This Classic German Gem Has Won Regattas and Cruised the World

Although similar in terms of performance and luxury, sailing yachts and motor yachts seem to come from two different worlds. Most motor yachts bring to mind images of lazy vacations and outrageous onboard parties, boasting features that make them feel more like floating resorts than active vessels.

On the other hand, sailing yachts, whether true classics or modern classics, evoke the elegance and performance of a golden era when competing in regattas was just as important as exploring remote destinations.

This 1993 Abeking & Rasmussen is not the only Asgard around. Perhaps the most famous one in all history is the 1904 51-foot (16-meter) sailboat that Irish writer and nationalist Erskine Childers bought from a famous Norwegian designer at the time, Colin Archer.

Childers and his wife, Molly, participated in the design process and then embarked on numerous trips onboard their new ship. Asgard is famous for crossing the channel during the 1914 event known as the Howth gun-running. To this day, this is considered a historic boat trip.

In the early 1960s, the Irish Government purchased the historic ship. For a few years, the Irish Navy used it for sail training. In the 2000s, it was restored and displayed in museums. For more than a decade now, it's been on display at the Collins Barracks (a former military facility) in Dublin.

Another Asgard is a small, 25-meter (82-foot) sailboat built by Abeking & Rasmussen in 1960. It was designed by W. Ohlendorf and is available for sale with a €490,000 ($530,000) price tag.

The 1993 Asgard is a bit over 40 meters long (42.3 meters/139 feet), born from the hands of two major names in the yachting world, Bruce King Yacht Design and Winch Design.

Thanks to Bruce King, Asgard's classic silhouette is not just a head-turner but also a guarantee for top-level performance and durability. Its cold-molded mahogany hull is lighter than fiberglass and more affordable compared to modern carbon hulls. It gives Asgard its unique, timeless look and impressive qualities.

On the inside, the famous UK-based studio adorned Asgard with the furnishings and décor items of a typical gentleman's yacht. Stepping onboard Asgard feels like a trip back in time. An exquisite staircase leads down to the yacht's split-level salon with opulent seating and a separate, spacious area for formal dining.

Precious woods in dark tones abound, highlighted by the contrasting bright-white panels. All the décor items reveal a nautical theme, the perfect complement for a purely-classic style. The exterior teak deck reveals a cozy al-fresco dining area. The built-in sofa surrounding a semi-circular dining table is the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors, with a great view of the old wheel.

Asgard flaunts the same noble elegance in each stateroom. The full-beam master suite is truly worthy of a luxury yacht owner. In addition to the opulent furniture and spacious layout with an en-suite bathroom and a separate lounge area, it boasts a big, beautifully shaped skylight. With two more double staterooms and a twin cabin, the classic yacht can welcome up to eight guests. Its crew quarters can accommodate six people.

Like most decade-old pleasure craft, Asgard is as good as new, thanks to multiple refits. The first major one was completed almost a decade ago when Asgard got its shiny new teak deck. Another acclaimed designer, Rhoades Young, refreshed its interiors without disturbing the classic ambiance on board. Other upgrades focused on the electrical and communications systems.

The most recent refit was completed in 2020 when the old German yacht was brought up to date from a technological perspective. Everything from the main engine to the thrusters and generators was upgraded. Today, Asgard can still hit 12 knots (13.8 mph/22 kph) powered by its single 985 HP MTU diesel engine. At lower speed, it promises a sailing autonomy of up to 2,500 nautical miles (4,630 km).

In precisely three decades of existence, this classic Abeking & Rasmussen reached far-away destinations such as Alaska and New Zealand, smoothly crossing over the Pacific. At the same time, it demonstrated its prowess in high-end competitions like the Superyacht Cup and the Rolex Maxi World (known today as the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup), where it competed in the "Spirit of Tradition" class.

Thirty years ago, Asgard was custom-built for a passionate yachtsman. Today, the majestic ship is looking for a new owner and ready for more adventures. It's been on the market for a while, and after a significant price cut back in March, it's now asking for €9,9 million ($10.6 million). Younger motor yachts might look shinier, but they can't replicate the unique charm of a timeless classic.