This Iconic Classic Was Custom Built for One of America’s Automotive Legends

Suppose you had a few million dollars to spare and a passion for yachting. You could buy one of the countless new models packed with innovative features, but would that automatically get you into a fancy, exclusive club? Buying a classic Feadship does. There's something called the Feadship Heritage Fleet, and members of this sophisticated club own at least one classic gem built by the legendary Dutch shipyard.

Santa Maria is one of the impressive beauties included in this unique collection. It's already 60 years old but in excellent condition due to exemplary maintenance throughout its life. More than a classic vessel, this Feadship is famous due to its original ownership. Henry Ford II was the one who commissioned it in 1961 and who took delivery of the custom luxury toy two years later.

The story of Santa Maria's birth became almost a yachting legend. At the time, Feadship wasn't nearly as acclaimed as it is today. Still, the young, designed Frits de Voogt got the chance to discuss with Henry Ford II at his New York apartment about a potential sale. It seems that Ford was impressed with Malcolm Forbes' Highlander (another iconic yacht) and wanted something similar.

Henry Ford II was the one who took over the Ford Motor Company at one of its worst times and is widely credited for resurrecting it. Together with the legendary "Whiz Kids" (a team of system analysts brought from the US Air Force), Ford II breathed new life into the automotive company that would become the second-largest car maker worldwide. In 1963, Ford II received the Distinguished Service Citation Award, and in 1983, he was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.

That one meeting in New York was enough to convince the automotive millionaire to get a Feadship. Just two weeks after meeting de Voogt, Ford II commissioned the Dutch shipyard to build Santa Maria.

It would become the most expensive yacht of the time, and it would propel Feadship to a new level of success, particularly in the US market. Today, it's considered the number one superyacht builder in the world, and it has so many vessels over 30 years old still cruising that it launched an exclusive club for their owners.

Santa Maria is quite small by today's standards, but in 1963, this 107-footer (32.9 meters) was considered majestic. The beautifully crafted silhouette brought to life by the de Voogt naval architects was matched by stunning interiors. The French interior designer Jacques Frank styled the yacht's generous living spaces with old French chateaux as the main inspiration. Ford II reportedly wanted a pleasure craft that would truly feel like home and still be highly sophisticated.

Some of the original features, such as the teak decks and part of the cabinetry, can still be admired on board today. Still, as decades passed, the 1963 Feadship had to undergo numerous refits in order to stay in shape. It also changed hands several times, judging by all the names it got over the years, including Don Quixote, Sirius, and Trois Soleils. Even so, the original Santa Maria name is the one most people associate it with.

Most of the refits were carried out in the last two decades. In 2009, the classic ship got a new paint job (the original was all-white, now it sports a dark navy hull), a new propeller shaft, plus new kitchen and laundry equipment. A year later, the interiors were also revamped with new carpets for the guest cabins, new sofas in the main salon, and premium air-conditioning.

Four years ago, Santa Maria was fitted with a fresh pair of engines that ensure smooth cruising at 13 knots (14.9 mph/24 kph) and a moderate range of 2,100 nautical miles (3,890 km) at lower speed. In 2021, the classic yacht also got the zero-speed stabilizers that all modern yachts have, and this year, new generators were added.

These are just some of the biggest upgrades completed over the last few years. This classic gem even comes with a modern toy box, including water skis, a wakeboard, and diving equipment.

Today, Santa Maria is a classic-looking yacht equipped for modern taste. It can accommodate ten guests across five elegant cabins and a six-person crew. The master suite reveals an unusual mix of neutral-colored walls and dark blue carpets, creating a royal ambiance. It's big enough to also include a classic-style reading nook.

The main salon showcases the same timeless elegance, while the huge cream-colored sofa adds a homely touch. What's impressive for a 60-year-old yacht is the multitude of al-fresco options. The aft deck is perfect for dining and sipping cocktails under the stars, with its generous dining setup and comfy lounge. The sun deck offers a covered option for al-fresco dining. Plus, it is large enough to include a jacuzzi and multiple sun loungers.

Someone with $6 million to spare could become the new lucky owner of what was once the most expensive yacht of its time. Henry Ford II's custom yacht is up for grabs, and its future owner could also become a member of an exclusive club.

Santa Maria is already part of the Feadship Heritage Fleet, which automatically qualifies its owner for membership. All that he would have to do next is pay a €250 entry fee and an annual fee of €500. This would grant him access to private events and perks (including a stainless steel FHF logo attached to the yacht), as well as support with practical matters like insurance and crewing.

Most importantly, Santa Maria's next lucky owner will get a glimpse of what it was like to be Henry Ford II - and you can't put a price on that.

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