exceptional examples of nautical craftsmanship stands ORIANDA, a sailing yacht with a history as rich as the seas she has traversed. Built in 1937, ORIANDA is more than just a yacht; she is a symbol of resilience, beauty, and the enduring appeal of classic yacht design.
❐ Orianda shortly after her launch in 1937
1. A Glimpse Into ORIANDA’s Origins
ORIANDA’s story begins in 1937 at Carl Andersen’s shipyard in Faaborg, Denmark, where she was christened RAGNA IV. This respected yard was known for producing some of the era’s finest yachts, and RAGNA IV was no exception. The visionary behind her design was Oscar W. Dahlstrom, a Danish naval architect renowned for seamlessly blending function and beauty in his creations.
Dahlstrom designed RAGNA IV as a racing cruiser, a vessel that would excel in performance while offering the luxury her discerning owners desired. From bow to stern, RAGNA IV embodied nautical engineering at its best. Her graceful lines and balanced proportions were not merely aesthetic choices but the result of meticulous planning, optimizing her performance across diverse sea conditions.
At 85 feet (approximately 26 meters) in length, RAGNA IV was built as a staysail schooner, a rig that prioritises both speed and stability. This design made her well-suited for long-distance cruising and competitive racing, laying the foundation for the distinguished maritime career that would follow. In every plank and sail, RAGNA IV represented the pinnacle of yacht design and craftsmanship of her time.
❐ Orianda’s Creator Oscar W. Dahlstrom
2. ORIANDA’s Wartime Tribulations and Rebirth
The late 1930s ushered in a dark chapter for Europe, and RAGNA IV’s early years were soon overshadowed by World War II. Denmark, her birthplace, became entangled in the expanding conflict, culminating in the Nazi invasion of 1940. Due to its geographical position and proximity to vital shipping lanes, Denmark’s strategic importance placed it at the centre of the war’s early years.
Amidst this turmoil, RAGNA IV fell into the hands of Nazi forces. Stripped of her masts and abandoned on Danish shores, she became a poignant symbol of the war’s devastation. Once a proud sailing vessel, she now lay dormant, awaiting a chance at revival. Salvation arrived in 1944 when Baron Johan Otto Raben-Levetzau discovered the yacht. Recognising her latent potential, the Baron purchased RAGNA IV from her original owner, Ole Sundø, and embarked on an ambitious restoration project.
The renovation was no small endeavour. To replace the masts lost to the war, the Baron sourced wood from some of the rarest trees at Aalholm Castle, his family’s ancestral estate in Denmark. This restoration was more than just repair; it was a testament to the yacht’s resilience and the unwavering dedication of those who saw her intrinsic value.
By 1945, against all odds, RAGNA IV had been meticulously restored to her original splendour. Once again, she stood ready to embrace the seas, her rebirth a powerful symbol of hope and perseverance in the aftermath of war.
❐ Orianda’s Rescuer: Baron Johan Otto Raben-Levetzau
3. A New Identity: The Swedish Period
The post-restoration years saw RAGNA IV continue her adventures under the Raben-Levetzau family’s ownership. In 1952, seeking more favourable sailing conditions, the Baron made the pivotal decision to relocate the yacht to Sweden. This move heralded a new chapter in her story, complete with a fresh identity. Rechristened SABINA and proudly registered with the Royal Swedish Yachting Club, she embarked on a new phase of her maritime journey.
SABINA’s Swedish period brought notable transformations. Her hull was repainted a striking navy blue, a colour that not only accentuated her elegant lines but also added a touch of modernity to her classic design. Soon, SABINA became a familiar and admired sight in Swedish waters, her beauty and grace capturing the imagination of all who saw her.
In 1957, under the skilled guidance of Captain Mathiesen and a small crew, SABINA set sail for the south of France, marking the beginning of her career as a charter yacht. This transition opened her decks to a wider audience, allowing more people to experience her splendour firsthand.
The yacht’s next custodian, Greek Consul General Stergios Souyoultzoglou, oversaw another transformation as SABINA was repainted white. She became a beloved fixture in the Greek islands, chartering to prominent families like the Guinnesses. SABINA also proved her mettle in competition, securing third place in her class during the inaugural Aegean Rally in the early 1960s.
This period marked SABINA’s evolution from a private vessel to a shared treasure, bringing joy and adventure to all fortunate enough to sail aboard her.
❐ Orianda, sailing as ‘Sabina’ in the 1950s
4. ORIANDA Emerges: A Tale of Transformation and Resilience
The late 1960s and 1970s marked a period of transition for our storied yacht. After changing hands several times, she found herself in Hamburg, serving as a training vessel for a local yachting club. However, it wasn’t until 1981 that she would adopt the name that would define her future: ORIANDA.
This pivotal rechristening occurred when Neil Peart (* 12. September 1952 in Hamilton, Ontario; † 7. January 2020 in Santa Monica, California), the legendary drummer of the Canadian rock band RUSH, purchased the yacht from an elderly Frenchman in Antigua. Under Peart’s stewardship, ORIANDA transcended her role as a mere vessel, becoming a source of inspiration. It was aboard ORIANDA, sailing through the British Virgin Islands, that Peart penned his acclaimed song “The Analog Kid.” Widely regarded as one of history’s finest percussionists, Peart found that ORIANDA embodied the freedom of the seas and became a muse for his artistry.
❐ Neil Peart navigating his Orianda
Yet ORIANDA’s journey was not without turbulence. In 1987, shortly after being acquired by Peter Phillips, she faced a near-catastrophic event. A fire, originating above the main engine, ravaged much of her interior, threatening her very existence. However, the combined efforts of local West Indians and a dedicated crew saved ORIANDA from the brink of destruction.
Undeterred by this setback, Phillips rallied support. With partial insurance coverage and funds raised through a dedicated campaign, he spearheaded ORIANDA’s restoration. This act of determination not only preserved a piece of maritime history but also demonstrated the deep affection ORIANDA inspired in those who knew her.
Throughout these trials and triumphs, ORIANDA proved her resilience time and again. Each chapter of her story—from training vessel to rock star’s retreat, from near-destruction to phoenix-like rebirth—added layers to her rich history, cementing her status as a truly remarkable yacht.
❐ ORIANDA moored in the British Virgin Islands following the catastrophic fire
5. ORIANDA’s Modern Renaissance
Following her restoration, ORIANDA continued to sail across the world’s oceans, from the Caribbean to the English Channel. She participated in the 1990 Nioulargue regatta, before being sold in 1991 to a Spanish real estate developer who used her to explore the Balearic Islands. During this time, the yacht underwent further modifications to her deck and hull, ensuring she remained in top condition for the next two decades.
In 2008, ORIANDA participated in the main Spanish Classic Yacht Regatta in Valencia, a fitting tribute to her long and varied history. The following year, in June 2009, ORIANDA was acquired by her current owners. Their passion for classic yachts and dedication to preserving ORIANDA’s legacy led them to embark on a complete restoration of the yacht at the Tecnomar shipyard in Fiumicino, Italy. This restoration was a labour of love, a testament to the enduring appeal of ORIANDA and the commitment of her owners to maintaining her as a living piece of maritime history.
❐ Orianda at the Capri Classica ©Blue Passion / ISA
6. The Legacy of ORIANDA
Today, ORIANDA stands as more than just a sailing yacht; she embodies resilience, elegance, and the timeless appeal of classic yacht design. Her journey from RAGNA IV to ORIANDA has been marked by challenges, transformations, and an unwavering spirit that has seen her through war, fire, and the passage of time. Each restoration and new owner has contributed to her rich narrative, ensuring she remains a cherished vessel for generations to come.
ORIANDA’s participation in classic yacht regattas, such as the Voiles de Saint Tropez, demonstrates her lasting performance and beauty. She continues to captivate those who sail on her, offering a unique blend of history and adventure. For her current owners and all who have had the privilege of sailing aboard her, ORIANDA represents more than just a yacht; she serves as a living testament to the craftsmanship, passion, and spirit of adventure that defined an era.
In a world where modern yachts often prioritise speed and cutting-edge technology, ORIANDA stands out as a beacon of a different kind of maritime experience—one that values the journey as much as the destination, and finds beauty in the timeless elegance of a well-crafted vessel. As she sails into the future, ORIANDA carries with her the stories of the past, the aspirations of the present, and the promise of adventures yet to come.
❐ Orianda is available for charter through Noblesse Yachts.
Conclusion
Today, ORIANDA offers a distinctive experience through her availability for charter via Noblesse Yachts. She provides individuals and companies alike the chance to immerse themselves in the splendour of classic yachting. Whether competing in renowned classic regattas across the Mediterranean or hosting exclusive corporate gatherings, ORIANDA serves as an incomparable setting.
As we conclude our journey through ORIANDA’s rich history, we’re left with a deep appreciation for the world of classic yachting. ORIANDA, a vessel steeped in history and elegance, continues to inspire and enchant all who encounter her. Through her cultural significance, her presence in modern sailing events, and the extraordinary experiences she offers via Noblesse Yachts, ORIANDA stands as a living testament to the enduring allure of the sea and the timeless beauty of classic yacht design.
Her story, evolving with each wave she crests, continues to captivate and inspire. ORIANDA’s legacy sails on, ensuring that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the magic of a bygone era of yachting. As she glides across the waters, ORIANDA not only carries her passengers but also the dreams, craftsmanship, and maritime heritage of nearly a century of sailing.
❐ Watch a impressive Youtube-video of Orianda
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