Iduna Book review

A fascinating account of the rebirth of a 1930s motorsailer, this dynamic book reads as smoothly as a novel. What's more, The restoration of the classic Dutch yacht Iduna is the kind of lavishly illustrated hardback you'll love to keep on your coffee table. As Feadship Chairman Hein Velema writes in his foreword: "This is a story about how people with a passion for yachting can achieve the seemingly impossible."

The restoration of the classic Dutch yacht Iduna has been meticulously researched and gives a clear insight into past construction methods, as well as the astonishing efforts that went into Iduna's restoration. The use of traditional techniques, the preservation and re-use of everything that could be saved, the reconstruction of any recreated components using original plans and materials, and other methods used by the restoration crew are all described in great detail.



History Makers
There is lots for history buffs to enjoy, including rarely published material released from the archives of the De Vries yard, De Voogt Naval Architects and Feadship. Original documents such as extracts from pre-war issues of Waterkampioen magazine and Iduna's 1946 logbook are also used. And a wealth of photographs portray everything from the construction of the original Iduna to the regatta exploits of the rebuilt yacht.

The book begins with a captivating depiction of Iduna's journey from her original construction in 1939 to the dilapidated state in which she found herself by the mid-1990s. Going on to reveal how Iduna's present owner tracked her down, the book explains the process of transforming this wonderful classic yacht into better-than-original state.
The restoration of the classic Dutch yacht Iduna provides sufficient detail about the actual work carried out to please aficionados of yacht technology and the mechanics of sailboat design and construction. The story is also, however, a great read for anyone with a love for yachting, focusing on the vision and efforts of a dedicated team of craftsmen and women as they strive and eventually succeed in restoring Iduna to her former splendour.



Then and Now
It was a breathtaking boat indeed that left the purpose-built Classic Yacht Darsena yard in Viareggio, Italy, after three years of meticulous restoration. Iduna turned heads throughout the Mediterranean on her maiden cruise last summer. Declared a yacht d'époque by the Comité International de la Méditerranée, Iduna boasts faithfully restored original features such as the main mast, deck saloon, compass, anchor winch and steering wheel. Her new teak deck, made as a perfect copy of the old, was laid on stainless steel, while all deck fittings were cast in bronze.

Although going below deck is like stepping back in time to the golden age of yachting, Iduna's brand-new interior subtly incorporates contemporary conveniences such as air-conditioning and freezers. The use of modern equipment freed up plenty of interior space in addition to the deckhouse, lounge and three cabins, all with ensuite facilities. Deck space is extensive and provides exceptional opportunities for outdoor entertainment next to the stunning Burmese teak deckhouse.

What you don't see is just as impressive – the reborn Iduna features top-of-the-line technical equipment, and her restoration saw her entirely rewired. The yacht's Caterpillar engine was also completely overhauled.



The Feadship Factor
Iduna is one of the best examples of the early cooperation between two of the founding members of Feadship – namely the De Vries yard and naval architect Henri de Voogt. Holland is rightly proud of its maritime legacy, and within that heritage, few names resound like that of Feadship: all boats built by Feadship in bygone days are much sought-after. The restoration of the classic Dutch yacht Iduna illustrates why the matchless Iduna is no exception.

It is clear that the owner of Iduna has been as thorough in his preparation for the publishing of this book as he was with the boat upon which it is based: The restoration of the classic Dutch yacht Iduna benefits from a very attractive design and layout. A limited number of copies of this publication are available, and it is sure to become a collector's item. Click here to order your copy.

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