Restoration of Laurent Giles 58FT Bermudan Yawl 1952

In the heart of Southampton, a labor of love unfolded as our team embarked on a meticulous restoration of a storied vessel – the 1952 Laurent Giles 58FT Bermudan Yawl. This timeless yacht, a masterpiece of mid-century design, had weathered the years with grace. However, the passage of time called for a fresh touch, especially for a yacht as destined for open waters as she is for admiration.

The project began with a comprehensive overhaul of her standing and running rigging, a backbone of any yacht’s performance and safety. For the standing rigging, we used only the finest certified wires from KOS, combined with roll swage terminals and rigging screws from Blue Wave, ensuring a robust yet elegant setup. Each choice of material and manufacturer was carefully selected for durability, precision, and respect for the yacht’s classic lineage. With the rigging replaced and optimally tuned, she was outfitted to meet the demands of modern sailing while honoring her heritage.

To complement this, we replaced all running rigging with high-spec lines from Italian maker Armare Rope, selected in traditional colors that resonate with the yacht’s classic appeal. Each line blends form and function, embodying the grace and resilience of the original rigging while incorporating cutting-edge performance.

Hardware upgrades were equally significant, involving top-tier components to enhance both handling and reliability. We installed high-load ball-bearing blocks from Ubi Maior and Harken, each one finished with custom leather covers – a nod to the traditional craftsmanship that suits this yacht’s vintage. Additionally, we fitted her with a new mainsail track system with ball-bearing cars, optimized to meet the demands of swift maneuvering and smooth sail handling. Custom-made high-load, low-friction sheaves were installed to reduce friction and wear, ensuring the rigging runs effortlessly, while a spinnaker brand twine pole system and upgraded mainsheet system bring her handling into the modern era.

Our team also crafted custom stainless steel outboard spreader ends, a detail that might go unnoticed by some, yet crucial for both safety and style. While her masts were removed for these upgrades, they underwent essential repairs and received fresh coats of Epifanes varnish within our dedicated mast painting workshop. Every stroke of varnish was applied with care, reviving the rich luster that defined her original elegance.

Following the painstaking re-stepping of the masts, we undertook an intensive rig tuning, followed by a sea trial – a fitting tribute to her storied past and a preparation for her upcoming participation in the Cowes Classics Regatta. There, amidst a fleet of classic yachts, she would demonstrate the perfect harmony of tradition and performance, a testament to her enduring legacy and the craftsmanship invested in every aspect of her restoration.

Moored along the Hamble River, the Laurent Giles yawl stands as a revitalized icon of 1950s yachting, ready to sail once more with strength, elegance, and grace – a timeless beauty reborn in every detail.